One of the last NZ survivors from Battle of Crete passes away aged 103

·

Eric Douglas Wilson, believed to be one of two known surviving NZ veterans from the Battle of Crete during WWII, has died at the age of 103.

According to times.co.nz, Wilson died peacefully on June 24 and a celebration of his life was held at The Howick Club in Auckland last Wednesday.

Wilson was part of the 24th Battalion DivAm and was the last New Zealand servicemen to evacuate the Greek island of Crete in the retreat from advancing Italian and German forces in May 1941.

WWII veteran Eric Wilson with family and friends on his 102nd birthday in April last year. Photo: Wayne Martin.

He also served in the Middle East and Italy before leaving the army in 1945.

Since his leave, Wilson kept himself busy with Howick RSA association, becoming a life member in January 2018.

Last year, Wilson also travelled to Wellington with his daughter, Noeleen, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of NZ’s participation in the Battle of Crete in WWII.

Wilson leaves behind his children, 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Source: times.co.nz.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Five detained in Athens over murder of US professor amid custody dispute

Greek authorities have detained five individuals, including the ex-wife of professor Przemyslaw Jeziorski in connection with his murder.

Greece braces for economic impact from Trump’s proposed tariffs

Greece is among the European countries most exposed to US President Donald Trump’s proposed 30% tariffs on imports.

Kimberly Guilfoyle’s nomination for US Ambassador to Greece advances to full Senate

Kimberly Guilfoyle’s nomination to serve as US Ambassador to Greece has won approval from Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Kalymnian Brotherhood of Darwin threatens legal action over octopus dispute

The Kalymnian Brotherhood of Darwin is threatening legal action against the NT Government following a food safety dispute over octopus.

‘Want to honour legacy’: Con Kalamaras on Estudiantina’s soulful tribute to Greek music icons

In the lead-up to the show, The Greek Herald spoke with Estudiantina member and organiser Con Kalamaras about what to expect.

You May Also Like

Halimah Kyrgios, Nick Kyrgios’ sister, to compete on ‘The Voice’

Halimah Kyrgios, Nick Kyrgios' sister, will make her reality television debut on competition singing show 'The Voice' next month.

Angelique Cassimatis to replace Kerri-Anne Kennerley in musical ‘Pippin’

Greek Australian, Angelique Cassimatis, will replace Kerri-Anne Kennerley in the stage musical 'Pippin'at Sydney's Lyric Theatre.

Award-winning director Alexander Payne sworn in as Greek citizen

Oscar award-winning director, screenwriter and producer, Alexander Payne, was sworn in as a Greek citizen on Monday, February 7.