73RD ANNIVERSARY OF
THE BATTLE OF
CRETE
CRETAN FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND - 2014
02
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Η Κρήτη το απέδειξε με τον ηρωισμό της,
σκληρά τονέ πολέμησε ετότες τον εχθρό της.
------Το Μάλεμε πώς να τα πει απού δεν έχει στόμα,
πολλά κορμιά εσκέπασε το εδικό του χώμα.
------Οι Γερμανοί δεν το ’ξεραν αντίσταση θα βρούνε,
τους Κρητικούς εθαύμασαν σκληρά πως πολεμούνε.
Ανδρέας Γεωργ. Αρολιθιανάκης
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
03
Pancretan Association
of Melbourne - Australia
Cretan Brotherhood of
Melbourne & Victoria
P.O. Box 4512,
Knox City Centre, VIC. 3152
148 - 150 Nicholson Street,
East Brunswick, VIC. 3057
ΕΤΩΣ ΙΔΡΥΣ ΕΩΣ 1980
Cretan Association
of Queensland
P.O. Box 5217,
West End, QLD. 4101
Postal Address:
P.O. Box 6083
Collingwood Nth VIC 3066,
Melbourne, Australia.
Cretan Association
of Sydney & N.S.W.
1/57 Sydenham Road,
Marrickville, NSW. 2204
Telephone:
+61 408 855 109
Facsimilie:
Cretan Association
of New Zealand
Email:
P.O. Box 25578,
Wellington, N.Z.
Cretan Association of
Canberra & Districts
+61 386 250 033
G.P.O. Box 1699,
Canberra, A.C.T. 2601
[email protected]
Website:
www.cretan.com.au
Cretan Association
of Darwin
Ετήσιο Λεύκωμα για
την 73η Επέτειο
της Μάχης της Κρήτης
Cretan Association
of Tasmania
10/3 Kurringal Court,
Eannie Bay, N.T. 0820
ΠΕΡΙΕΧΟΜΕΝΑ
54 Lipcombe Avenue,
Sandy Bay, Tasmania. 7005
• Παρουσίαση βιβλίων
• Μηνύματα
• Χαιρετισμοί
Cretan Association
of South Australia
220 Port Road,
Alberton, S.A. 5014
• Δραστηριότητες
σωματείων μελών της
Κ.Ο.Α. & Ν.Ζ.
• Προγράμματα
• Χορηγοί
Cretan Brotherhood of
Western Australia
39 Paperbark Way,
Morley, WA. 6062
04
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Cretan Federation of
Australia & New Zealand
National Executive (L-R)
Andreas Fliatouras (Secretary), Aggie Mihelakis (Public Relations Officer), Michael Houdalakis (President),
Eva Gotsis (Treasurer), Michael Frantzeskakis (Vice President)
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Κρητική Ομοσπονδία
Αυστραλίας & Νέας Ζηλανδίας
This year marks the 73rd anniversary whereby Crete was subject to the world’s first ever mainly
airborne attack by the Germans.
On the 20th of May 1941 this amazing island was vigorously attacked by German paratroopers
but just as vigorously defended by the combined Greek, Australian, New Zealand and British allied
forces. The Allies were under resourced in every way, military personnel, weapons and means of
communication. However the Germans did not account for the Cretans’ love for their homeland
and the fact that they were not going to give it up without a fight.
After 10 days of battle, the Germans took control of the island but not without casualties. It was
so great that Germans would never use parachute combat again. For the Australian, New Zealand
and British troops the campaign ended in retreat, evacuation or capture. For the Cretans it was
the start of four years of occupation by the Germans.
Since the end of the Second World War, Crete has become a place of pilgrimage for the Australian, New Zealand and British troops who fought there and their families. The legacy of the
battle that started in Crete on the 20th of May 1941 has united the Cretan and Australian and
New Zealand people. A friendship bound by history and mutual respect that will last an eternity.
Our generation and future generations should honour and will honour those individuals that
fought an epic battle to ensure our freedom.
Lest we forget.
President
Michael Houdalakis
Η φετινή χρονιά σηματοδοτεί την 73η επέτειο, με το οποίο η Κρήτη δεχόταν παγκοσμίως
αερομεταφερόμενη επίθεση από τους Γερμανούς. Στις 20 Μαΐου 1941, αυτό το ηρωικό νησί επιτέθηκε
με ψυχή , όταν Γερμανοί αλεξιπτωτιστές πατούσαν Κρητικό έδαφος. Ελληνικές, Αυστραλέζικες, Νέας
Ζηλανδίας και Βρετανικές συμμαχικές δυνάμεις αμύνθηκαν για την ελευθέρωση του νησιού. Ωστόσο
οι Γερμανοί δεν έλαβαν υπόψη την αγάπη των Κρητικών για την πατρίδα τους και το γεγονός ότι
δεν επρόκειτο να το εγκαταλείψουν χωρίς μάχη. Μετά από 10 ημέρες μάχη, οι Γερμανοί πήραν
τον έλεγχο του νησιού ,αλλά με πάρα πολλές απώλειες. Ήταν τόσο μεγάλες απώλειες που δεν
χρησιμοποιούσαν ξανά οι Γερμανοί αλεξίπτωτο. Για την αυστραλιανή, Νέα Ζηλανδία και Βρετανική
συμμαχία η εκστρατεία έληξε σε υποχώρηση, εκκένωση ή τη σύλληψη. Για τους Κρητικούς αυτό
ήταν όσο αφορά τα τέσσερα χρόνια της κατοχής από τους Γερμανούς. Από το τέλος του Δευτέρου
Παγκοσμίου Πολέμου, η Κρήτη έχει γίνει μέρος προσκυνήματος για Αυστραλίας, Νέας Ζηλανδίας
και βρετανικά στρατεύματα που πολέμησαν στην περιοχή και τις οικογένειές τους. Η κληρονομιά
της μάχης που ξεκίνησε στην Κρήτη, στις 20 Μαΐου 1941 έχει ενώσει τους ανθρώπους της Κρητικής
και της Αυστραλίας και της Νέας Ζηλανδίας. Μια φιλία που δεσμεύονται από την ιστορία και τον
αμοιβαίο σεβασμό, που θα διαρκέσει μια αιωνιότητα. Μας γενιά και οι μελλοντικές γενιές θα πρέπει
να τιμήσουμε τα άτομα που πάλεψαν για μια επική μάχη ώστε να εξασφαλιστεί την ελευθερία μας.
ΔΕΝ ΞΕΧΝΩ…
Πρόεδρος
Μιχάλης Χουδαλάκης
05
06
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Basil Hayler:
RAN Battle of Greece Veteran
(23-10-1921 - 17-02-2014)
By: Michael Sweet
One of the last survivors of HMAS Perth - the Royal Australian Navy cruiser that played a major role in the Greek
and Crete campaigns of WWII - died in February. Basil
Hayler passed away at his home in Ferntree Gully, Victoria.
He was 92.
Basil George Hayler was born in Werribee in 1921 after his family had emigrated to Australia from England in
1911. There he grew up with his four siblings - Edward,
Esther, Lily, and Maud - on a ten-acre soldier settlement
site given to his father Edward for his service in France
during WWI.
To supplement the family’s income Hayler Senior tended
a market garden, and his son developed a love of horticulture that would remain with him for the rest of his life.
In 1938 Basil enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy, aged
16. In March 1941 his ship HMAS Perth took part in Operation Lustre - the deployment of Allied troops from Egypt to
Greece, making two voyages with troops from Alexandria
to Piraeus. Years later he would recount that whilst on
shore leave, standing on the Acropolis, he witnessed the
German bombing of Pireaus harbour as the Nazi invasion
of Greece began.
After playing a significant role in the Battle of Cape Matapan - where Allied forces gained control of the eastern
Mediterranean until the fall of Crete - by late April 1941
HMAS Perth was evacuating a second generation of Anzacs
from the Greek mainland.
The next month the Perth took part in the Allied evacuation of Crete. Having picked up 1188 troops from the island
on May 29, the Perth came under repeated enemy attacks
as it made its way to Alexandria, with one bomb penetrating the Perth’s boiler room killing 13 crew and passengers
Back in Egypt Basil was transferred to HMAS Stuart
which was deployed on ‘the spud run’ - ferrying vital supplies to the besieged Allied forces in Tobruk. The move to
the Stuart was fateful. In March 1942 HMAS Perth was
sunk by the Japanese in the Battle of Sunda Strait with the
loss of more than 340 lives. All but four of the 328 survivors were captured and made prisoners of war.
In May 1944 whilst on leave in Australia, Basil married
Pauline Kirkham who he had known since childhood. Two
daughters followed: Julie - born in 1946, who predeceased
him in a tragic car accident in 1998, and Dianne, born in
1948.
After leaving the Navy in 1951 he became an electrical tradesman in Carnegie and eventually started his own
business.
Basil Hayler in 2011 with a commemorative plaque
presented to him by the Cretan Federation of
Australia and New Zealand. (Photo: Tom Andronas.)
With a rekindled love of flowers, in 1961 Basil began
a commercial lily nursery at Kallista in the Dandenong
Ranges. He named his business after his favourite lily lilium auratum (the Golden Ray Lily of Japan). Golden Ray
Gardens became one of the most successful nurseries of its
kind in Australia, exporting worldwide.
Basil had helped found the HMAS Perth Association and
was its president for many years. Also president of the
HMAS Hawkesbury Association - the ship upon which he
ended his naval career - he was an active member of Boronia RSL sub branch, the Rats of Tobruk Association and the
Australian Lilium Society.
In the late 1980s Basil and Pauline left Melbourne to
travel across Australia and eventually settled in Tweed
Heads. Pauline passed away in 1993.
He returned to Melbourne twelve years later to live in
Ferntree Gully where he was able to spend the remainder of his life close to his family. Basil Hayler passed away
peacefully on February 17 with his daughter and two
granddaughters by his side.
Known for his uplifting, generous personality, and gentle
humour, he will be greatly missed.
Basil is survived by his daughter Dianne, sister Esther,
seven grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
07
Soldiers Dixie
returned to Australia
Michael and Dimi Frantzeskakis and their two children
Stephen and Elena from Blackburn South Victoria, visited
family and friends in Crete late 2005.
On their journey they visited Michael’s cousin Spiros
Panesakis. He showed them a soldiers pans set messing
or more commonly known as a “Dixie” that his mother-inlaw had found in the battlefields after soldiers evacuated
GALATA during the Battle of Crete.
GALATA is situated approximately 15 minutes drive
from Maleme. The German forces heavily attacked both
areas in 1941. The “Dixie” had the soldiers Army official
number “VX11339” and his initials “NJC” engraved into it
plus his service history with the names of all countries
and battles that he had been involved.
As there were a lot of Australian and New Zealand
troops in Crete at the time Spiro’s mother-in-law thought
that the soldier who owned the “Dixie” would most likely
be either Australian or New Zealand.
On their return to Australia, Michael and Dimi being
so fascinated by the “Dixie” searched Australian Government internet sites and found that the soldier was an
Australian.
The soldier’s name was Nicholas James Cottier born in
Heywood Victoria on November 7, 1911. He joined the
Australian Army on March 13, 1940 and was an infantry
soldier with the Second Sixth Battalion and this is where
our story begins.
Michael and Dimi contacted the Heywood RSL Club to
seek information on Nicholas. There was no record of him
being involved with the club however the president gave
Dimi the phone number of Harry Cottier of Casterton and
suggested that he may be able to assist. Dimi rang Harry
and asked him if he knew of a Nicholas James Cottier.
Harry replied “Nicholas was my father”.
Dimi recalls how nervous she was making the phone
call and when Harry answered the phone she just didn’t
know what to say or where to begin.
After talking to Harry, Michael and Dimi organised for
the “Dixie” to be returned from Crete to Australia.
On March 19, 2006 Harry, wife Shirley and son Paul
visited the Frantzeskakis family in Blackburn South and
Michael presented Harry with his father’s “Dixie”.
The Dixie was in excellent condition and has Nick’s
service history engraved around the sides starting from
when he enlisted in Melbourne in 1940.
It reads Melbourne, Perth, Colombo, Aden, Suez, Kam-
tara, Biet Jirga, Jerusalem, Telavive, Gaza, Hafia, Helwan,
Cairo, Alexandra, Ikingi Marot, Sidi Henish, Mearsa Matruh Bardia, Tobruk, Derna, Bengasi, Giovani Berta, Bugbug, Amriya and Athens.
After Nicholas fled Crete in 1941 he served in the Middle East and PNG before returning to Australia and discharging from the Army on October 22, 1945.
Harry said “it is amazing that one of my fathers service possessions has been returned to Australia after 65
years”.
He said that he would like to thank Michael and Dimi
and the Panesakis family in Crete for making this incredible event happen.
Harry and Shirley have four children in whom their
three sons have all served or are currently serving in the
Royal Australian Navy as musicians.
Nick was also a musician playing drums in the Second
Sixth Battalion Band.
We thank Michael and Dimi Frantzeskakis and Paul
Cottier for this amazing and wonderful story.
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73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Many happy returns Les Manning!
Community honours Battle of Crete veteran
Les Manning in 1940, and at his home today in Wantirna, Victoria.
