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.
More than 200 parents, grandparents and members of the wider community attended the sold out annual Dinner Dance organised by the Adelaide High School Greek Parents Association and held on Saturday 15th May at the Chian Association clubroom in Rosewater, Adelaide.
Parents and educators worked tirelessly to organise the event which was part of a series of activities presented by the Adelaide High Modern Greek Class students in commemoration of the 200th Anniversary from the beginning of the Greek Revolution.
The audience was entertained with a music performance by the School’s Greek Band, led by Mr Con Piliouras and a traditional Greek dance performance by the Dance Group, led by Nektaria Boundris and Irene Argyrou.
Representing the Greek Students of Adelaide High School was Vasileia Markou, who in both the English and Greek language, payed her respects to the heroes of the Greek War of Independence, thanked her family their support in learning about her culture, language and values and vowed to pass on the spirit of Hellenism to the next generation.
Ms Nektaria Boundris, President of the Greek Parents Association highlighted the importance of keeping the Greek language alive and expressed her gratitude for the support received by the community.
From their part, the School’s Greek language staff were pleased with the students’ involvement in the evening and stressed the value of community events that nurture Australia’s young Greeks.
The evening went on with the tunes of Adelaide Greek Band MUSIC 3000 and Polixeni who ensured the dance floor was busy all night.
As part of the Australian Heritage Festival 2021, Marrickville Library will present iconic photographs of the Greek community in Marrickville, taken by Emmanuel Angelicas and curated by Alan Davies.
The photographs have been taken over five decades by Angelicas, who was raised in Marrickville and is a long term resident. They chronicle the changing face of Marrickville and its citizens.
The stunning monochromatic images are just a taste of the photographer’s archive and show aspects of the Hellenic influence.
Person Who Would Rather Not Be in Marrickville, Emmanuel Angelicas, 1985.
By the middle of the twentieth century, Marrickville was a major centre for Greek immigrants, often referred to as ‘Little Athens.’ Over time, shops and businesses with a strong Greek identity became accepted as part of the wider Australian community and enriched the municipality.
Through these images, older residents will smile with recognition and younger ones can connect with Marrickville’s recent history.
The exhibition is called Marrickville Eikons and will run from May 1 – May 30.
Who is Emmanuel Angelicas?
Emmanuel Angelicas.
For fifty years, photographer Emmanuel Angelicas has roamed the streets of Marrickville, recording his neighbourhood in startling black and white images.
His archive of negatives and digital images is huge and this exhibition showcases just a few of his iconic images of the Greek diaspora and their influence on our suburb.
Marrickville’s complex identity owes much to the arrival of Hellenic migrants in the 1950s and 1960s and this is recognised today with the area’s affectionate title of Little Greece.
Emmanuel Angelicas photographs span the generations with poignant images of those early arrivals and their descendants.
Marrickville Eikons 9: Marrickville Eikons 9 by Emmanuel Angelicas.
As he grew up in Marrickville, he became serious about the medium. He bought better cameras and graduated from the University of NSW with a degree in Visual Communication and postgraduate diploma in Professional Art Studies with further visual arts qualifications from the University of Sydney.
The technology of photography has changed, but Emmanuel continues to record in black and white and is happy to use both film and digital cameras. His attitude to photography has never wavered either.
“Every time I shoot in Marrickville, either in my home or on the street – I am still this seven-year-old boy curious with his camera…”
The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney held its “Commemoration to Motherhood” luncheon at the Australian Golf Club on Tuesday May 18.
Among the 160 guests who attended the event were the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Christos Karras; Trade Commissioner, Katia Gkikiza; First lady, Jenny Morrison and special guest speaker, Professor Katherine Georgouras -the first female professor of dermatology in Australia and professor of Medicine of Greek origin and the first female appointed to the Senate of Sydney University who is also a racing car driver.
Dr Georgouras, a proud Castellorizian, mesmerised the guests with her humility and dedication to her family and talked about her parents’ sacrifices during the difficult years after WWII that shaped her as a human and a professional. A pleasant surprise for the attendees, was when first lady Jenny Morrison, sang a song in Greek while Despina Lucas entertained the guests with a collection of old favourites.
