Chania marked the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Crete with a series of commemorative events attended by Princess Anne, who was accompanied by Sir Tim Laurence, British Ambassador Matthew Lodge and members of the British Embassy delegation.
Representing the Greek government was Deputy Minister of National Defence Athanasios Davakis, alongside military representatives from the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth nations that fought alongside Greece during the 1941 campaign.
The commemorations began at the Firka Fortress and the Maritime Museum of Crete, where Princess Anne viewed exhibits dedicated to the Battle of Crete and praised efforts to preserve the island’s wartime history.
A doxology service followed at the Cathedral of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary, while cultural associations paraded through the city and the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows performed an aerial display over Chania’s waterfront.
Speaking during the commemorations, Ambassador Matthew Lodge thanked Greek authorities for their hospitality and highlighted the enduring relationship between Greece and the United Kingdom, while also noting Crete’s popularity among British visitors.
The anniversary events also included a formal reception at the Grand Arsenal hosted by the ambassador, attended by Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni and representatives from government, culture, education, business and the armed forces.
The commemorations concluded with a tour of Chania’s Venetian Harbour by Princess Anne, Sir Tim Laurence and ambassadors from allied nations.
Source: Tovima.