By: Michael Sweet
Mr Les Manning - one of the few remaining WWII veterans
who fought in the Battle of Crete, celebrated his one hundred
and first birthday on April 19, and the Cretan community in
Victoria were out in force to wish him many more happy returns.
On Easter Monday, Les, accompanied by daughter Lynda,
and three grand-daughters, was guest of honour at a special
Easter lunch hosted by the Pancretan Association of Melbourne at the Cretan Village in Wantirna.
A meal of mezedes and spit-roasted lamb, was followed
by chocolate cake with a single candle, and the entire dining
room singing Happy Birthday - in English and then Greek - to
the old soldier.
After Les thanked his fellow diners, his daughter Lynda
Banks said the extraordinary affection shown by the Cretan
community to her father was warmly appreciated.
talion were sent to the island just before the German airborne
invasion.
The 2/7th were deployed at Georgioupolis in the opening
days of the battle, but on 27 May 1941, they took part in
what became known as the charge at 42nd Street near Souda,
where Anzac troops forced back an elite division of Austrian
mountain troops, buying time for other Allied soldiers to
cross the White Mountains to the evacuation point at Sfakia.
Les, pinned down by mortar fire at 42nd Street, made it to
Sfakia days later, but like thousands of others, he was left
behind. Evading capture briefly, Les became a prisoner of war
and was shipped to Stalag 13 in Bavaria where he spent the
rest of the war.
Born and raised in Richmond, Leslie Manning - the son of a
Flinders Lane rag trader - joined the 2/7th Battalion in October 1939, and left Port Melbourne for the Middle East in April
1940. A year later he was in Greece.
“They make us feel so welcome, they’re a very loving and
passionate people, and we feel like we’re part of their family,”
said Lynda.
After the war, Les worked as a security guard for the state
savings bank in Melbourne. A father of four, he celebrated
his sixtieth wedding anniversary with his wife Alma last
year.
“They come up to dad and kiss him. It’s a wonderful experience and I know it inspires him to live another two or three
years at least.”
John Nikolakakis, President of the Pancretan Association
of Melbourne said that the Association was delighted to be
able to mark Les’s 101st birthday with him.
“It makes me feel great,” said Les as his daughter and granddaughters joined the traditional Cretan dancing accompanied
by a bouzouki band.
“To have him celebrate with us is an honor to us all,” said
Mr Nikolakakis.
Despite having suffered a stroke since turning 100, Les was
in good form - still recounting his experiences of the Battle of
Crete with great clarity.
“To think this veteran was born before the events at Gallipoli in 1915, proves how much we should respect these very
few veterans that are still with us. God bless you Les and
Happy Birthday!”
After the Allied evacuation of mainland Greece in April
1941, he and his fellow Diggers of the Victoria-raised 2/7 Bat-
This article was originally published by Neos Kosmos English Edition.
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
09
Arthur Leslie
Leggett:
ANZAC Veteran of Crete
By: Dina Gerolymou
Arthur Leslie Leggett was born in Sydney in 1918
and joined the militia in 1936. The outbreak of war
found him a member of the 16th Battalion, Cameron
Highlanders of Western Australia and it wasn’t long
before he joined the army.
Arthur was posted to the 2/11th Battalion as a signaller and fought in the Middle East before his deployment to Greece in April 1941. He saw action throughout Greece and was involved in the heavy fighting at
Brallos Pass.
Arthur was evacuated to Crete on the Thurland Castle which was divebombed several times on its way to
Souda Bay. His battalion was then sent to defend the
airfield in Rethymno and after 10 days of heavy fighting, the defenders surrendered.
Arthur and some of his mates took to the hills trying
to find a way out of the island; a week passed and the
group, unarmed, hungry and exhausted, was captured.
Arthur followed thousands of other POWs to Salonika and from there to stalag VIIC in Moosburg, Bavaria
where he spent 18 months before being sent to Poland
to work in the coal mines.
Having survived the camps, Arthur endured another
or deal: a 780 km march to avoid the advancing Allies. He was liberated by the Americans in 1945 and
returned to Australia via England.
Arthur’ s short English stay was enough for him to
meet the girl of his dreams, Eileen. Fourteen months
later she came to Australia, married Arthur and started a new life.
In 2004 Arthur was awarded the medal of the Or
der of Australia (OAM) in recognition of his ‘service to
veterans and their families through the Ex-Prisoner of
War Association of Western Australia, and to the community’.
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73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Commemorating
Tripiti
1943-2013
Authors: Ian Frazer and John Irwin
This short booklet (32 pages) was prepared to provide
some background information for 70th anniversary
commemoration services held at Tripiti on the south
coast of western Crete. The reason for holding these
services at Tripiti is because it was the site of the final evacuation of Allied soldiers from Crete on 7-8 May
1943, almost two years after these soldiers were left behind on the island. At least half a dozen Australian and
New Zealand families with connections to the evacuees
made the trip to Crete especially for the occasion.
Most of the soldiers who were evacuated in May
1943 had been hiding in different parts of western
Crete. They only survived through the assistance of
Cretan families relying totally on those families for all
their basic needs. The length of time that these soldiers
spent waiting to be rescued meant that they formed
very close bonds with the people who looked after them.
The memorial erected at Tripiti pays tribute to the Cretan people for their assistance and for the sacrifice they
made in providing it.
The way in which these soldiers were contacted
in widely separated parts of western Crete, and then
rounded up in time for meeting the boat that was sent
to pick them up, is in itself an amazing story. A New
Zealand soldier, Staff Sergeant Tom Moir, who himself
had escaped from Crete twelve months earlier, was sent
to the island to carry out the task. He was landed in the
east and because of exceptionally bad winter conditions
it took him six weeks to reach the village Koustoyerako,
in the west from where he organised the round-up of
the soldiers. Moir had the misfortune to be captured a
few days before the rescue boat was due, but his preparation and back-up from Australian soldiers and village
leaders at Koustoyerako, was so thorough, that everything went ahead anyhow, and the rescue was successfully completed. There are lots of details in the booklet
with many photographs of the people involved.
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
The Battle Of
11
CRETE
“The Untold Stories”
Author: Dina Gerolymou
“The German officer pulled out his Luger and shot
Norm right between the eyes. These are the stories
that will never be told” said the 93 year old World War
2 veteran fighting back tears. Yet, the Pancretan Association of Melbourne – Australia has embarked on
a journey to gather material on Australian servicemen
who fought in the Battle of Crete in 1941, in order to
tell the stories that were kept hidden for decades. After years of determined and consistent efforts to bring
to the fore eyewitness accounts and personal stories
of Australian servicemen of WW2, these stories have
been collected into a book titled “The Battle of Crete:
the untold stories”.
It contains the profiles of 66 veterans including personal narratives, photographs and letters never before
published. The book also includes the stories of veterans’ descendants who shared their childhood memories with the Pancretan Association, making the book
a living testament to Australia’s commitment to freedom and democracy. It also contains a series of profiles of veterans who have represented Australia in the
60th and 70th anniversary official commemorations of
the battle of Crete in Greece. The book endeavours to
record and preserve the shared history of Australia and
Greece and serves as a contribution to the strengthening of the links between the two countries.
“The Battle of Crete: The Untold Stories” is another
piece of evidence of the commitment of the GreekAustralians from Cretan descent to pass on first-hand
knowledge of important historical events which have
left their mark on both the Australian and the Greek
psyche. Furthermore, as many of WW 2 veterans included in this book are sons of ANZACS from First
World War we believe the timing to be auspicious as
we approach the centenary of the Great War.
12
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
INVASION!!!
The First Reaction
It was an awe-insipiring sight with the sky filled with
parachutists, where landing all around. At the same
time, it was quite alarming and the thought of being
captured so early in the piece, quite shattering. When I
was barefooted and still in pygamas and far from well
after only two days treatment on a virtual starvation
diet. Later, the very sight of a bully-beef tin was enough
to make me vomit.
Joseph Highet, Private, 19 Battalion
I cried like a child, really frightened, then got stuck
into the enemy.
Howard Thomas, Private, Divisional Headquarters
I felt disbelief – I’d thought they never would come.
They got a hot reception when they did. The initial
bombing and strafing was intense, causing me to see
the only bit of comedy that morning. A small colony
of black crows were forced out of the sky and settled
near me. I could read their squawking screeches as they
walked about. “If you fellows want the sky, we are coming down to walk!”
Goulburn Whalen, Private, 19 Battalion
“A Unique Sort of Battle”
New Zealanders Remember Crete
By: Megan Hutching
I was scared stiff.
John Haines, Sapper, 7 Field Company Engineers
I was astonished. Some of the late arrivals from Greece
told us of the parachutists at Corinth. ‘Bullshit,’ we said –
it was all the more realistic when the Deutsch did arrive.
Bill Boyce, Trooper, 4 Field Ambulance
Parachute troops dropped right over the area. One
parachute caught in a tree and swung over my slit trench;
the sergeant yelled, “Don’t shoot! I’ll get him. “He fired
and hit his grenades and he blew to pieces and his internals sprayed over me as he landed.
Archibald Sears, Private, 19 Battalian
There was a feeling of amazement and incredulity at
having ‘sitting ducks’ to shoot at (and hit).
Hugh Wilton Welch, Private, 19 Battalion
Here the bastards come! My reaction was one of excitement.
Ivan Divehall, Private, 23 Battalion
So this is it. Our OC at B Company HQ simply said, “This
is for the real boys, put your bayonets on, it’s either you
or them.”
Walter Gibbons, Private, 23 Battalion
There was a sense of foreboding when the air blitz
ceased. Next thing over our reserve area, a flight of silent, evil-looking gliders drifted over us. We could also
see handy to us the Junkers troop carriers dropping their
loads of parachutists. Unfortunately, I think in hindsight, we were under orders not to open fire unless under
direct attack. We could have severely checked the gliders with the rifle fire.
Arnold Hammond, Private, 18 Battalion
Like everyone, I was scared out of my wits, until we
started really fighting. Then we were so busy recharging
our rifles, we had nothing else to think about.
Alfred Watt, Private, Divisional Ammunition Company
All hell was let loose. I shall never forget the pilot’s
laughter as they dropped bombs and grenades on us.
Nor will I forget the gliders with soldiers in which parachutes, firing on us as they came down. We had very
little ammunition.
John Ede, Private, 23 Battalion
Our task was to repel a sea invasion, but (we) finished
up very close to the action. I shot a German at 25 yards
and was very upset in looking for his paybook to find a
photo of his wife and two small children. The action
was pretty hectic all day and we were subject to divebombing and machine-gunning. I lost half of my section.
Kenneth Forbes-Faulkner, Corporal, 22 Battalion
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
The First Day
of Battle
“A Unique Sort of Battle”
New Zealanders Remember Crete
By: Megan Hutching
We knew the night before so were partially prepared,
but the actual event was more frightening than anticipated. We were told that the Germans would take no prisoners, so it was a case of kill or to be killed. In my mind’s
eye I can still vividly picture the airborne soldiers dropping from the sky like confetti. The junkers 52 planes
were full of troops and also towing large gliders full of
troops. The sky was completely blanketed by parachutes
dropping full equipped men as far as the eye could see. It
was an awesome spectacle. With what little ammunition
as was available to us, we did manage to kill 2000 Germans on that first day, but the paratroopers backed by the
crack mountain troops, together with the total lack of the
promised British air cover, eventually forced us into what
is now called strategic withdrawal.
George Heasley, Private, 20 Battalion
As many of us were unarmed we were immediately
captured by about ten paratroopers. (It was no fun to
have a German push his loaded Schmeisser hard into
one’s stomach.) We were then marched into olive groves,
preparatory to joining us with other invading forces.
Meanwhile, a passing patrol spotted us and opened fire
on us all. The Germans replied until all were killed and I
believe a few of us. I did not see any dead New Zealanders, only the dead Germans. The soldier next to me was
13
shot – the bullet just skimmed my head then slammed
into the lower parts of his stomach. He died a few hours
later. While keeping my head down in the foregoing
shootout, for the first time in the war ‘I heard the silence’.
For some moments there was no more noise. I wasn’t
on Crete, but was marching with college cadets on Anzac
Day in Wanganuui (where I did my schooling). I couldn’t
see faces in the tank and was about to step onto the grass
at Cook’s Gardens when the silence was broken by the
bullet, which as I say missed my head and smacked into
the chap alongside me. I did hear the silence at least
twice more in the war, but can’t explain why, And why
Anzac Day?
Noel Atkinson, Gunner, 4 Field Regiment
We lost two members of our platoon and the 19th Battalion OC during the first morning. A German paratrooper
landed near our section but was dead before he landed.
When the blitz started an old Greek woman arrived to collect any washing that we wanted doing. She was shaking
badly and we did not know what to do with her.
We decided to lead her down into our sergeant’s elaborate dugout which had a roof over it. She remained there
all day. We gave her a bit to eat and a drink at lunchtime.
During the evening when things quieted down we were
told to take her out of our company lines and help her on
her way home. Later on that night we went below our
section position and buried our two mates and our OC,
Captain Webster.