Wearing a beaded Cretan headpiece to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Crete, Hellenic Lyceum President Liana Vertzayias and Consul General Christos Karras, both highlighted in the tenderness, kindness and perseverance of a mother’s love in their speeche while Mrs Vertzayias also referred to the love of Mother Land (Μητέρα Πατρίδα) and the sacrifices the mothers and heroines of 1821 made for our generation to be free.
Present at this function were also committees and representatives from other community organisations such as the Castellorizians, Kytherians, AHEPANS, Athenians, St. George Rosebay Philoptohos, Suzanne Brisimis from the White Pearl Foundation and Lucy Miller from Dionysus Theatre.
Winner of the First prize donated by Mrs Betty Lee of Bower Haus was Christine Gazepis Stavropoulos.
About 400 people filled the Marana Hall in Hurstville on Wednesday night to commemorate Greek Pontian Genocide Remembrance Day.
The event, which was organised by Pontoxeniteas NSW, Panagia Soumela Sydney and Diogenes Wollongong, began with a heartwarming entry by Pontian youth dressed in traditional Greek costumes and carrying candles in remembrance of the 353,000 Pontian Greeks who lost their lives during the Greek Genocide committed by the Ottoman Turks.
Photo: The Greek Herald / Peter Oglos.
Following closely behind the youth was His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, who was the keynote speaker on the night, as well as other clergy from across Sydney.
In attendance was also a number of politicians and prominent members of the Greek community including, but not limited to, Christos Karras, the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Peter Poulos MLC, representing the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Member for Rockdale, Steve Kamper MP, Frederick Nile MLC from the Christian Democratic Party, Vic Alhadeff, representing the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, the President of Pontoxeniteas NSW, Maria Anthony, the President of Panagia Soumela Sydney, Peter Papoulidis, and representatives from the Pontian Federation of Australia.
Photo: The Greek Herald / Peter Oglos.
Official proceedings kicked off with the National Anthems of Australia and Greece, sung by the Australian Hellenic Choir, followed by a minute silence and a short prayer by Archbishop Makarios.
The Consul General then stood up and gave an address, stressing that the “struggle for recognition of the genocide continues.”
“It is our duty to know and honour our history. Not in order to attach blame, but to ensure that such heinous crimes are never repeated,” Mr Karras said.
Photo: The Greek Herald / Peter Oglos.
This was followed by powerful speeches from Mr Poulos and Mr Nile. In his address, Mr Poulos read out a special message from the NSW Premier to mark and honour the day of remembrance of the Greek Pontian Genocide.
“I extend my support to members of the Greek community in New South Wales, commemorating the Pontian Genocide in which hundreds of thousands of men, women and children were killed and a civilisation devastated,” Mr Poulos read from Berejiklian’s message.
Throughout the rest of the night, there was also a number of talks on the importance of ‘Education and Truth’ and ‘Reflection’ when it comes to speaking and thinking about the genocide. These were given by descendants of survivors of the Pontian genocide such as Chrysanthi Diasinos and Kyle Klazidis.
Marios Anthony, Eleni Lambousis and Anastasia Papastefanou, who were all Pontian youths dressed in traditional costumes, then gave an insight into what recognition of the Greek Pontian genocide means for future generations.
Photo: The Greek Herald / Peter Oglos.
This was followed by a short panel featuring representatives from the Joint Justice Initiative, including members of the Greek, Armenian and Assyrian communities.
But of course, the highlight of the night was the keynote speech by Archbishop Makarios, which focused on the Pontian culture, its destruction at the time of the genocide, as well as how the church is a “keeper of the faith” and a “provider of education.”
Photo: The Greek Herald / Peter Oglos.
“Everyone who is responsible should be ashamed. The younger generations need to bring out the truth because one of the phases of genocide is to forget our history. We will not forget our history. We will not forget who we are. We will not forget where we come from. We are not afraid to say that we are Pontians,” Archbishop Makarios said passionately, drawing loud applause and cheers from the crowd.
