Greek and Crete campaigns veteran, Norm Eaton, passes away aged 101

·

Bunbury man, Norm Eaton, one of the last surviving WA veterans who fought in the Greek and Crete campaigns in World War II, died last Saturday, the Bunbury Mail reports.

The son of a school headmistress and a serviceman, the Goomalling-born veteran worked on farms before moving to Perth in the 1930s and enlisting to serve.

Mr Eaton and his brother Harry served with the 2/11th West Australian battalion in North Africa and Greece during World War II.

The veteran was a guest of honour of the Greek Orthodox Church at a service celebrating Easter.

More than 100 people who attended the service clapped enthusiastically as Bishop Elpidios presented the former 2/11th battalion soldier to the congregation and thanked him for his efforts during the war.

Norman Eaton’s last public outing was at the Greek Orthodox Church in Prevelly where he was the guest of honour. Photo by David Bailey/Bunbury Mail

The Greek Community in WA had embraced Mr Eaton, and he was a regular attendee at events held by Greek Associations in the state.

In an interview with South Western Times, his nephew Kevin Eaton described the veteran as a man who loved to tell a story, was great at it, and had plenty to share.

“He always remembered things and he could tell a story, he could tell a story very, very well.

“The amazing thing was he never had to make them up, they were all fact and they were just from his life experiences,” Kevin Eaton said.

Mr Eaton was a POW and spent four years at prison camps throughout Europe.

After returning home, he joined the Bunbury RSL and after a five-year stint as president, was awarded a life membership.

With a post on Facebook, the Consulate of Greece in Perth pays tribute to the brave veteran.

“RIP Norm! Greece will always remember you and be grateful to you,” reads the message.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

From Metallica to Maritime: The many lives of Greek shipping tycoon Harry Vafias

Though Greek shipping tycoon, Harry Vafias, spends much time working, it certainly isn't a case of 'all work and no play.’

‘I want them to know their word matters’: Peter Georgiou stands against gender violence

Peter Georgiou, a real estate agent from Rushcutters Bay and father of four-year-old twins Leila and Lola, believes change begins at home.

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

You May Also Like

AHEPA NSW Inc celebrates 89th anniversary

The Order of AHEPA NSW Inc celebrated its 89th birthday on Sunday, April 30 with a luncheon at the Ashbury Bowling Club in Sydney.

Greek government progresses same-sex marriage bill, Church of Greece reacts 

The Greek government intends to accelerate legislation that would legalise same-sex marriage, prompting Church of Greece's emergency meeting.

Grammy winner producer Christopher C. King presented with honorary Greek citizenship

Grammy award winning producer, writer and ethnomusicologist Christopher C. King was presented with an honorary Greek citizenship.