Australian Ambassador to Greece Alison Duncan attended commemorations marking the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Crete, held across the island from 21 to 24 May.
From Preveli to Rethymno and Stavromenos, and from Tsikalaria to Souda, Maleme and Chania, services and commemorative events organised by regional authorities and local communities paid tribute to the indomitable spirit of the Cretan people; the selflessness and courage with which civilians protected Allied soldiers in their time of need; and the camaraderie, solidarity and unity of purpose shown as Allied forces and Cretan civilians stood together against the darkness descending upon Europe and the world.
This year’s commemorations were further distinguished by the presence of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal whose attendance underscored the significance of this historic milestone, during which Commonwealth, Allied and Greek personnel gave their lives in defence of freedom.
In Chania, Ambassador Duncan was particularly moved to host descendants and family members of Australian veterans of the Battle of Crete, sharing with them a message from the Governor-General of Australia, HE the Hon Sam Mostyn AC, and presenting each of them with a commemorative coin from the Royal Australian Mint.
The Ambassador was also honoured to gift, on behalf of the Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, a commemorative panel to the Maritime Museum of Crete, recognising the contribution of eight Royal Australian Navy warships during the Battle of Crete. She also presented the Museum with a limited-edition silver proof three-coin set issued by the Royal Australian Mint, titled “1941: Service Amid Strife (Australia in the Second World War)”.
In Rethymno, Ambassador Duncan had the honour of presenting, on behalf of the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL National), awards to two outstanding students from Rethymno and Herakleion, as well as a donation to the Charitable Fund of the Holy Metropolis of Lampi, Syvritos and Sfakia.
During the same ceremony, the Mayor of Rethymno, Giorgis Marinakis, presented medals to veterans’ families and descendants in recognition of their ancestors’ service in one of the most pivotal campaigns of the Second World War.
Ambassador Duncan was also deeply moved to present commemorative silver proof coins to distinguished representatives of the Hellenic Government and Cretan authorities, including the Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr Athanasios Davakis; His Eminence Ioakeim, Bishop of Lampi, Syvritos and Sfakia; the Regional Governor of Crete, Mr Stavros Arnaoutakis; the Deputy Governor for Chania, Mr Nikolaos Kalogeris; the Deputy Governor of Rethymno, Ms Maria Lioni; the Mayor of Chania, Mr Panagiotis Simandirakis; and the Mayor of Rethymno, Mr Giorgis Marinakis.