The night concluded with a musical piece, Anastero ta Palia, performed by Ilia Theodoridis and Kosta Papoulidis, before everyone gathered for the traditional group photo, with many holding plaques given to them by the three Pontian Associations of NSW on the night.
A powerful event which was incredibly insightful for all who attended.
Today, May 20, is the 80th anniversary of the start of one of the most dramatic battles of the Second World War – the Battle of Crete.
To mark the occasion, a number of prominent individuals from the Greek community have sent special messages. This includes Tony Tsourdalakis, President of the Cretan Federation of Australia and NZ, Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, and Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
This is what they had to say.
Tony Tsourdalakis, Cretan Federation of Australia and NZ:
The anniversary of the Battle of Crete will be etched in our memory forever, unfortunately for the wrong reasons. This Golgotha we went through has affected our lives, it has changed the mentality of the people, it has brought ups and downs in their world economies, but nevertheless we will not let this pandemic derail us, our thoughts about the struggles of the Cretan people and not only during the Battle of Crete.
Given the self-sacrifice of our ancestors, and the struggle they gave in Crete in 1941 against the Germans, we will keep them as a torch of light and shining examples for us future generations that have a sacred obligation to continue to commemorate the great historical event we promote to our children, but above all to commemorate the dead.
Tony Tsourdalakis (left) with Archbishop Makarios (centre) at a commemoration for the Battle of Crete in Melbourne.
Archbishop Makarios, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia:
It is not by coincidence that we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Crete in the same year that we also commemorate the Bicentenary of the Hellenic Revolution. The heroes of 1941 were the genuine descendants of the heroes of 1821, thus, confirming that in all our veins flows the blood of martyrs, who died for our Faith and heroes, who fought for the liberty of our Nation.
For this reason, we pay tribute to their sacrifice and honour their integrity and valiant spirit. They were not afraid to give up their life because, through their faith, they overcame death. Their entire life was a journey in eternity. They already tasted the sweet fruits of eternal union with Christ and this was the secret that gave them the fortitude to bravely confront death and not flinch at the prospect of the temporary departure of the body. Those who fought in the Battle of Crete were genuine Hellenes, who not only learned to live but who also learned how to die. Death was not loss; it was victory and gain.
ANZACs, Greek and the British fought valiantly in the Battle of Crete.
My dear friends, the provocation for all of us who commemorate those who fought in the Battle of Crete is to make our life on earth a passage for eternal life in Christ. It is not how we die, that should concern us, but how to live in such a way that when we do die, we join the myriad of heroes and the choir of saints who share in the joy and blessedness of Christ’s eternal presence.
It is our sacred duty, to learn from our glorious history and to pass on to the future generations, the values of our Hellenic heritage together with the convictions of our deep and unshakeable Orthodox faith. Only in this way, can we claim to honour this commemoration and be genuine children of our stout-hearted ancestors. It is my prayer and hope that these thoughts will find a practical application in all our lives.
In closing, I call upon the President, the Committee and all the members of the Cretan Federation of Australia, the abundance of the Lord’s blessings and I remain. Archbishop MAKARIOS.
Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison:
In May 1941 Australian, New Zealand, British and Greek soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder with the Cretan people to defend their island from invasion.
Vastly outnumbered and facing an enemy buoyed by recent success, almost 800 Australians were killed or wounded, and over 3000 captured.
And although the island ultimately fell, we will never forget the heroic Cretan struggle to retain control of their homeland, nor the compassion of those who sheltered Allied soldiers following defeat.
Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, has sent a message commemorating the Battle of Crete.
Eighty years on, we commemorate these historic events, and honour the many civilians and soldiers who were wounded or killed in battle.
We also celebrate the enduring bonds between Australia and Greece forged from out of that terrible experience.
Today, the friendship between our communities remains strong, underpinned by our long-standing political and people-to-people links and shared history in war and peace.
I send my best wishes to everyone commemorating the Battle of Crete.
Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis:
The Battle of Crete was a major development in World War II as it weakened the invasion of the invaders, influencing the development of Axis military operations in the wider region and remains one of the most representative historical examples of the struggle for freedom and independence.
The people of Crete, despite the fact that they knew very well that the hopes for victory were few and that they were in the last free region of mainland Europe, took up arms spontaneously and with the limited means at their disposal selflessly defended their island.
*Messages as conveyed to the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand
Hundreds of people gathered in Athens’ Syntagma Square on Wednesday to mark Greek Pontian Genocide Remembrance Day and honour the over 350,000 Greeks who were massacred at the hands of the Ottomans in the early twentieth century.
People watched the changing of the guard in front of the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, as two Evzones dressed in traditional Pontic costume honoured the memory of the genocide victims.
The Parliament building was also lit up on Wednesday night using an image symbolic of the Pontic Greeks to mark remembrance day.
Two Evzones dressed in traditional Pontic costume honoured the memory of the genocide victims.
Greek President& Mitsotakis:‘We honour their memory’
Greece’s President, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, said in a statement on Greek Pontian Remembrance Day that “we honour the memory of the hundreds of thousands of Pontian Greek victims who were exterminated in an inhuman and heinous way a century ago.”
“At the same time, we acknowledge the heroic lives of the Greeks of Pontus who were saved and contributed the most to the recovery and progress of the motherland, and to the economic development and the richness of our cultural identity.”
102 χρόνια μετά θυμόμαστε, αγωνιζόμαστε, συσπειρωνόμαστε. Ο Ποντιακός Ελληνισμός δεν ξεχνά, προχωρά. Η λύρα τους θα θρηνεί τον ξεριζωμό και το δοξάρι τους θα τραγουδά την ελπίδα. Και η ημέρα μνήμης θα μένει ζωντανή μέχρι να μετατραπεί σε Ημέρα Δικαίωσης. #γενοκτονία_Ποντίωνpic.twitter.com/Yi61FaWNG4
— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) May 19, 2021
“Today is a vivid and enduring reminder to the entire international community of the great importance of morality, responsibility and forgiveness for the peaceful co-existence of peoples.”
Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, also tweeted about the important day, saying:
“102 years later we remember, we fight, we rally. Pontian Hellenism does not forget, it moves forward. Their lyre will mourn the uprooting and their musical bow will sing hope. And the day of remembrance of the Genocide will remain important until it turns into a Day of Justice.”
Mitsotakis also visited the Municipality of Kalamaria on Wednesday, where many Pontian Greeks fled to during the genocide and according to the Prime Minister, “they rebuilt it with a lot of effort.”
“We honour their memory by continuing the fight for historical justice,” he wrote.
This week marks the 81st anniversary of the Battle of Crete. While the Germans eventually managed to conquer Cete after a 13-day battle, it nearly came at the price of an entire air-borne division. In the face of crippling supply shortages and devastating Axis advancement, the Allied forces fought alongside the Cretan people. The Greek Herald takes a look at the largest air borne invasion ever attempted by Nazi Germany.
1.Who was involved? The Axis powers, Germany, and Italy, faced an army almost twice the size of theirs, consisting of Greece, Britain, Australia, and New Zealand. Just over 23,000 Germans and 2,700 Italians joined forces to take on just over 42,500 Allies.
2.A historic and defining moment of WWII. The largest air borne invasion ever attempted by Nazi Germany and Germany’s worst airborne disaster. The operation was planned by Germany to be the first air-based invasion in history.
Nazi German paratroopers landing in Crete. Photo: German Federal Archives – Sammlung Library of Congress.
3. The Battle of Crete lasted only 13 days. The Battle of Crete was fought during WWII, commencing on the morning of 20 May 1941, and lasting until 1 June 1941.
4. Background. German High Command began considering how to invade Crete. Some wanted to focus on the imminent invasion of the Soviet Union, and let the Allies have the island. But others, including Hitler, were concerned about the danger British forces posed on Axis operations in the eastern Mediterranean. With Crete as a base, the British Royal Air Force could attack naval convoys and their bombers could strike at the vital oil fields in Romania. Playing on these concerns, an aerial invasion of Crete was heavily advocated to bypass the Royal Navy and seize control of the island.
