The Royal Australian Mint has recently announced the release of its new commemorative coin series titled “1941: Service Amid Strife – Second World War Release”, recognising significant theatres of the Second World War and the service of those who fought within them.
As part of this important national release, one of the three coins pays tribute to the Greece and
Crete of 1941 – an enduring symbol of the shared sacrifice and friendship between Australia and
Greece.
The Greece and Crete design powerfully captures the intensity of the German aerial assault on the
island of Crete in 1941. The imagery depicts junkers aircrafts flying in formation overhead, with
German paratroopers descending through the sky. At the centre of the design stands an Australian
Army soldier manning an anti-aircraft gun, aimed skyward in defence against the advancing enemy.
The soldier is positioned atop a structure inspired by Minoan columns – an architectural feature
synonymous with Crete – symbolising the island’s deep historical and cultural legacy.
A horizontal line of standing figures represents those who were wounded, those who continued to fight, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the campaign. The inclusion of blue and white colour printing reflects the stripes of the Greek flag, further reinforcing the connection to Greece.
The Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand have expressed their warm appreciation to the Royal Australian Mint on this meaningful initiative, which recognises the significance of the Greece and Crete campaigns in Australia’s wartime history.
This commemorative coin serves not only as a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served, but also as a lasting reminder of the enduring friendship between the Australian and Greek peoples – one forged in the shared struggles of 1941 and carried forward through generations.
The Federation encourages members of the Greek Australian community, as well as the broader public, to purchase this commemorative keepsake coin and preserving this important chapter of our shared history.