Eric Oliver, Lance Corporal, 19 Battalion
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73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese of Australia
Ευχαρίστως ανταποκρινόμενος σε σχετικό αίτημα του οργάνου της Κρητικής Ομοσπονδίας
Αυστραλίας και Νέας Ζηλανδίας σας απευθύνω το παρόν χαιρετιστήριον μήνυμα επ’ ευκαιρία της
73ης επετείου μάχης της Κρήτης.
Και οι εφετεινοί εορτασμοί που με φιλοτιμία ετοιμάζετε ξανά, δεν μπορούν να έχουν άλλο νόημα
παρά να υπενθυμίσουν δύο πράγματα:
Αφ’ ενός, την προσφορά και τις θυσίες των ηρωικών προγόνων μας, που επραγματοποίησαν ένα
έπος, σχεδόν στα όρια του θρύλου.
Αφ’ ετέρου, τις ανάλογες υποχρεώσεις των εκάστοτε απογόνων έναντι ενός τόσο ένδοξου
παρελθόντος .Και βέβαια μη λησμονήσουμε ποτέ και τον κοινόν αγώνα μας με τους Αυστραλούς και
ΝέοΖηλανδούς συμμάχους .
Με αυτές τις σκέψεις και τα αισθήματα συνεχούς αυτοκριτικής και εγρηγόρσεως, εύχομαι η Κρήτη
να παραμείνει πάντοτε το ιδεώδες που θα οιστρηλατεί την προσωπική και την συλλογική ζωή μας,
όπου κι’ αν είναι ταγμένος έκαστος.
Ό Αυστραλίας Στυλιανός
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Holy Archdiocese
of New Zealand
Προς όλα τα μέλη της Κρητικής Ομοσπονδίας Αυστραλίας και νέας Ζηλανδίας και προς την
Ελληνορθόδοξο παροικία της Μελβούρνης και όλης της Αυστραλίας. Απευθύνω με την ευκαιρία της
επετείου της μάχης της Κρήτης αδελφικό χαιρετισμό, ευχόμενος όπως πάντα οι Έλληνες να δίνουμε
παράδειγμα γενναιοψυχίας και αγάπης για την ελευθερία προς όλο τον κόσμο.
Ιδιαίτερα στις μέρες μας που η φίλτατη πατρίδα μας η Ελλάδα δοκιμάζεται από ποικίλα προβλήματα
και ιδιαίτερα από τον ύπουλο κίνδυνο της παγκοσμιοποιήσεως να μας αξιώσει ο Χριστός και η
Παναγία να τα ξεπεράσουμε και ενωμένοι να διαφυλάξουμε την αυτοσυνειδησία μας.
Ορθόδοξοι Χριστιανοί Έλληνες
Ζήτω η λεβεντομάνα Κρήτη
Ζήτω η ένδοξη Ελλάδα μας
Ζήτω η Κύπρος μας
Ζήτω η Βόρειος Ήπειρος, η Ίμβρος και η Τένεδος μας
Καλό Πάσχα
Χριστός Ανέστη
Ό Νέας Ζηλανδίας Αμφιλόχιος
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73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Ελληνική Δημοκρατία
Η μάχη της Κρήτης, η επίκη αντίσταση των υπερασπιστών του νησιού εναντίον των Γερμανών
εισβολέων, αποτελεί συνέχεια του μακρού καταλόγου ηρωικών πράξεων του κρητικού λάου, από την
αρχή της ιστορίας.
Ο Μάιος του ’41 είναι ημερομηνία σταθμός στην Κρητική και παγκόσμια ιστορία, ένας ύμνος στην
ελευθερία και στο υψηλό φρόνημα ανεξαρτησίας και αυτοθυσίας του κρητικού λάου.
Κρήτες όλων των ηλικιών, νέοι και γέροι, άνδρες και γυναίκες ,με ότι μέσο είχαν στην διάθεση τους
και με τους Αυστραλούς βρετανούς και Νεοζηλανδούς συμμάχους έδωσαν τον αγώνα τους κατά του
επίδοξου κατακτητή.
70 χρόνια μετά το μήνυμα αντίστασης των Κρητών μαχητών και των συμμάχων τους παραμένει
ανεξίτηλο στη μνήμη όλων μας, θυμίζοντας μας ότι η υπεράσπιση και διαφύλαξη ιδανικών και
αξίων της ελευθερίας, της δημοκρατίας, της δικαιοσύνης και της ανθρώπινης αξιοπρεπείας, είναι
πανανθρώπινη υπόθεση και αγώνας διαρκής.
Σας στέλνω μαζί με τους πατριωτικούς χαιρετισμούς μου και τις εγκάρδιες ευχές μου για προσωπική
και οικογενειακή υγεία και ευτυχία.
Πρόεδρος
Κάρολος Παπούλιας
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Prime Minister of Greece
Με ιδιαίτερη προσωπική συγκίνηση απευθύνομαι πάντα στους Έλληνες της Διασποράς. Και
ιδιαίτερα σε σας, τους Κρήτες της Αυστραλίας, με τους οποίους με συνδέουν ιδιαίτεροι δεσμοί κοινών
αγώνων για τα εθνικά δίκαια.
Έχω ζήσει κάποια χρόνια της ζωής μου μαζί με τον Ελληνισμό της Διασποράς, έχω επισκεφθεί τους
Έλληνες της Αυστραλίας και της Νέας Ζηλανδίας - χωρών με τις οποίες έχουμε τις καλύτερες σχέσεις
- και συναντιέμαι συχνά με εκπροσώπους σας. Νιώθω, νιώθουμε όλοι, την αγάπη σας για την Ελλάδα
και για την ιδιαίτερη πατρίδα σας την Κρήτη. Όπως γνωρίζω, γνωρίζουμε όλοι τη δημιουργικότητά
σας…
Πάντα προβληματιζόμουν γιατί οι Έλληνες, παντού στη Διασπορά δείχνουν τέτοιο δυναμισμό, ενώ
στην πατρίδα τους μαραζώνουν. Σήμερα, λοιπόν, αλλάζουμε την χώρα μας! Χτίζουμε μια νέα Ελλάδα,
όπου οι Έλληνες θα αναδεικνύουν τα ταλέντα και τη δημιουργικότητά τους, όπως ακριβώς κάνουν
παντού στον κόσμο. Η Ελλάδα, και ασφαλώς η Κρήτη, ανέκαθεν αντιστεκόταν στις προσπάθειες
υποδούλωσής της. Είναι γνωστή η ιδιαίτερη σχέση που συνδέει την Κρήτη με την Αυστραλία και
τη Νέα Ζηλανδία, από την εποχή του Β΄ Παγκόσμιου Πολέμου, όταν Αυστραλοί και Νεοζηλανδοί
στρατιώτες πολέμησαν δίπλα στους Έλληνες κατά τη Μάχη της Κρήτης. Ας μην ξεχνάμε ότι, από τους
7.000 Νεοζηλανδούς στρατιώτες που πολέμησαν σε εκείνη τη δεκαήμερη μάχη, οι 671 έπεσαν στη
μάχη για τα δίκαια της Ελλάδας. Γι’ αυτό και το Wellington, πρωτεύουσα της Νέας Ζηλανδίας, έχει
αδελφοποιηθεί από το 1984 με τα Χανιά της Κρήτης, ενώ το όνομα των Χανίων φέρει και η οδός στην
οποία βρίσκεται ο ορθόδοξος Καθεδρικός Ναός του Wellington.
Όπως τότε, έτσι και σήμερα η Ελλάδα αναγεννιέται μέσα από την πιο σοβαρή κρίση των τελευταίων
δεκαετιών.
Τότε κερδίσαμε την Ελευθερία μας από τον ξένο ζυγό. Σήμερα κερδίζουμε και εδραιώνουμε την
Ελευθερία και τη δημιουργικότητα του λαού μας, από την εξάρτηση της υπερχρέωσης και του
δανεισμού.
Σπάμε αυτά τα δεσμά. Εξαλείφουμε τα ελλείμματα της οικονομίας μας. Αποκαθιστάμε την
ανταγωνιστικότητα της παραγωγής μας. Ανοίγουμε το δρόμο στις επενδύσεις. Και αναπτύσσουμε
τους ενεργειακούς πόρους της χώρας μας.
Έχουν περάσει σχεδόν δύο αιώνες από το 1835, όταν η Κατερίνα-Γεωργία Πλέσσου έφθασε στο
Σύδνεϋ της Αυστραλίας, ως η πρώτη ελληνίδα μετανάστρια, ακολουθώντας εκεί το σύζυγό της,
Ταγματάρχη James Crummer. Ή από το 1842, όταν ο Γεώργιος Τραμουντάνας ήρθε ως ο πρώτος
Έλληνας μετανάστης στο λιμάνι της Αδελαΐδας, στη Νότια Αυστραλία. Ακόμη παλαιότερη είναι η
παρουσία Ελλήνων στη Νέα Ζηλανδία, από το 1798, όταν ένας αξιωματικός του εμπορικού πλοίου
με το επώνυμο Κώνστας έφθασε από τη Σπάρτη στη Νέα Ζηλανδία. Από τότε, πολλές γενιές Ελλήνων
αναζήτησαν ένα καλύτερο μέλλον στην Αυστραλία και τη Νέα Ζηλανδία, σφυρηλατώντας άρρηκτους
δεσμούς φιλίας ανάμεσα στις χώρες μας.
Κοντά δύο αιώνες ο Ελληνισμός της Αυστραλίας και της Νέας Ζηλανδίας διαπρέπει σε όλους
τους τομείς: επαγγελματικά, επιστημονικά, επιχειρηματικά, εκπαιδευτικά και καλλιτεχνικά. Είμαστε
υπερήφανοι για σας. Όπως κι εσείς είστε υπερήφανοι για την Ελλάδα.
Σήμερα βάζουμε τις βάσεις ώστε πολύ σύντομα, η Ελλάδα να σας κάνει ακόμα πιο υπερήφανους.
Σε πολύ λίγα χρόνια, στην επέτειο των 200 χρόνων της Ανεξαρτησίας μας, η πατρίδα μας θα είναι
σταθερή, πιο ευημερούσα, πιο ανταγωνιστική και πιο ισχυρή από ποτέ.
Αυτό δεν είναι μόνο δέσμευση δική μου. Είναι χρέος όλων μας.
Μέρα με τη μέρα δίνουμε αυτό τον αγώνα. Και μέρα με την ημέρα τον κερδίζουμε. Ξέρουμε ότι
έχουμε εσάς στο πλευρό μας. Και ξέρουμε ότι εσείς, ο απόδημος Ελληνισμός, είστε η μεγαλύτερη
δύναμη της Ελλάδας.
Πρωθυπουργός
Αντώνης Σαμαρά
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73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Prime Minister of Australia
I am pleased to provide this message for the commemoration of the 73rd Anniversary of the Battle
of Crete.
On this day, Australians pause to remember the soldiers and civilians who fought, were wounded or
lost their lives defending Crete.
This battle forged a friendship between Australia and the people of Crete which endures to this day.
The story of the Cretan struggle to retain control of their homeland and the bravery of the Allied forces
helping defend it is one of courage, determination and sacrifice.
Australians never forget how, at great personal risk, the people of Crete sheltered our soldiers and assisted them to escape the island following the German occupation.
I send my warmest wishes to everyone commemorating the 73rd anniversary of the Battle of Crete.
The Hon Tony Abbott MP
Prime Minister of New Zealand
Today is an opportunity for us to commemorate and reflect on the courage shown by allied forces
during the Battle of Crete.
Allied forces from New Zealand, Greece, Australia, and Great Britain, and many Cretan civilians,
fought bravely in an attempt to defend Crete against invasion.
The battle came at a cost to New Zealanders. Among the casualties, 671 New Zealanders lost their
lives and 2180 were captured as prisoners of war.
Today is also a day to celebrate the courage and bravery shown by the many Cretan families who
helped and cared for allied troops.
Out of the battle over 70 years ago a special bond developed between two peoples. Many Cretan and
Greek families chose to settle in New Zealand after the war. Today New Zealand has a vibrant Greek
community that makes a valued contribution to our country.
This, and the fact that many New Zealanders travel to Greece and Crete to remember those who
fought, is a heartening example of the special relationship forged on Cretan soil.
Above all else, today is a day to remember and honour those who fought and died during the battle.
Their service and sacrifice reminds us why we should never take our democratic freedoms for granted.
Rt Hon John Key
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Commonwealth of Australia
The Battle of Crete is an important part of Australia’s long and distinguished military heritage. It has
now been 73 years since Greek Australian, New Zealand and British soldiers fought side-by-side with
local Cretans to protect their island from a massive German airborne invasion.
This battle -ten days of constant bombardment and close-quarter fighting- was so intense and brutal
that it forged an enduring bond of respect and friendship between Australia and Crete.
I applaud the Cretan Federation for its work in promoting this enduring goodwill and extending it
to a new generation as time goes on. This is a wonderful way to honour the service and sacrifice of so
many brave men and women in Crete 73 years ago.
Governer-General of the Commonwealth of Australia
His Excellency General The Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd)
Commonwealth of New Zealand
Nga mihi mahana ki a koutou – Warm greetings to you all.
As Governor-General and Commander-in Chief of New Zealand, it is with great pleasure that I provide
this message for the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand.
73 years ago, the Allied soldiers who took part in the desperate battle on Crete, in the face of a German invasion including an airborne attack, would have been hard pressed to see the result as anything
but disastrous. The island, which Winston Churchill had exhorted them to hold at all costs, was lost and
the Allied forces were forced to evacuate.
