The story behind Greek Australian soldier reading The Greek Herald during WWII

·

Xenophon Castrisos’ life was brought to light many years ago when the State Library of Queensland released an iconic image of him from their archive.

In the image, the Greek Australian, who was an aerial photographer with the Royal Australian Air Force at the time, can be seen shirtless, wearing a soldier’s helmet and intently reading The Greek Herald, then known as The Hellenic Herald, on a battlefield during WWII.

Of course, the photo has struck a cord with us this OXI Day so we just had to share his story.

Xenophon Castrisos in Greek national costume.

According to the State Library of Queensland, Xenophon Castrisos (Castles), who’s full name was Xenophon Haralambous Castrisos, was born in Lourenco Marques (now Maputo), Mozambique on January 1, 1912.

He was the son of Maria Castrissios, nee Freeleagus, nephew of Christy Freeleagus, the Greek Consul for Brisbane, and grandson of Kosma Anthony Freeleagus of Kythera.

Castrisos was naturalised on September 26, 1941. He enlisted with the Royal Australian Air Force on December 31, 1941 in Brisbane and served as a leading aircraftman in the 12th squadron. He was discharged on December 21, 1945.

Xenophon Castrisos died on November 2, 2000.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek Foreign Minister meets Libyan Commander Haftar in Benghazi

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis met with General Khalifa Haftar, commander of the Libyan National Army, in Benghazi.

Eric Brown’s viral Epiphany memory unites Greek and First Nations communities

The social media video of Bidjigal Gundungarra Dharawal man, Eric Brown, has captured the hearts of thousands of Greek Australians.

Greek-owned ship attacked and abandoned in Red Sea amid Houthi escalation

Crew members of a Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier, Magic Seas, were forced to abandon ship in the Red Sea.

Victorian government launches Anti-Hate Taskforce after wave of antisemitic attacks

A man has been charged in connection with an alleged arson attack on a historic synagogue in East Melbourne.

Summer soundtrack: The ultimate guide to Greek concerts and festivals in 2025

Wherever you are in the country, The Greek Herald has the inside scoop on must-see performances to catch during your summer escape.

You May Also Like

Panarcadian Mother’s Day focuses on health, Hippocrates and heritage

On Sunday, May 19th, the Panarcadian Association of Melbourne and Victoria, "O Kolokotronis," held their successful annual Mother's Day event

Sydney’s Pontian community gather to remember lives lost during Greek Genocide

On Sunday, 19 May 2024, Pontoxeniteas NSW held a poignant commemoration of the Greek Genocide. Read more here.

Andrew Yiasemides sells petrol station at Brighton-Le-Sands after 46 years

Andrew Yiasemides has closed the doors of his petrol station on Bay Street at Brighton-Le-Sands for the last time after 46 years at the helm.