On 20 May 2026, the Cretan Association of Canberra and Districts commemorated the 85th Anniversary of the historic Battle of Crete with a solemn and dignified ceremony held at the Australian-Hellenic Memorial.
The occasion marked a special visit by a high-ranking military delegation of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, led by Lieutenant General Konstantinos Bouzos, Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, to honour the ANZAC contribution to the defence of the island of Crete during the Battle of Crete and the Greek Campaign. Visiting members of the delegation also included First Lieutenant Eleni Theodorou, Officer Lambrini Kokori, and Mrs Eleni Botsi.
The commemoration brought together distinguished guests and dignitaries from Australia, Greece, Cyprus, and New Zealand, including Stavros Venizelos, Ambassador of Greece to Australia; H.E. Antonis Sammoutis, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to Australia; representatives of the Australian Defence Force and the New Zealand Defence Forces; members of the diplomatic corps; veterans’ organisations; families of veterans; and leaders of the Hellenic and Cypriot communities.
A Catafalque Party and members of the RMC Army Band added ceremonial dignity to the occasion, honouring the courage, resilience, and sacrifice of those who fought during the Battle of Crete and the Greek Campaign.
A particularly special and moving moment during the ceremony was the reading of the Ode by Tom Trobe, grandson of Battle of Crete veteran Les Cook. Mr Cook, who passed away in March at the remarkable age of 103, was remembered with deep respect and gratitude for his service and enduring connection to the commemorations over many years.
Later in the afternoon, Lieutenant General Bouzos laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in the Hall of memory, before attending and laying a wreath at the Last Post Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial, accompanied by First Lieutenant Ms Theodorou and Colonel Kyriakos Kyriakakos, Military Attaché of the Embassy of Greece in Canberra.
During the Last Post Ceremony, the story of Corporal John Kelly was read aloud – a moving tribute for delegates and spectators alike. Born in Sydney, Kelly fought across North Africa, Greece, and Crete with the 2nd/1st Infantry Battalion before being killed in action at Retimo on 22 May 1941 during the German invasion of Crete.
The Last Post Ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the enduring bonds of friendship and shared sacrifice between Greece, Australia, and New Zealand.