The battle, which raged for 12 days, took a terrible toll. 15,000 soldiers were captured and more than
1700 men, including 671 New Zealanders were killed or died of their wounds.
The losses were no less for the Cretan people, with over 8,000 men, women and children killed in
battle or executed in reprisals during the following four years of occupation.
The Battle of Crete, while a defeat, marked a turning point. The soldiers that were evacuated went
on to repel the Axis troops in North Africa and later helped to successfully liberate Italy. The continued
resistance of the Cretan people during the years that followed required more men on the ground than
the Germans had anticipated, reducing the numbers available for the Russian front.
Despite the losses incurred, the battle and the events that followed have taken on an aura all their
own. Two of New Zealand’s Victoria Crosses were awarded for actions on Crete and the actions of the
civilian population, in supporting and sheltering the New Zealanders who stayed behind, have become
legendary. The bond that was forged as New Zealanders fought alongside Cretans remains strong. Cretan people continue to remember and acknowledge the efforts of the Kiwi soldiers just as we continue
to pay tribute to the heroism and kindness of the Cretan people.
The contribution of all those who served, soldier, sailor, airmen and civilian, is deservedly commemorated in this magazine. It is a chance for us to remember and honour all those who fought in defence
of freedom.
Ka maumahara tonu tātou kia rātou – We will remember them
Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, GNZM, QSO
Governor-General of New Zealand
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73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Ministry for Veteran’s Affairs Australia
The long-standing bonds of friendship between Australian and Greece were strengthened during the
Second World War’s darkest days when our two countries fought in a common cause against German
aggression.
The German Army invaded Greece in April 1941. Facing them was a combined British Commonwealth – mostly Australian and New Zealand – and Greek force. Lacking both aircraft and armour,
Greece’s defenders were too poorly equipped and too widely dispersed to stem the German advance.
Despite some successful local resistance, the Commonwealth forces were able to do little more than
conduct a series of withdrawals towards the Peloponnesus from which most were evacuated over a
week at the end of April.
More than 300 Australian troops lost their lives in the Greek campaign and some 2,000 were taken
prisoner. Hundreds more made their escape through the Greek Islands to Crete or North Africa.
As the campaign in Greece reached its conclusion, the Allies were preparing to defend Crete against a
German attack. Many who fought on Crete were veterans of the Greek campaign. Still poorly equipped
and now tired from the fighting withdrawal through Greece, they faced a German airborne invasion
that began on 20 May.
The Germans suffered grievous losses, many were killed before reaching the ground or immediately
afterwards and for a time it seemed that they would be defeated. Soon Crete’s fate hinged on the fighting around the airfield at Maleme. When the Germans prevailed here and began flying in reinforcements, the campaign turned in their favour and the Allies began evacuating the island. More than 300
Australians were killed on Crete and some 3,000 became prisoners of war.
From bitter defeat in the Second World War grew a friendship between the people of Greece and
Australia that has endured in the decades since 1941. Today we pay tribute to the Allied troops and
the local Greek and Cretan people who fought and died in defence of Greece and Crete. We honour their
memory at memorials such as those on Anzac Parade in Canberra, at Rethymno, scene of some of the
heaviest fighting on Crete and at the Australian-Hellenic Memorial in Melbourne.
Ηον. Michael Ronaldson
Minister For Veteran’s Affairs
Ministry for Veteran’s Affairs New Zealand
It is my privilege to contribute a message dedicated to remembering the bravery and tenacity
of all those New Zealanders, British, Australian and Greek troops, assisted by Cretan civilians,
who tried to repel a huge airborne assault by thousands of elite German paratroopers on 20 May
1941. Whilst Crete was a major defeat for the Allied cause, the sacrifices and bravery of the New
Zealanders was remarkable. The exploits of Charles Upham and Alfred Hume, both of whom were
awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) for their actions on Crete, is the stuff of legend and it underlines
the core values of courage, commitment, comradeship and integrity that so many of our veterans,
past and present, demonstrate today.
Crete holds a special place in the hearts and minds of all New Zealanders and the links to Crete
remain strong. As we approach the 73rd Anniversary of the Battle for Crete, we remember all
those who gave their lives in the name of peace and freedom.
Hon. Michael Woodhouse
Minister For Veteran’s Affairs
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Υπουργείο Εθνικής Άμυνας
Η Μάχη της Κρήτης είναι ένα γεγονός μεγάλης πολιτικής, στρατιωτικής, γεωπολιτικής και ιστορικής
σημασίας με σημαντικό οικουμενικό συμβολισμό.
Πιστοί στις παραδόσεις και στους αγώνες των προγόνων τους, οι Έλληνες έδωσαν άλλη μία μάχη
υπερασπιζόμενοι το έδαφος της πατρίδας και τις αξίες της ελευθερίας και της εθνικής αξιοπρέπειας.
Μαζί με τους συμμάχους μας στον αγώνα ενάντια στο ναζισμό, ο ελληνικός στρατός και οι ανυπότακτοι
Κρήτες προκάλεσαν σημαντικές απώλειες στο σώμα των Γερμανών Αλεξιπτωτιστών, τερμάτισαν
τον ρόλο τους για το υπόλοιπο μέρος του πολέμου και καθυστέρησαν καθοριστικά στην εισβολή στη
Σοβιετική Ένωση.
Δεν είναι τυχαίο το γεγονός, ότι η Μάχη της Κρήτης αποτελεί κορυφαίο γεγονός στην παγκόσμια
στρατιωτική ιστορία, αποτελώντας παράδειγμα ολοκληρωτικής αντίστασης ενός λαού.
Χωρίς να διαθέτουμε τα μέσα και τον εξοπλισμό των εισβολέων, τον Μάιο του 1940 στην Κρήτη,
δείξαμε σε όλο τον κόσμο, τι μπορεί να πετύχει ένας λαός, όταν είναι αποφασισμένος να προασπίσει τα
δίκαιά του.
Στους δύσκολους καιρούς που βιώνουμε ως έθνος, ο αγώνας της Κρήτης μας δίνει θάρρος και ενισχύει
την αποφασιστικότητα του ελληνικού λαού. Μπορούσαμε τότε, μπορούμε και τώρα να κατακτήσουμε τη
θέση μας στην ιστορία ως έθνος, ως υπερήφανοι και ελεύθεροι άνθρωποι.
Η Μάχη της Κρήτης μας διδάσκει ότι το πατριωτικό φρόνημα, η ομοψυχία και η ενότητα, είναι τα
πλέον βασικά στοιχεία που πρέπει να έχει ένας λαός για να προασπίσει τον ρόλο του στον ιστορικό και
σύγχρονο χρόνο.
Δημήτρης Αβραμόπουλος
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73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Ambassador of Greece to Australia
Η απότιση προς τιμής στη Μάχης της Κρήτης αποτελή κορωνδία στην ιστορική σχέση μεταξύ
Ελλάδος κ Αυστραλίας και κορυφαίο σημείο αναφοράς για τις μελλοντικές γενεές Ελλήνων και
Αυστραλών.
Συγχαίρω εσάς και το Συμβούλιο Κρητών για τις εορταστικές εκδηλώσεις τις οποίες προγραμματίζετε
για το 2014 και σας ευχαριστούμε για την όλη συνεργασία σε ότι αφορά την πρόσκληση και την
φιλοξενία της επίσημης ελληνικής αντιπροσωπείας η οποία θα επισκεφθεί εφέτος στην Αυστραλία.
Ο φιλελληνισμός και η ομογένεια είναι δύο μεγάλα κεφάλαια τα οποία διαθέτει η Ελλάδα ως
ήπια δύναμη. Εορτάζοντας κορυφαίες ιστορικές επετείους ως ομογένεια τονώνουμε τη μνήμη των
φίλων μας Αυστραλών και διατηρούμε μια παράδοση αδελφοσύνης και ηρωισμού ζωντανή, κάτι το
οποίο είναι πολύτιμο γιατί ενώνει ψυχικά δύο δημοκρατικούς λαούς γεφυρώνοντας γεωγραφικές
αποστάσεις και εθνικές ιστορικές διαδρομές.
Χάρης Δαφαράνος
Πρέσβης Κανμπέρας
Ambassador of Greece to New Zealand
Rarely in the course of human history are the bonds between two nations forged in blood. Yet,
this is exactly what happened during the Battle of Crete. The ties of friendship between Greeks
and New Zealanders were initially based in the campaigns of World War I, though the warm
friendship and mutual appreciation culminated during those twelve days of May 1941. Ever since,
the relationship has been fostered by the thousands of Greeks who chose to settle in New Zealand
and also by the Kiwi visitors to Greece, Crete in particular, where they are always given a warm
welcome by a grateful people that have not forgotten the ultimate sacrifice of the 671 who fell
alongside their Greek, British and Australian brothers in arms.
For the people of Crete, the Battle constitutes yet another glorious moment in the long catalogue of heroic deeds of its men and women during the island’s tumultuous history.
For the New Zealanders, it exemplified once more a fact apparent to everyone that has spend
time in Aotearoa: that Kiwis, safe as they are in their relative geographic isolation, will never hesitate to fight and shed their blood for values deeply embedded in the psyche of this proud nation:
freedom, justice and democracy.
Today, the legacy of the Battle of Crete is also evident on the state level: Greece and New Zealand conduct their foreign policy responsibly, with peace, human rights, democracy and respect
for international law as overarching principles.
At his time of Remembrance, we are all privileged in having the opportunity to honour and preserve the memory and the ideals of the Battle of Crete and bequeath them to posterity.
Vassilis Koinis
Chargé d’Affaires
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Hellenic National Defence
Lieutenant General George Petkos is the Chief of Staff of the Hellenic National Defense General
Staff (HNDGS).
Education:
He was born in Veria. He joined the Hellenic Air Force Academy in 1977 and graduated in 1981
as a 2nd Lieutenant.
He graduated from :
• Air War College/Junior Officers
• Air War College/Senior Officers
• Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training in USA
Foreign Languages: English
Assignments:
At first he was assigned in the Sheppard Air Base of USA as flight instructor in T-38 aircraft. Later
on, he served in 120Air Training Wing /363Air Training Squadron as flight instructor in T-2E aircraft. He was assigned in 110CW/349 Day Interception Squadron in F-5A/B aircraft as Flight Air
Group Commander and Operations Officer and then he took up the duties of Squadron Commander
in 113CW/343 Day Interception Squadron. In the Hellenic Tactical Air Force (HTAF) he served as
staff officer in the Air Ground Safety Direction and the Safety Directorate. He took up the duties
of Director in the Staff Office of HAFGS Chief, in the Military Office of the Minister of National
Defense and then he was assigned in the International Relations Directorate of HNDGS. He also
served as director in the HAFGS Operations Center and then he served as Director of HAFGS
Operations Direction and the Hellenic Air Force Academy Commander. Also, he was the Director
HAFGS A’ Branch. Before his assumption of duties as the Chief of Staff of the Hellenic National
Defense General Staff he was Deputy Chief of Staff of the HAFGS.
Flight Responsibilities:
He has more than 4500 flight hours.
He has flown: T-41D, T-37B/C, T-2E, T-38 and F-5A/B aircraft.
Promotions:
•
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2nd Lieutenant : 19/05/1981
1st Lieutenant : 25/05/1984
Captain : 02/06/1988
Major : 16/06/1993
Lieutenant Colonel : 06/05/1998
Colonel : 18/03/2003
Brigadire General : 04/03/2009
Major General : 09/03/2011
Lieutenant General: 08/03/2013
Medals - Decorations:
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Order of Honor Commander’s Badge
Grand Commander’s Badge of “Order of Phoenix”
Medal of Military Merit 1st Class
Air Force Formation Command Medal 2nd Class
Air Force Meritorious Command Medal 1st Class
Staff Officer Service Commendation Medal 2nd Class
Lieutenant General
Georgios Petkos
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73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Governοr of Crete
Είναι διαχρονικά τα μηνύματα της ιστορικής επετείου για τα ιδανικά της ελευθερίας της
αλληλεγγύης, της συμπόρευσης όλων μας ώστε η χώρα μας να ξεπεράσει την κρίση και να ατενίσει
με αισιοδοξία το μέλλον.
Η Μάχη της Κρήτης, με την πρωτόγνωρη παλλαϊκή αντίσταση, συγκαταλέγεται από τους
ιστορικούς στα σημαντικότερα γεγονότα του Β’ Παγκοσμίου Πολέμου. Οι μνήμες ζωντανεύουν και
τα συναισθήματα όλων μας είναι διάχυτα τιμώντας την 73η επέτειο της Μάχης της Κρήτης, με
εκδηλώσεις στο νησί, στην υπόλοιπη Ελλάδα αλλά και στο εξωτερικό.