Nazi German paratroopers landing in Crete. Source: Arthur Conry, digitised and edited by Wiki-Ed.
5. Operation Mercury. The initial invasion force consisted of 750 glider troops, 10,0000 paratroopers, and 5,000 mountain infantries. The three groups were given mythical codenames to fit with Operation Mercury. Group West was named Comet, Group Centre was named Mars, and Group East was named Orion. These groups were directed to target Maleme, Souda Bay (Rethymno), and Heraklion, respectively. The capture of Malime, the largest airfield of Crete, would allow the rapid deployment of supplies and reinforcements to secure the island.
6. How it all came to an end. British naval dominance and ANZAC allies kept Crete safe for a month following the invasion of Greece. The Allies faced critical supply shortages. Equipment shortages were so severe that in many places, Allied soldiers were forced to dig defensive positions with their steel helmets. Ammunition was in short supply. While they still outnumbered the invaders by a wide margin, dwindling food and ammunition were taking their toll on the defenders, and enemy air superiority proved devastating. This led many Cretans to evacuate to Egypt and therefore concede defeat.
Two ships at Suda Bay are hit by German bombers. Source: IWM Collections.
7.The Cretan resistance was birthed just two weeks after the Battle concluded.
8.The price paid. 6,000 men were killed and nearly 300 aircraft were destroyed. These losses led Hitler to conclude that resources would never again by used in a large-scale airborne invasion. At least one German battalion lost over two thirds of its men within the first few hours of 20 May 1941. The Cretan people took advantage of the invaders’ weaknesses, attacking paratroopers as they landed, and leaving behind a graveyard.
9. The razing of Kandanos. The Battle of Crete led to the razing of Kandanos in western Crete. It was destroyed for atonement of the killing of 25 German soldiers. In retaliation for the murder of a paratrooper platoon by an ambush of armed men and women, Kandanos was destroyed and about 180 Cretans were killed on 3 June 1941. For the brutal murder of German paratroopers, and because men, children, and priests dared to resist to the Great Reich, Kandanos was destroyed so that it will never be built again. Kandanos has been rebuilt, with a local war memorial, since.
The Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) yesterday announced a new partnership with leading national law firm, Moray & Agnew, who will be providing pro bono legal advice to ECCV to support its work advocating for Victoria’s migrant and refugee communities.
Moray & Agnew will be offering legal support in the areas of governance, employee relations and contracts as part of the corporate sponsorship agreement with ECCV.
“We look forward to working with Moray & Agnew to strengthen ECCV’s capacity to advocate for and support our members as our organisation evolves,” said ECCV Chairperson Eddie Micallef.
The partnership builds on Moray & Agnew’s induction in March as a Campaign Ambassador for ECCV’s anti-racism campaign, All One Together, a collaborative platform for business, local government, not-for-profit organisations and community groups to innovate and take positive actions to tackle racism.
Moray & Agnew Melbourne Managing Partner, Bill Papastergiadis OAM, said the corporate partnership with ECCV was aligned with the firm’s approach to social responsibility and commitment to social justice.
“We’re proud to be supporting Victoria’s migrant and refugee communities through our partnership with ECCV, which has been advocating for migrants for more than 45 years,” Mr Papastergiadis said.
“We take our responsibility as a strong corporate citizen seriously. A number of our partners are involved with community-based organisations that work with diverse ethnic groups and we are pleased to be broadening that support through ECCV,” he said.
Mr Papastergiadis is also president of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne & Victoria, a core member of the ECCV.
“The Greek Community has a proud and longstanding association with ECCV and as our multicultural community evolves, established and vibrant migrant organisations like the Greek Community can play an important role in mentoring and supporting newly arrived communities,” Mr Micallef said.
“Our partnership with Moray & Agnew is a great example of strong community leadership,” he said.
