Australian MP for Veterans’ Affairs marks 80 years since Allied campaigns in Greece and Crete

·

Today marks 80 years since German forces invaded Greece along the Greek-Bulgarian border on April 6, 1941. At the same time, German planes bombed Piraeus and the coasts up to Salamis Naval Base, causing human casualties and huge damage. One month later, the Greek island of Crete was also attacked.

To mark the occasion, Australian Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Darren Chester, has released a statement recognising the strong ties between the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) and Greece during WWII.

“In 1941, Australian and New Zealand troops, the ANZAC Corps, along with British armoured and artillery units, were sent to assist in the defence of Greece following the collapse of the main Greek defensive line,” Mr Chester said in his statement.

Today marks 80 years since German forces invaded Greece.

The Australian Minister then went on to give a short summary of events following the German invasion, saying the Allies were “inadequately prepared to resist the German attack” and by April 20, when it became clear that “all they could do was disrupt and slow the German advance,” the Greek Government “agreed for the force to be evacuated.”

“Over the following five nights, more than 50,000 troops were evacuated from Greece. They left behind some 320 Australians who were killed and some 2,065 who became prisoners of war,” Mr Chester continued.

Later in his statement, Mr Chester turns to the Battle of Crete and stressed the bravery of the Allied forces in their efforts towards securing the Greek island.

The German attack on Crete in May 1941. Photo by ullstein bild/ullstein bild via Getty Images.

“In May 1941, an airborne operation codenamed Merkur (Mercury) saw some 9,500 German paratroopers land on Crete. While initially suffering heavy losses, the Germans managed to gain control of one of the airfields allowing further German troops to be flown in,” Mr Chester said.

“Allied evacuations began shortly after, with around 16,500 troops successfully removed from the island. Sadly though, the British Commonwealth losses numbered more than 1,700 killed, over 2,220 wounded, and around 11,370 taken as prisoners of war.

“The service and sacrifice of these brave men will never be forgotten, and we also pay a special thank you to the locals who helped many of our troops survive.”

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek fire in ‘The Belly of the Beast’ at St Kilda

‘The Vineyard’ in St Kilda (also known as ‘The Belly of the Beast’) has a long and rich ethnic-Australian heritage.

Jenny Souris Foundation Gala raises $100,000 to help young cancer fighter Jack

The Jenny Souris Foundation’s fundraising gala raised funds for four-year-old Jack, who is courageously battling Stage IV Neuroblastoma.

Greek Australian George Moulos attempts record-breaking ‘March Across Greece’

Young Greek Australian entrepreneur George Moulos will embark on a transformative 1,200 km journey across Greece on foot.

proika exhibition explores cultural bonds that unite the Greek Australian community

On November 20, the proika project invites you to the launch their multimedia exhibition, melding fashion, photography and conversations.

Heliades Greek Women’s Network celebrate Melbourne Cup in style

The Greek Women's Network (Heliades) hosted a vibrant celebration of the Melbourne Cup on Sunday, November 3.

You May Also Like

Mark Dymiotis to give lecture in Melbourne on the Mediterranean diet

La Trobe University’s Greek Studies Program will present a lecture by Mark Dymiotis on the Mediterranean diet on Thursday, November 2.

Pan Arcadian Association of NSW hold taverna night to mark Greek National Day

The Pan Arcadian Association of NSW, held a successful taverna night with plenty of dance, food and kefi to celebrate Greek Independence Day.

Andrew Kennedy Funerals expands its footprint in Greater Sydney area

Andrew Kennedy Funerals adds a new chapel to cater for a contemporary service that honours Greek traditions.