Ο αγώνας, το πείσμα των Κρητικών για την ελευθερία και την δημοκρατία καθόρισαν τις τύχες
του πολέμου, αφού, παρά τις αντίθετες προβλέψεις των εισβολέων: η μάχη είχε μεγάλη διάρκεια και
τα επίλεκτα γερμανικά στρατεύματα υπέστησαν σκληρή δοκιμασία και σημαντικές απώλειες, από τις
συμμαχικές δυνάμεις που αντιστάθηκαν και με κάθε τρόπο ανέτρεψαν τα επιχειρησιακά σχέδια του
Χίτλερ. Αποτίουμε με ευλάβεια φόρο τιμής στους ήρωες που έπεσαν στα πεδία των μαχών για την
πατρίδα. Ευχαριστούμε θερμά για την προσφορά τους, τους ζώντες μαχητές-βετεράνους της Μάχης
της Κρήτης. Είμαστε ευγνώμονες στους συμπατριώτες μας μαχητές αλλά και στους βετεράνους των
συμμαχικών στρατευμάτων, από την μακρινή Αυστραλία, τη Νέα Ζηλανδία αλλά και τη Βρετανία.
Σταύρος Αρναουτάκης
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Αντιπεριφερειάρχη Ρεθύμνης
Στη σύγχρονη εποχή μετά τους Bαλκανικούς αγώνες ξεχωρίζουν δύο μεγάλα σύμβολα: Το ΟΧΙ των
Ελλήνων στον Μουσολίνι που οδήγησε στην πρώτη συμμαχική νίκη επί των δυνάμεων του φασισμού στα
βουνά της Αλβανίας και η Μάχη της Κρήτης που αναπτέρωσε το ηθικό των σκλαβωμένων λαών της Ευρώπης
ντρόπιασε τις αήττητες έως τότε δυνάμεις της Βερμαχτ και καθυστέρησε την εισβολή των Χιτλερικών στην
Σoβιετική Ένωση με αποτέλεσμα να τους βρει ο χειμώνας και να τους σταματήσει μπροστά στην Μόσχα.
Ο Μάιος του 1941 αποτελεί ημερομηνία σταθμό στην κρητική και παγκόσμια ιστορία, έναν ύμνο στην
ελευθερία και στο υψηλό φρόνημα ανεξαρτησίας και αυτοθυσίας του κρητικού λαού, που επέδειξε μνημειώδη
αντίσταση ενάντια στα χιτλερικά στρα-τεύματα.
Κρητικοί κάθε ηλικίας σε όρη και ακτές ένωσαν τις δυνάμεις τους με τους Βρετανούς, Αυστραλούς και
Νοεοζηλανδούς συμμάχους και όρθωσαν το ανάστημά τους, σε μια μάχη υπό στρατιωτικούς όρους «άνιση»,
αλλά καθοριστική, όπως αποδείχτηκε στη συνέχεια για τη διάλυση του ναζιστικού μορφώματος, που ήθελε
να υποτάξει τους λαούς της Ευρώπης.
Η Κρητική αδούλωτη ψυχή και λεβεντιά, δε λύγισε την χιτλερική μηχανή, που μέχρι τότε ισοπέδωνε τους
ισχυρότερους ευρωπαϊκούς στρατούς, ωστόσο δυσκόλεψε πέραν του αναμενόμενου τον εχθρό και σίγουρα
τον έκανε να αναθεωρήσει τα επιτελικά του σχέδια ματαιώνοντας με αυτό τον τρόπο επελάσεις του σε άλλες
περιοχές της Ευρώπης και της Μέσης Ανατολής.
Οι πρόγονοί μας θρήνησαν χιλιάδες απώλειες στο έπος της Μάχης της Κρήτης, νικήθηκαν, αλλά δεν
υποτάχτηκαν. Αυτό το «οξύμωρο σχήμα» καθιστά τη Μάχη της Μάχη της Κρήτης ένα τόσο ξεχωριστό
γεγονός για την κρητική και ελληνική ιστορία και ταυτόχρονα σημείο αναφοράς για όλους τους λαούς, που
συμμερίζονται τις αρχές της ελευθερίας και δημοκρατίας και του σεβασμού στην ιερότητα της ανθρώπινης
ζωής.
Και θα είμαστε πάντα περήφανοι για αυτό.
Μαρία Λιόνη
Αντιπεριφερειάρχης Χανίων
73 χρόνια κλείνουν φέτος από τη Μάχη της Κρήτης, αυτή την λαμπρή σελίδα της Ιστορίας μας, αλλά και
της Παγκόσμιας Ιστορίας.
73 χρόνια πριν, ο Κρητικός Λαός, πιστός στις αξίες της φυλής, αντιμετώπισε τις σκοτεινές δυνάμεις
της ανελευθερίας και της υποταγής με κάθε μέσο, με κάθε τρόπο, καθυστερώντας την κυριαρχία τους και
δίνοντας έτσι το περιθώριο στις Συμμαχικές Δυνάμεις να προετοιμάσουν την νικηφόρα αντεπίθεση.
Το χρονικό της Μάχης της Κρήτης θα ξεχωρίζει για πάντα μέσα στο χρόνο, όχι μόνο για τον εκπληκτικό
ηρωισμό των προγόνων μας.
Θα ξεχωρίζει ταυτόχρονα για τη συγκινητική συνύπαρξη διαφορετικών λαών στο πεδίο της Μάχης,
λαών από όλα τα πλάτη και τα μήκη της γης, που ήρθαν στην κρητική γη και στάθηκαν δίπλα στους
ντόπιους, για να αγωνισθούν μαζί για την Λευτεριά.
Οι συμπολεμιστές από την Αυστραλία και τη Νέα Ζηλανδία, έγραψαν στα χώματά μας την δική τους
ηρωική σελίδα. Ο τόπος μας έχει να διηγηθεί τις ιστορίες τους, ιστορίες ηρωικές, ιστορίες αλληλεγγύης,
ιστορίες βαθιών συναισθημάτων, που αναπτύχθηκαν μεταξύ των Κρητών και των Συμμάχων. Ανθρώπινες
ιστορίες που αποδεικνύουν ότι η μεγαλοσύνη στους λαούς βρίσκεται στη συναδέλφωσή τους, πώς με αυτό
τον τρόπο μόνο μπορούμε να πορευθούμε μέσα στο χρόνο δημιουργώντας έναν οικουμενικό πολιτισμό.
Οι μνήμες σ’ αυτή την πορεία πρέπει να μένουν πάντα εναργές, για να μας διδάσκουν και να μας
καθοδηγούν.
Για αυτό το λόγο, η Κρητική Ομοσπονδία της Αυστραλίας και της Νέας Ζηλανδίας με συγκινεί βαθύτατα
με το έργο της.
Σας στέλνω τα χαιρετίσματά μου από την Πατρίδα και σας ευχαριστώ θερμά που με κάνετε κοινωνό
αυτού του έργου.
Απόστολος Βουλγαράκης
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73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Παγκόσμιο Συμβούλιο Κρητών
Με την ευκαιρία των εορτασμών της 73ης Επετείου της Μάχης, στο όνομα των Αποδήμων Κρητών
όπου Γης το Παγκόσμιο Συμβούλιο Κρητών υπενθυμίζει την υπερηφάνειά του για τις θυσίες των
Ελλήνων και ιδιαίτερα των Κρητών για τις πανανθρώπινες και διαχρονικές αξίες, όπως η Ελευθερία,
η Αλληλεγγύη, ο Αλληλοσεβασμός, ο Κοινός αγώνας για την εικράτησή τους, όπως το απέδειξαν και
με την Μάχη της Κρήτης, και με τη συμμετοχή πολιτών από τις φιλόξενες και φίλες χώρες μας την
Αυστραλία και τη Νέα Ζηλανδία.
Διαβεβαιώνει για την πίστη των Αποδήμων Κρητών στις πανανθρώπινες και διαχρονικές αυτές
αξίες προυπόθεση για τη συνεργασία, την πρόοδο και την ειρήνη μεταξύ των λαών.
Πίστη που ατελεί οδηγό για τη πορεία, τη δράση και το έργο των Αποδήμων Κρητών, αναπόσπαστο
και δυναμικό μέρος του Απόδημου Ελληνισμού.
Καλεί τους Κρήτες και τους Ελληνες γενικότερα όπου Γης να μην ξεχνούν τι έχουν προσφέρει, τι
δικαιούνται αλλά και τι μπορούν ώστε να συνεχίζουν να διακρίνονται και να προσφέρουν όπου Γης
και ιδιαίτερα στην Ελλάδα μας σ’αυτή τη δύσκολη περίοδο που διανύει.
Το Παγκόσμιο Συμβούλιο Κρητών είναι βεβαιο πως οι Κρήτηες όπου Γης είναι σήμερα νοερά
στην Κρήτη και συμμετέχουν στους εορτασμούς. Οχι μόνο για την απόδοση τιμής. Οχι μόνο για την
αναζωογόνηση της μνήμης, αλλά και για τη βούληση ότι ακόμη και διαφορετικοί, αλλά ενωμένοι,
και αποφασισμένοι μπορούμε να είμαστε αντάξιοι εκείνων που τιμούμε, για να έχουμε μια Κρήτη
μπροστάρα σε μια Ελλάδα που αξίζουμε κι ένα Κόσμο πιο αδελφικό και ανθρώπινο.
Πρόεδρος
Αντώνης Σ. Τσουρδαλάκης
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Cretan Association of New Zealand
Να ‘χεν η γης πατήματα
Κί ο ουρανός κερκέλια
Να πάτουν τα πατήματα, να ‘πιανα τα κερκέλια
Να δώσω σεισμα τ’ ουρανού και σεισμα του πελάγου.
Αυτό ήταν το τραγούδι του Βενιζέλου, που το τραγουδούσε στα χρόνια των αγώνων του στη Κρήτη
κi αργότερα πάλι σαν μαχητής - Κυβερνήτης- διπλωμάτης και οργανωτής του νεοελληνικού κράτους.
Και το τραγουδούσε γιατί αυτό το τραγούδι εξέφραζε όχι μόνο την δυναμική του προσωπικότητα
αλλά και την αστείρευτη αγάπη του για την ιδιαίτερη του Πατρίδα. Τόσο μεγάλο και δυνατό ένιωθε
τον εαυτό του και το πίστευε πως αν η Γη είχε πατάρια να πατήσει για να πιάσει τα κερκέλια τ’
ουρανού, θα μπορούσε να σεισει τη γη και το Συμπαν για το καλό της Πατρίδας του. Πολλές φορές
έκανε αναφορά στον Θουκυδίδη και στο ρητό του «Το μυστικό της ευτυχίας είναι η ελευθερία. Το
μυστικό της ελευθερίας είναι η τόλμη».
Συμπατριώτες, εφέτος είναι 74 χρόνια απο το φωτεινό ορόσημο της σύχρονης ιστορίας του
Ελληνισμού, αυτό της Μάχης της Κρήτης. Οι υπερήφανοι πρόγονοι μας μαζί με τους Νεοζηλανδούς
και Αυστραλούς τότε έκαμαν το καθήκον τους. Πολλοί από αυτούς έδωσαν την ζωή τους για να
είμαστε εμείς Ελεύθεροι.
Εμείς σαν απόγονοι αυτών των Ηρώων πρέπει να διαφυλάξουμε πάση θυσία τίς ιερές μνήμες και
τα διαχρονικά μυνήματα από την Μάχη της Κρήτης γιατί πρέπει να τα παραδώσουμε ατόφια αλλά
και με τον δέοντα σεβασμό στις μεταγενέστερες γενιές.
Όλοι μαζί με “μια φωνή” ας σιγοτραγουδήσουμε αυτους τους στίχους και άς “τολμήσουμε” λοιπόν
να “ελευθερωθούμε” από τους καινούργιους δυνάστες / κατακτητές και ίσως τότε να γευτούμε την
“αληθινή ευτυχία της Ελευθερίας, τής αξιοπρέπειας, της δικαιοσύνης και της ευημερίας“.
Σήμερα η Πατρίδα μας βρίσκεται και πάλι σε μια δύσκολη καμπή της ιστορίας της. Μονιασμένοι,
με θάρρος, αυτοπεποίθηση, υπερηφάνια, σωστο προγραματισμό αλλά και με σεβασμό στα ιδανικά
της Πατρίδος μας είμαι σίγουρος ότι και πάλι θα ξεπεράσουμε αυτόν τον σκόπελο. Άλλωστε εμείς οι
Κρητικοί “ειμαστε γενημένοι” γιά να αγωνιζόμαστε.
Τιμή, Δόξα και Σεβασμό στους Ηρωες της Μάχης της Κρήτης.
Πρόεδρος
Γιώργος Νεονάκης
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73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Κρητικής Αδελφότητα Μελβούρνη & Βικτωρίας
My first exposure to the Battle of Crete was through my father’s stories of the German occupation
of Crete. As a 10 year old, he and his friends would steal bread from the back of German jeeps, and occasionally the more sympathetic German soldiers would sneak them some food when their superiors
were not looking.
My most profound experience was when I visited the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Souda in
2005. The extent of ANZAC involvement in the Battle of Crete really hit me as I walked through the
endless rows of tombstones with the names of Australians, Kiwis and Britons. We live in a land which
shares a strong bond and mutual respect with Crete. Both Cretans and ANZACs are renowned for their
fighting spirit, bravery and resilience. In May 1941 they fought desperately side by side for 10 days to
effect a crucial mass resistance against the Axis forces.