Moray & Agnew is a signatory to the National Aspirational Pro Bono Target and provides pro bono legal services across the country to assist community organisations and disadvantaged sectors of society.
“Our Melbourne office’s connection with the diverse range of ethnic communities that thrive and those that are developing in Victoria has underpinned our expansion particularly in commercial work,” said Moray & Agnew National Managing partner, Geoff Connellan.
“Bill and his team have deep connections with those communities, so we are excited to give back through this corporate partnership, including an innovative pro bono arrangement which fits neatly into our national pro bono strategy.”
Peter McIntyre was 31-years-old when he decided to join the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in London, who looked to join the Greek and Australian forces in repelling the German invasion on the Greek island of Crete.
Peter McIntyre quite literally ‘paints a picture’ of what fighting the Germans on Crete was like in his collection of tragically beautiful artworks, which tell a story themselves.
However, in order to understand McIntyre’s journey even deeper, The Greek Herald spoke with the legendary war artist’s daughter, Sara McIntyre.
War through the eyes of a painter
Although born in the New Zealand city of Dunedin, McIntyre studied art at the Slade School of Fine Art in England. In the outbreak of the Second World War, McIntyre was unable to join the British army, instead enlisting in the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (2NZEF) that was being raised in London.
McIntyre was sent to Egypt where his art skills gained the attention of Major General Bernard Freyberg, New Zealand’s seventh Governor General who became a famous WWI and WII war veteran. Recognising his skills with a pencil, Freyberg appointed him New Zealand’s official war artist.
Forward Dressing Station Near Meleme. Photo: Supplied
According to historian Jennifer Haworth, McIntyre remained in Egypt during the Greek campaign, but eventually made his way to Crete following the disastrous result on the mainland. It’s here where McIntyre documents his war journey through sketches, as well as in his book, Peter McIntyre: War Artist.
“At the end of the war on a return visit to Crete I visited this same house and a weeping woman told me how when we retreated, the Germans shot her husband because we had used her home,” McIntyre writes, speaking about a house he once took shelter in after being pinned by German sniper fire.
“In one Cretan village I visited they had lined up all the men, 11 of them, and machine-gunned them down on the suspicion they might have sheltered a New-Zealander.”
Peter McIntyre, General Hospital Crete, 20 May 1941. Photo: Archives New Zealand
McIntyre’s book tells more tales of the disastrous Cretan campaign. The artist notes that he didn’t have much time to create large paintings due to always being on the move, drawing small sketches instead. McIntyre transferred his sketches into larger designs once back in Egypt.
“We had little artillery, some French guns without proper sights, and practically no transport,” McIntyre said in his book.
“We had no air cover. It was no way to fight a difficult battle, and yet we very nearly won.”
“That is the tragedy of it.”
McIntyre’s Legacy
Sara McIntyre grew up most of her childhood life never seeing her father’s war paintings, which were kept in archive storage. After her father’s war book published in 1981, an exhibition of his war paintings was shown for the first time since the war in 1995. This was also the year her father passed away.
Sara said she journeyed to Sfakion with her children in 1977, not knowing that her father had been to the same town, which he regards in his book as the “luckiest place on earth”.
“In Sfakion i went to a taverna. The men were all sitting outside in traditional clothing and they nodded and smiled,” Sara said to The Greek Herald.
Machine gunners on alert at dawn, behind their World War One style Vickers machine gun. Photo: Supplied.
“I was traveling with my twin sons who turned four that day. I said, ‘Papa? Nea Zelandia. Kraut’ and did a throat cutting gesture.”
“The men cheered and raised their glasses. It was drinks all round and my boys were fed.”
“I have certainly felt a connection to Crete ever since.”
Sara McIntyre upholds her father’s artistic legacy through the digital lens of a camera, shooting New Zealand’s picturesque landscape.
“With my own work, my father talked about the landscape, the light, all the time. I took such conversations for granted but now realise how much he influenced how I look at scenes,” Sara said.
“His war paintings and drawings tell a story. My photography is often to tell a story. He gave me an appreciation of landscape and people.”
