The Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, and the Ambassador of Australia to Greece, Alison Duncan, have issued commemorative messages marking the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Crete, paying tribute to the courage, sacrifice and enduring bonds forged between the peoples of Greece, Australia and New Zealand during World War II.
Full messages:
AMBASSADOR OF GREECE TO AUSTRALIA, STAVROS VENIZELOS
This year, we solemnly mark the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Crete, a defining moment of courage and sacrifice during the Second World War. In May 1941, the island of Crete became the stage of a fierce battle, as the Second Anzac Corps—comprising brave Australian and New Zealand troops—stood shoulder to shoulder with Greek and British forces against the ferocious airborne assault of Nazi Germany.
Formed from units that had already fought valiantly in the defence of mainland Greece, the Anzacs were evacuated across the Aegean to Crete. There, they once again faced overwhelming odds. Their heroism and determination became a lasting symbol of freedom.
Of the Australians and New Zealanders who served in the Greek campaign, the Anzacs suffered thousands of casualties—killed, wounded, and taken prisoner. Today, 646 Australians lie at rest in the Commonwealth War Graves at Phaleron Athens, Rhodes, and Suda Bay Crete. We also honour the passing this year of the last surviving Anzac of the Battle of Crete, Veteran Les Cook, a man of extraordinary spirit. May their memory be eternal.
The bravery of the Cretan people during this time will never be forgotten. Often fighting without weapons, they resisted the Nazis with unbreakable courage. They risked everything to shelter and assist Anzac soldiers, helping many evade capture. Their courage bound our nations together in an unbreakable bond — one that endures to this day. The descendants of the Anzacs and Australian dignitaries still visit the places where their forefathers fought. Meanwhile, senior members of the Greek defence force travel to Australia each year to commemorate the Battle and honour the shared sacrifice of our peoples.
Today, Greece and Australia remain close partners, united in their shared commitment to freedom and democracy. We remember those who gave their lives and those who stood firm together in the darkest days. Their legacy lives on in the friendship between our peoples.
AMBASSADOR OF AUSTRALIA TO GREECE, ALISON DUNCAN
Eighty-five years ago, in the early days of the Second World War, the world witnessed a remarkable act of resistance. Driven by their deep love of country, unwavering patriotism and commitment to freedom, the people of Crete rose to defend their island against an enemy vastly superior in military strength and power. With the poor means they had at their disposal, they resisted the German invasion with extraordinary courage and determination.
In this struggle, they were joined by Australian, New Zealand, and British forces who had arrived on the island already exhausted from a failed campaign to defend mainland Greece.
Standing shoulder to shoulder with the Cretan people and the Greek army, the Australians developed a deep and lasting respect for the people of Crete. On the battlefield, and later in the villages and hideouts that offered them shelter, bonds of friendship were forged – bonds grounded in mutual respect, solidarity, and shared humanity. These bonds have endured across generations and have become a cornerstone of the strong friendship between our nations, further strengthened in the post‑war years through mass migration.
Every year, we honour the bravery and courage of the Cretan people, and we commemorate the service and sacrifice of the Australians who fought beside them. This year, in particular, we remember Les Cook, the last surviving Australian veteran of the Battle of Crete, who passed away in Canberra in March this year at age 104. While we mourn his passing, we know that his legacy lives on – a legacy passed down by all those who fought in defence of freedom, and who have earned our eternal respect.
I commend the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand for honouring the ANZAC legacy in Crete, and for keeping the memory of this important campaign alive in Australia and New Zealand.
Lest we forget
*This message features in The Greek Herald’s and Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand’s Battle of Crete liftout in today’s Wednesday, May 20 newspaper.