As the generation of Cretans, Australians and New Zealanders with first hand experience of the
Battle of Crete gradually leave our world, it is vital that we preserve their legacy to ensure the learnings
and bonds of our two homelands formed in May 1941, are carried through to future generations. The
annual commemoration of the Battle of Crete is so important for this reason alone.
President
Jim Papadimitriou
Παγκρητία Ένωση Μελβούρνης - Αυστραλίας
Με μεγάλη ευχάριστη επικοινωνώ μαζί σας και φέτος με αφορμή τον εορτασμό της Επετείου της
Μάχης Της Κρήτης. Μιας Επετείου που σφράγισε την ένδοξη ιστορία του τόπου μας και τους ηρωικούς
αγώνες του λαού μας για λευτεριά. Δε μπορούμε ως Κρητικοί παρά να είμαστε υπερήφανη για τους
προγόνους μας, που με περίσσεια γεννοιότητα και αυτοθυσία έθεσαν εαυτούς απέναντι στην μανία
του ναζιστικού φασιστικού εισβολέα. Η Γερμανική Στρατιωτική μηχανή, που μέχρι εκείνο το πρωινό
του Μάη του 1941, δούλευε στην εντέλεια, ξαφνικά μπλόκαρε, μόλις πάτησε στο Κρητικό έδαφος.
Μαζί με τους φίλους και σύμαχους Αυστραλούς, Νεοζηλανδούς και Βρετανούς, οι πρόγονοι μας
κατάθεσαν το αίμα τους και τη ζωή τους για να υποτρέψουν την υποδούλωση σε έναν λυσσαλέο και
βάρβαρο κατακτητή. Τιμή και δοψα τους ανήκει όπως και να παραμένει ζωντανή στη μνήμη ολων
μας η υπέρτατη θυσία και η αγωνιστικότητα τους.
Πρόεδρος
Γιάννης Νικολακάκης
Κρητική Αδελφότητα Σύδνεη
As we approach the 75th anniversary of the Greek campaign and the Battle of Crete we can reflect on
it’s lasting legacy. Up until the attack on Greece the Germans seemed invincible and they anticipated
another easy victory but not everything would go according to their plans this time. In Crete, for the
first time in the war, the Germans encountered the spontaneous and ferocious resistance from ordinary
people which started with the invasion, continued throughout the occupation and locked German soldiers into a state of relentless conflict. In that sense it was a turning point and signalled the beginning
of the end of the German dream of world domination.
The difference this time was that the locals shared their plight with the ANZACS and in so doing created a lasting bond between the nations of Australia, New Zealand and Greece. This bond is not only
based on our shared wartime experiences but on our common respect of individuality and personal
freedom, our disdain for authoritarianism and our willingness to defend these virtues against anyone
that seeks to take them from us. As the memories from the Battle of Crete slowly fade into history
these common virtues forged in war will continue to bind our three nations together well into the future and represent it’s lasting legacy.
President
Nick Janes
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Κρητική Αδελφότητα Κουηνσλάνδης
Αγαπητοί Πατριώτες,
Με την ευκαιρία των εκδηλώσεων για την 73η επετείου της Μάχης της Κρήτης, θα ήθελα να στείλω ένα
θερμό χαιρετισμό στους Κρήτες στην Αυστραλία και στην Νέα Ζηλανδία.
Πριν από 73 χρόνια Έλληνες, Αυστραλοί και Νέο Ζηλανδοί πολέμησαν μαζί για να ζούμε εμείς σήμερα
ελεύθεροι. Είναι σημαντικό οι εκδηλώσεις της Μάχης της Κρήτης να συνεχίζονται κάθε χρόνο, για να μην
λησμονήσουμε όλους που πολεμήσανε για να μπορούμε να ζούμε ελεύθεροι και να μπορούμε να κρατάμε
την παράδοση, την γλώσσα και την παράδοση των προγόνων μας.
Υποστήριξη πρέπει να συνεχιστεί προς της Αδελφότητες/Ενώσης που έχουν δυσκολίες να καταφέρουνε
αυτό το στόχο.
Πρώτα ο θεός θα ανταμωθούμε το 2015 στο Wellington για την ετήσια συνεδρίαση της Κρητικής
Ομοσπονδίας Αυστραλίας και Νέα Ζηλανδίας
Με πατριωτικούς χαιρετισμούς,
Πρόεδρος
Μιχάλης Αρβανιτάκης
Cretan Association of Canberra & Districts
As a second generation Australian of Cretan born parents, I have grown up hearing the tales of
struggle of sacrifice suffered in Crete during the German invasion of 1941. The Allied Australian,
New Zealand, Greek and British forces who fought in Greece and Crete faced overwhelming odds
whilst defending Crete. Islanders and Allies fought side by side, creating a bond and friendship
that remain strong to this day. It is a privilege to play apart in seeing these bonds continue into
the future. May we always remember those who fell giving their lives for freedom.
On behalf of the Cretan association of Canberra and Districts, I wish to congratulate the Cretan
Federation on organising the commemorations for the 73rd anniversary of the Battle of Crete.
President
George Paterakis
Σύνδεσμος Κρητών Νοτίου Αυστραλίας
Για μία ακόμη χρονιά γιορτάζουμε την επέτειο για τα 73 χρόνια από την Μάχη της Κρήτης και
δίνουμε φόρο τιμής σ’ αυτους τους ηρωικούς προγόνους μας, οι οποίοι με την ανδρεία τους, τη
λεβεντιά τους και την αυταπάρνηση της ζωής τους, με μόνο σκοπό τη μη παράδοση της πατρίδας
στον εχθρό, κατάφεραν και έσωσαν τα χώματά μας.
Το ηθικό και η συμμετοχή του άμαχου πληθυσμού, έπαιξε καθοριστικό ρόλο στην έκβαση της
ιστορίας, αφού με όποια μέσα διέθεταν έστειναν ενέδρες και έδιναν τον δικό τους «κλεφτοπόλεμο».
Είχαν εμπιστοσύνη στο δίκαιό τους και την ψυχική τους δύναμη. Ήταν ενωμένοι και κατάφεραν το
ακατόρθωτο.
Φόρος τιμής σ’ αυτούς τους ηρωικούς πεσόντες στη Μάχη της Κρήτης που μας άφησαν μία πατρίδα
ελεύθερη. Τη λεβεντογέννα Κρήτη μας, η οποία με τη σειρά της έγινε η πατρίδα του Βιτσέντζου
Κορνάρου, του Δομίνικου Θεοτοκόπουλου (El Greco), του Ελευθέριου Βενιζέλου, του Νίκου Ξυλούρη,
της λεβεντιάς και της λύρας. Η Μεγαλόνησος που έχει κάθε Κρητικός μέσα του.
Πρόεδρος
Λάμπρος Κόλλης
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30
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Κρητική Αδελφότητα Δυτικής Αυστραλίας
Αγαπητοί Συμπατριώτες
Με ιδιαίτερη χαρά επικοινωνώ μαζί για να σας απευθύνω χαιρετισμό με την ευκαιρία των εκδηλώσεων
της ιστορικής μάχης της Κρήτης. Με σεβασμό στη μνήμη των μαχητών και πεσόντων της Μαχης της
Κρήτης, Κρητών και Ελλήνων και ξένων. Η γεναιώτητα και η αυτοθυσία των ανωνύμων ηρώων της
μαχης της Κρητης τον Μάη του 1941 οδήγησε να γραφτεί ακόμα μια χρυσή σελίδα στην ιστορία μας. Ας
κάνουμε πράξη τη ζωή μας το μήνυμα του αγώνα τους, την αγαπη για τη ζωή και την ελευθερία που στην
εποχή μας σημαίνει πάθος για την ειρήνη.
Με πατριωτικους χαιρετισμούς
Πρόεδρος
Μανόλης Γερογιαννάκης
Κρητική Αδελφότητα Τασμανίας
Φέτος εορτάζουμε την 73η επέτειο της Μάχης της Κρήτης, μια από τις πιο δραματικές μάχες του Β’
Παγκοσμίου Πολέμου. Αυστραλοί, Βρετανοί, Νεοζηλανδοί, Eλληνικά στρατεύματα και άμαχοι Κρητικοί
αντιπετώπισαν μια τεράστια Γερμανική αεροπορική επίθεση εισβολής δείχνοντας τεράστιο θάρρος σ’
αυτόν τον συντριπτικά άνισο αγώνα.
Ενώ το Τρίτο Ράιχ τελικά κατάφερε να καταλάβει το νησί, η Κρήτη κατά τις δέκα ημέρες της αντίστασης
προξένησε τόσο μεγάλες απώλειες στις Γερμανικές δυνάμεις ώστε ο Φύρερ εγκατέλειψε τα σχέδια για τυχόν
παρόμοιες επιθέσεις στο μέλλον θρηνώντας την απώλεια 4500 ειδικά εκπαιδευμένων αλεξιπτωτιστών.
Σε αυτή την επέτειο θα σταθούμε για λίγο ευλαβικά για να τιμήσουμε όλους εκείνους που πάλεψαν
θαρραλέα στη Μάχη της Κρήτης, καθώς και τους πολλούς Κρητικούς που έχασαν τη ζωή τους κατά τους
μήνες μετά από τη μάχη και που με κίνδυνο της ζωής τους και των οικογενειών τους έκρυψαν τους
συμμάχους και τους βοήθησαν να φύγουν από το νησί .
Εκ μέρους του Συλλόγου Κρητών της Τασμανίας, θα ήθελα επίσης να εκμεταλλευτώ αυτή την ευκαιρία
για να ευχαριστήσω την Κρητική Ομοσπονδία, καθώς και όλους όσους παίρνουν μέρος στην εκδήλωση
μας για τη συνεχή υποστήριξή τους.
Πρόεδρος
Γιάννης Φιωτάκης
Κρητική Αδελφότητα Βόρειας Επικράτειας
Με ευκαιρία της επετείου της Μάχης της Κρήτης θα ήθελα να στείλω σε όλους τους Κρητές
πατριώτες μας τους θερμούς μου χαιρετισμούς.
Ενωμένοι όλοι οι Κρητές με τους Έλληνες, Άγγλους, Αυστραλούς και Νέο Ζηλανδους πολέμησαν
τους Γερμανούς για την ελευθερία και ειρήνη. Ο Ιωάννης. Μεταξάς είπε Όχι ο ελληνικός λαός είπε
Όχι και ο Κρητικος λαός δεν είπε μόνο Όχι αλλά αγωνίστηκε και θυσιάστηκε μέχρι την ημέρα τής
απελευθέρωσης.
Οι Κρητές ξέρουν πραγματικά να πολεμούν και αυτό ήταν αιτία που σήμανε την αρχή και το
τέλος του Χιτλερικού Ιμπεριαλισμού. Σήμερα τιμούμε την μνήμη αυτών που θυσιάστηκαν για να
απολαμβάνουμε την ελευθερία. Πάντα ενωμένοι στην μακρινή αλλά φιλόξενη Αυστραλία μπορούμε
να διατηρήσουμε και να διαφυλάξουμε αυτά που παρέδωσαν οι πρόγονοι μας.
Με πατριωτικούς χαιρετισμούς
Πρόεδρος
Κωσταντίνος Χνάρης
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Cretan Youth of
Australia & New Zealand
This year we have come together to commemorate the 73rd Anniversary of the Battle of Crete;
a battle where the ANZACS, British, and Greek soldiers fought alongside Cretan men, women and
children. Together they attempted to resist the German forces from taking over the last piece of
unoccupied Greek soil.
Crete had great strategic importance in the Mediterranean. It has a central position in the Aegean and it is the largest of the islands in the eastern Mediterranean. The harbour at Suda Bay
was the largest in the Mediterranean Sea and an ideal base for naval operations. Control of the
island was desirable to both the British and Germans. For the British, it would have given them
even greater control of the Mediterranean and therefore consolidate their control of the northern
end of the Suez Canal. Additionally, British bombers could also use the airfields to bomb the oil
plants at Ploesti in Romania. For the Germans, the base could have been used to attack British
shipping in the area and disrupt the British use of the Suez Canal. Crete could also be used as a pit
stop for men heading to the North African theatre of war.
Dubbed Unternehmen Merkur (Operation Mercury) the plan was simple; it was headed by Kurt
Student the Nazis were to obtain the island in as little time possible, and where instructed to
not delay further operations. Therefore they were ordered by Hitler to attack from the sky, using
primarily airborne and air units that were already in the area. It was the first and last time such
an airborne assault was ordered on a major target.
Hitler’s Nazi Germany suffered immense losses in their attempt to take over Crete. Amongst the
use of ancient weapons used throughout the Balkan and First World War we have also heard of
recollections that involve young children hitting tangled paratroopers over the head with whatever they could find, in order to disorientate them before a final blow could be actioned by an older
stronger individual. In one recorded case of extreme brutality against the German Fallschirmjäger,
an elderly Cretan man clubbed a paratrooper to death with his walking cane before the German
could disentangle himself from his parachute lines.
All in all Hitler lost over 6,500 hundred of his best men in what resulted as a Pyrrhic victory.
Hitler did not only lose a substantial percentage of his troops, he had lost a substantial amount
of time in his quest to obtain Crete, and furthermore he had lost the trust in the use of his paratroopers.
In the midst of these harrowing events one thing is certain, Crete and her children with the aid
of allied troops stood proud against the German brutality. Young men looked death straight in the
eyes and did not flinch, nor did they give the Germans the satisfaction that they so very much
sought after. Even when the large portion of the battle was over, the Cretan locals put their lives
on the line to keep allied troops whom had been left behind safe from been capture and, or imminent death by the hands of the German forces.
We have come together to celebrate and pay homage to those who fought and fell some 73 years
ago, to those whom are yet to be publically acknowledged for the hardship they faced throughout
the war, and to those that gave their youthful years and lives for us to be so fortunate to live in
freedom as Greek-Australians....as Cretans.
ΖΗΤΩ Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ!!!
ΖΗΤΩ Η ΚΡΗΤΗ!!!
ΖΗΤΟ Η ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΑ!!!
Lest We Forget
President
James Zoumis
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32
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Pancretan Youth of Melbourne
My name is Paula Sagiadellis and I live in Melbourne. My grandfather is of Cretan descent.
When anyone asks me what makes me so passionate about my Cretan heritage, I have many clear
images that I can remember. I have the images of me dancing from the age of four.
The feeling I got back then of dancing in front of my family, up until now, have only grown
stronger. I can clearly remember watching my mother and grandfather dancing Cretan together
and I always looked up to them, aspiring to be as passionate as they are. Some of my fondest
memories are of my grandfather telling me stories about Crete.
The time I spent with him listening to the many stories about his life in Crete and the strength
that he had to move to Australia will remain life lessons. My grandfather is the reason I am so
proud to be Cretan, I wear my costume with such pride because I know how proud he is of the
continuing the Cretan traditions, I know he is watching over me with a smile on his face.
I plan to pass these onto my children. I suppose it is very hard to explain in one paragraph what
makes me Cretan as words cannot clearly capture what I feel in my heart……
President
Paula Sagiadellis
Cretan Brotherhood Youth of Melbourne Victoria
I am very pleased to mark this anniversary of the Battle of Crete with a message of commemoration.
On this anniversary we pause to remember the extraordinary courage, and honour the sacrifice
of the defenders of Crete.
Troops from Australia Britain and New Zealand fought alongside Greeks against the first airborne invasion in history.
We also remember the outstanding courage, and compassion of men, and women of Crete who
selflessly risked cruel reprisals to provide shelter and care for many stranded allied servicemen.
Strong and enduring bonds of friendship respect and affection were forged between Cretans and
Australian peoples during those desperate times.
I am sending a message of gratitude to all the heroes who traveled to Crete to fight along side
our ancestors and help to preserve the integrity and liberty of people of Crete.
We owe them more than can ever be repaid.
Thanks to them now we live in freedom and democracy.
This will never be forgotten and will continue helping to safeguard for future generations the
memory of Battle of Crete.
President
Johnathon Kaponikolos
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Cretan Youth of New South Wales
The Battle of Crete took place between the 20th of May and the 1st of June, 1941. A courageous
and horrific battle, it is often acknowledged as a turning point of WW2. With the support of the
patriotic civilians, the Germans were surprised and suffered heavy losses. Hitler subsequently forbade any more widespread invasions by means of paratroopers. Crete had become “the graveyard
of the German paratroopers” and it’s memory would never leave the minds of the Nazis. Although
ultimately the Battle resulted in a German victory, the Battle of Crete is a great testament to the
courage, patriotism and loyalty that Cretans have for their island.
The battle also bears significance to my family with a distant uncle, Stratis Saviolakis, playing a
special role. Stratis joined the abduction team that would take General Kriepe by submarine from
Crete to Egypt as a prisoner of war. It is said that Stratis was the one who kept his Cretan dagger
pinched under the general’s throat to silence him. This, as well as the other thousands of stories
by Cretans around the world bears witness to the great zeal and passion of the Cretan people.
President
Terry Saviolakis
Cretan Youth Association of QLD
I am half Cretan from my mother’s side, she was born there. Meaning that my whole family
on my mother’s side lives in Crete. Being able to continue Cretan culture and traditions through
Dance and music makes me feel a closer connection to Crete despite the distance of living so far
away.
Crete has a rich history in which I am proud of, this is carried through in being a part of The
Cretan Association of QLD. With our annual performances at the battle of Crete, Paniyiri and the
national Crete Convention which has definitely been an amazing experience and a lot of fun. This
year I was able to attend my first National Convention, which was an unforgettable experience,
meeting and dancing with other Australian Cretans. I hope to continue with dancing and participating in all the events in which we do.
Katerina Symons
33
34
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
World Council of Cretans
(8th - 10th August 2014)
Day:
Date:
Friday
8th August
2014
Event
• World Council of Cretans Board Meeting at the Region of Crete Headquarters.
• Visit to the Archbishop of Crete Irinaios.
• Meeting with the Governor of Crete Stavros Arnaoutakis.
• Closed Forum with the Executive Creative Director of Google, Cretan Born
Steve Vranakis at the University of Crete in Iraklio.
• Visit to the birthplace of El Greco “Dominikos Theotokopoulos” at Fodele Iraklio
and a Function hosted by the Mayor of Gazi.
Saturday
9th August
2014
• Visit to the Mayor of Rethymno.
• Open Meeting with all the Cretan Organisations around the globe at the Spiti
tou Politimsou in Rethymno.
• Official launch of the Cretan Wedding CD titled “H ωρα η καλη” a project
of the World Council.
• Traditional Cretan Music and Dance Concert at Fortzetza Theatre in Rethymno.
• Dinner and Glendi hosted by the outgoing W.C.C. President.
Sunday
10th August
2014
• Doxology and Church Service at the Holy Monastery of ARKADI.
• Media Launch of the 150 Years of the Holocaust of the Arkadi for 2016.
• World Council of Cretans Annual General Meeting - Elections.
• Dinner and Glendi hosted by the newly elected W.C.C. President.
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Cretan Federation of
Australia & New Zealand
35th National Convention - Wellington, NZ
(8th - 12th January 2015)
Day:
Date:
Thursday
8th January
2015
• Arrival of Delegates
9th January
2015
• CFANZ – Annual General Meeting
Friday
Event
• CFANZ Youth Function
Lunch
• CYANZ Annual General Meeting
• Welcome Cocktail Reception
Saturday
10th January
2015
• CFANZ – Annual General Meeting
• Day tour for Non-Delegates
Lunch
• Formal Dinner Dance
Sunday
11th January
2015
• Church Service
• CYANZ – Sports Carnival
• BBQ
Monday
12th January
2015
• Convention Day Trip
35
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73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
73rd Anniversary of the ANZAC Battle of Crete
23rd May – 28th May 2014
New South Wales
Day:
Date:
Friday
16th May 2014
• 8.00pm - Airport reception on arrival at Airport Reception Room - Mascot.
Event
Saturday
17th May 2014
• 11.00am - Visit Archdiocese - Archdiocese Redfern.
• 1.00pm - 3.00pm - Battle of Crete Annual Ceremony Official Ceremony with speeches and
wreath laying attended by politicians and military representatives Martin Place Cenotaph
- Sydney.
• 6.30pm - 12.00pm - Battle of Crete Annual Ball with live Cretan music, dance performance
and speeches attended by politicians and military representatives Emporium Function Centre Bankstown.
Sunday
18th May 2014
• 11.00am - 1.00pm - Anglican Church Service Church service in English to commemorate
the fallen of the Battle of Crete followed by a reception at the church hall Garrison Church
– Millers Point.
• Afternoon - Harbour Cruise - Sydney Harbour.
• Evening - Ceremony to honour veterans in conjunction with Greek RSL Sub-Branch
Monday
19th May 2014
• 9.00am - 2.00pm - Visit 3 Greek Orthodox Schools in Sydney Kingsford,
Belmore & Bankstown.
• 5.00pm - Depart for Wellington.
New Zealand
Day:
Date:
Event
Monday
19th May 2014
• 8.00pm - Official Delegation of the Hellenic Armed Forces arrive in NZ from Australia.
Tuesday
20th May 2014
• Cretan Association Commemorative night for the 73rd Anniversary for the Battle of Crete.
Wednesday
21st May 2014
• NZ Program.
Australian Capital Territory
Day:
Date:
Wednesday
21st May 2014
Thursday
Friday
Event
• Greeting at airport. Take guests to their hotel.
22nd May 2014 • AM - Meetings with Australian Government / Military counterparts (DVA Program).
• 12:00pm - Wreath Laying Ceremony - Australian Hellenic Memorial (ANZAC Parade).
• 13:15pm - Speech by the Lieutenant at ADFA.
• 13:45pm - War Memorial Tour.
• 15:00pm - Free Time.
• 19:00pm - Dinner hosted by the Cretan Association of Canberra (Hellenic Club of Canberra).
23rd May 2014
• AM - Meeting with
• PM - Depart to Melbourne.
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
37
73rd Anniversary of the ANZAC Battle of Crete
23rd May – 28th May 2014
Victoria
Day:
Date:
Event
Friday
23rd May 2014
• 4.00pm - Arrival in Melbourne from Canberra of representatives of the Hellenic Armed Forces
including Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Georgios Petkos (Hellenic Airforce) and his wife
Erifilli Metalidou as well as Colonel Athanasios Zafiropoulos (Hellenic Airforce). To be greeted
by the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne Mrs. Christina Simantirakis and the Presidents
of the Cretan Organisations of Melbourne.
• 7.00pm - Official Book Launch of THE BATTLE OF CRETE “The Untold Stories” by Historian
Dr. Peter Ewer at ANZAC HOUSE, 4 Collins Street, MELBOURNE in the presence of our
Australian Veterans and their families, as well as the representatives of the Hellenic Armed
Forces.
• 9.00pm - Dinner in honour of the Delegation of the Hellenic Armed Forces and the Cretan
Organisations hosted by the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne Mrs. Christina Simantiraki.
Saturday
24th May 2014
• 11.00am - Official Visit and School Ceremony at the Saturday Morning Greek Schools of the
Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne, situated at St. Gregories Primary School at 396
Manningham Road, Doncaster.
• 1.00pm - Luncheon in honour of the Delegation of the Hellenic Armed Forces hosted by the
President of the Cretan Federation of Australia & New Zealand Mr. Michael Houdalakis.
• 7.30pm - Official Dinner Dance to Celebrate the 73rd Anniversary of the Battle of Crete under
the auspices of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand and in honour of our
Veterans in the Ballroom of the Cretan Village which is situated at 90 Cathies Lane, Wantirna
South. Musician from Crete Giorgos Xylouris and his Band will entertain us as well as Dance
performances from the Pancretan & Cretan Brotherhood Dance Groups.
Sunday
25th May 2014
• 10.30am - Doxology & Church Service at the St. Efstathios Greek Orthodox Cathedral of
the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese situation at 221 Dorcas Street South Melbourne
• 12.00pm - Parade and Wreath Laying Ceremony at the forecourt of the Shrine of
Remembrance, with the participation of the Hellenic & Australian Armed Forces, local
groups,community organisations, Australian schools and more importantly the Australian
Veteran Associations.
• 1.45pm - Visit to the Olive Tree planted in the Gardens of the Shrine of Remembrance
• 2.00pm - Ceremony at the Australian Hellenic Memorial in the Domain Gardens hosted
by the Australian Hellenic Memorial Foundation.
• 3.30pm - Luncheon hosted by the Cretan Brotherhood and the Pancretan Association at
the Cretan Centre, situated at 148-150 Nicholson Street, East Brunswick
Monday
26th May 2014
• 9.00am - Official Visit to Parliament House hosted by the Friends of Greece-Victoria
Parliamentary Committee in the presence of the President of the Legislative Council.
• 11.00am - Official Visit to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese with Bishops Dervis IEZEKIHL
and Militoupoleos IAKOVOS.
• 1.00pm - Luncheon in honour of the Delegation of the Hellenic Armed Forces hosted by the
President of the World Council of Cretans Mr. Tony Tsourdalakis.
• 4.00pm - Visit to the Victorian Army Barracks and meeting with Australian
Defence Personnel.
• 9.25pm - Departure from Melbourne to Athens of representatives of the Hellenic Armed
Forces including Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Georgios Petkos (Hellenic Airforce) and
his wife Erifilli Metalidou as well as Colonel Athanasios Zafiropoulos (Hellenic Airforce).
38
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne Victoria
Κρητική Αδελφότητα Μελβούρνης Βικτωρίας
148 - 150 Nicholson Street, East Brunswick, VIC. 3057
Telephone: (03) 9380 6337 Fax: (03) 9380 6015 Mobile: 0411 224 532
Email: [email protected]
Top Row (Left to Right):
Emmanuel Kaloutsakis, Milton
Stamatakos, Joseph Kanakis,
Andreas Fliatouras, Kyriakos
Herekakis, Nectarios Vounakis,
George Shinas
Bottom Row (Left to Right):
Maggie Theodorakis, Harry
Heretakis, Helen Matsamakis, Jim
Papadimitriou (President), Michael
Houdalakis (Vice President),
Eva Gotsis (Secretary), Joseph
Manatakis, Elia Andriotis
(Treasurer)
Absent:
Stav Digenakis, Jonathon
Kapanikolos, James Klados, Chris
Polentas, Theano Zoumis
Committe Members
Top Row (Left to Right):
Toula Heretakis, Androniki
Herekakis, Maria Papa, Helen
Digenakis, Flora Markogiannkis,
Maria Kostandakakis
Bottom Row (Left to Right):
Adamantia Lantzakis, Emmanuel
Heretakis, Emmanuel Herekakis,
Evangelos Markogiannkis,
Eleftherios Kostandakakis
Long Standing Members
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
39
Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne Victoria
Κρητική Αδελφότητα Μελβούρνης Βικτωρίας
148 - 150 Nicholson Street, East Brunswick, VIC. 3057
Telephone: (03) 9380 6337 Fax: (03) 9380 6015 Mobile: 0411 224 532
Email: [email protected]
Left to Right:
Argyro Mylonakis, Toula
Heretakis (Trasurer), Maria
Economou, Maria Papa
(President), Androniki Herekakis,
Helen Digenakis (Vice President),
Maria Manatakis, Stephanie
Papadimitriou, Eleftheria
Papagiannkis, Toula Ieronymakis,
Toula Fountoulakis, Aliki
Dimotakis, Maria Katzourakis
(Secretary)
Ladies Committe
Left to Right:
Toula Fountoulakis, Aliki Dimotakis,
Maria Katzourakis (Secretary)
Ladies Committe
40
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne Victoria
Κρητική Αδελφότητα Μελβούρνης Βικτωρίας
148 - 150 Nicholson Street, East Brunswick, VIC. 3057
Telephone: (03) 9380 6337 Fax: (03) 9380 6015 Mobile: 0411 224 532
Email: [email protected]
Left to Right:
Jonathon Kapanikolos, Stathis
Kouskoumbekakis, Chris Fanaras,
Stelios Theodorakis, Emmanuel
Heretakis, James Klados,
Sebastian Alexiadis, Konstantinos
Tzortzoglou, James Zoumis
Senior Dance Group - Boys
Left to Right:
Kelly Karagiannis, Paige Fanaras,
Penelope Koutoulas, Theona
Matsamakis, Denise Digenakis,
Carli Gotsis, Toni Gellis, Stephanie
Ibrahim
Senior Dance Group - Girls
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
41
Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne Victoria
Κρητική Αδελφότητα Μελβούρνης Βικτωρίας
148 - 150 Nicholson Street, East Brunswick, VIC. 3057
Telephone: (03) 9380 6337 Fax: (03) 9380 6015 Mobile: 0411 224 532
Email: [email protected]
Top Row (Left to Right):
Denise Digenakis (Dance Teacher),
Dimitri Yannios, Stelios
Theodorakis, Theodore Heretakis,
George Chaidemenakis, Alex
Vounisios, James Matsamakis
Bottom Row (Left to Right):
Marina Zoumis, Chryssa Yannios,
Rhea Gotsis, Andrea Herekakis,
Mikaela Papadimitriou, Zoe
Nikakis, Vasiliki Koutoulas,
Stephanie Houdalakis
Intermediate Dance Group
Top Row, (Left to Right):
Kostas Siolis, John Yannios,
Bill Theodorakis, George Tzanidis,
Lukas Houdalakis
Bottom Row, (Left to Right):
Leia Neskakis, Athena Vounisios,
Katherine Hatzis, Emmanuela
Yiolitis
Middle Dance Group
42
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne Victoria
Κρητική Αδελφότητα Μελβούρνης Βικτωρίας
148 - 150 Nicholson Street, East Brunswick, VIC. 3057
Telephone: (03) 9380 6337 Fax: (03) 9380 6015 Mobile: 0411 224 532
Email: [email protected]
Top Row (Left to Right):
Chris Michaelides, Jonathon
Kapanikolos (President), James
Zoumis Vice President), Emmanuel
Mihelakis, Chris Fanaras
Bottom Row (Left to Right):
Theona Matsamakis, Toni Gellis
(Treasurer), Stephanie Ibrahim,
Emmanuel Heretakis (Secretary)
Absent:
Paige Fanaras
Youth Committee
Left to Right:
Nicholas Houdalakis, Adreanna
Koutoulas, Stamati Stamatakos,
Terrence Mavropoulos, Victoria
Liodakis
Absent:
James Filippakis, Michael Siolis,
Valente Mavropoulos, Emmanuel
Filippakis, Andrew Liodakis, Jana
Stamatakos, George Liodakis, Terry
Filippakis
Junior Dance Group
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
43
Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne Victoria
Κρητική Αδελφότητα Μελβούρνης Βικτωρίας
148 - 150 Nicholson Street, East Brunswick, VIC. 3057
Telephone: (03) 9380 6337 Fax: (03) 9380 6015 Mobile: 0411 224 532
Email: [email protected]
Left to Right:
Stavros Digenakis,
Denise Digenakis (Head Instructor),
Kelly Karagiannis,
Stathis Kouskoumbekakis
Absent:
Evie Armenopoulos,
Nectar Vounakis
Dance Instructors
Left to Right:
Mr George Dermanakis,
Mr Emmanuel Herekakis,
Mrs Maria Katzourakis,
Mrs Niki Petrakis,
Mrs Aliki Dimotakis,
Mr Emmanuel Lilimbakis
(President),
Mr Ioannis Pantelidis
Crouching:
Mr Kostas Sergakis
Elderly Members Club Committee
44
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Pancretan Association of Melbourne
Παγκρήτια Ένωση Μελβούρνης
Office: Cretan Village, 90 Cathies Lane Wantirna South Vic 3152
Telephone: (03) 9800 0148 Fax : (03) 9800 0142 Mobile : 0413 440 033
Email: [email protected] Website: www.pancretan.com.au
Καθιστοί από αριστερά:
Δημήτρης Κουριδάκης, Μανώλης
Σταράκης, Μανώλης Μπινάκης,
Μιχάλης Φραντζεσκάκης (Υπεύθυνος
Αθλητικού Τμήματος), Γιάννης
Ρεράκης (Α’ Αντιπρόεδρος),
Γιάννης Νικολακάκης ( Πρόεδρος ),
Αργυρώ Μιχελάκης (Γραμματέας),
Μανώλης Λεοντάκης, Δημήτρης
Παπαδημητράκης (Β’ Αντιπρόεδρος),
Γιάννης Κοντεκάκης (Δημοσίων
Σχέσεων), Βαγγέλης Μπαδογιάννης
Όρθιοι από αριστερά:
Μιχάλης Καραμίτος (Β’ Ταμίας), Άννα
Ψαράκη (Β’ Γραμματέας), Μαρία
Βασιλάκη (Υπεύθυνη Νεολαίας),
Κόδρος Σαλούστρος, Μαρία Ρισσάκη
(Ταμίας), Αντώνης Τσουρδαλάκης
(Δημοσίων Σχέσεων), Μενέλαος
Πατεράκης
Απουσιάζει:
Ευτυχία Ψαράκη
Committe Members
Καθιστές από αριστερά:
Βασιλική Κουκουβιτάκη, Άννα
Κουριδάκη, Ζίνα Αξαρλή (Πρόεδρος)
Όρθιες από αριστερά:
Άννα Καστρινάκη, Πολύμνια
Νικολακάκη Κασσιανή Κοντουδάκη,
Καλλιόπη Λεοντάκη, κα. Παπιδάκη,
Ελένη Πατεράκη, Ευτυχία Πατεράκη
Womens Auxilary Committee
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
45
Pancretan Association of Melbourne
Παγκρήτια Ένωση Μελβούρνης
Office: Cretan Village, 90 Cathies Lane Wantirna South Vic 3152
Telephone: (03) 9800 0148 Fax : (03) 9800 0142 Mobile : 0413 440 033
Email: [email protected] Website: www.pancretan.com.au
Καθιστές από αριστερά:
Γεωργία Πατεράκη (Αντιπρόεδρος),
Πολυξένη Σαγιαδέλλη (Πρόεδρος),
Καλλιόπη Κιρκιμπολάκη (Δημοσίων
Σχέσεων)
Όρθιοι από αριστερά:
Γιώργος Ιμπραχίμι-Ρεράκης,
Σήφης Μαράκης, Νίκολα Ροζάκη
(Γραμματέας), Γιάννης Ρεράκης
(Ταμίας)
Youth Committee
Πρώτη σειρά από αριστερά:
Μανώλης Μπινάκης
(Χοροδιδάσκαλος), Γιάννης Ρεράκης,
Γιώργος Ιμπραχιμί-Ρεράκης,
Σήφης Μαράκης, Κωνσταντίνος
Παναγόπουλος
Πίσω σειρά από αριστερά:
Μαρία Βασιλάκη, Νίκολα Ροζάκη,
Απολονία Ξυλούρη, Πολυξένη
Σαγιαδέλλη, Στέφανος Λεβογιάννης,
Ευτυχία Ψαράκη, Κυριακή
Ροζάκη, Καλλιόπη Κιρκιμπολάκη,
Χαράλαμπος Μπινάκης, Έλενα
Φραντζεσκάκη, Γεωργία Πατεράκη,
Παναγιώτα Ξανθός
Senior Dance Group
46
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Pancretan Association of Melbourne
Παγκρήτια Ένωση Μελβούρνης
Office: Cretan Village, 90 Cathies Lane Wantirna South Vic 3152
Telephone: (03) 9800 0148 Fax : (03) 9800 0142 Mobile : 0413 440 033
Email: [email protected] Website: www.pancretan.com.au
Πρώτη σειρά από αριστερά:
Στέλιος Ζώης, Σπύρος Θωμάς,
Αντώνης Μπουσούνης, Νίκος Ζώης,
Ανδρέας Ζώης
Δεύτερη σειρά από αριστερά:
Γεωργία Χερετάκη, Βασιλική
Κουκουβιτάκη, Άννα Τσουρδαλάκη,
Βασιλική Καραμίτο, Αθηνά
Κοκκινάκη, Αλεξία Χερετάκη,
Ευαγελία Σταράκη
Τρίτη σειρά από αριστερά:
Γιώργος Κοκκινάκης, Νατάσα
Σταράκη, Στέλιος Κουκουβιτάκης
Junior Dance Group
‘Ορθιοι από αριστερά:
Νίκος Μαρκογιαννάκης, Κώστας
Πατεράκης, Θωμάς Βάλτας,
Σήφης Τσουρδαλάκης, Ζαχαρίας
Ανδρουλιδάκης, Τιμόθεος Ντάκης,
Χρήστος Πυργολιός, Νίκος
Κουκουβιτάκης, Γιάννης Τρακάκης,
Μιχάλης Καραμίτος (Προπονητής)
Καθιστοί από αριστερά:
Γιάννης Κανεσούλης, Γιάννης
Ζουμής, Δημήτρης Πατεράκης,
Στέλιος Φερεντίνος, Γιώργος
Μιχαιλίδης, Δημήτρης Μενελάου,
Σταύρος Λαζαρίζης, Γιάννης
Παπαδημητρίου, Γιώργος
Ψυχουντάκης (Καπετάνιος)
Pancretan ‘Veterans’ Soccer Team
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
47
Cretan Association of Sydney & NSW
Κρητική Αδελφότητα Σύδνεη
1 / 57 Sydenham Road, Marrickville NSW 2204
Fax: (02) 9556 3324 Mobile: 0439 665 011
Email: [email protected]
Top Row (Left to Right):
Andrew Parliaros, Angelo Goutzios,
Con Grafanakis, Tina Parliaros,
Makrina Parasiris
Bottom Row (Left to Right):
Nella Saviolakis, Eleni Tzagarakis,
Maria Lagoudakis, Sophie
Saviolakis, Nick Janes
Absent:
Joanna Spanoudakis
Committe Members
Left to Right:
Kosta Parasiris, Paul Lazos, George
Vardakis, Steven Lazos, Spira
Anogianakis, Natasha Parasiris,
Terry Saviolakis
Youth Committe
48
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Cretan Association of Sydney & NSW
Κρητική Αδελφότητα Σύδνεη
1 / 57 Sydenham Road, Marrickville NSW 2204
Fax: (02) 9556 3324 Mobile: 0439 665 011
Email: [email protected]
Top Row (Left to Right):
Natasha Parasiris, Maria
Spanoudakis, Josephine Petrakis,
Felicia Janes, Catherine Petrakis,
Eleni Tzagarakis (Teacher)
Bottom Row (Left to Right):
Terry Saviolakis, George Vardakis,
Billy Kalergis, Christopher
Parasiris, Paul Lazos, Seven Lazos
Absent:
Spira Anogianakis, Elena
Assargiotis, Stephanie Janes
Fountoulakis, George Parras, George
Tzanidis
Senior Dance Group
Back Row (Left to Right):
Kosta Parasiris, Paul
Mandadakis, Manny Saviolakis,
Andrea Nicholson
Middle Row (Left to Right):
Hara Lavdiotis, Alexandra Janes,
Georgina Mandadakis, Kerrie
Vardakis, Zoe Janes
Front Row (Left to Right):
George Kalergis, Socrati Kalergis
Absent:
Mano Tzirtzilakis, George
Giakoumakis, Vayia Spanoudakis,
Ari Paraskakis, George
Intermediate Dance Group
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
49
Cretan Association of Sydney & NSW
Κρητική Αδελφότητα Σύδνεη
1 / 57 Sydenham Road, Marrickville NSW 2204
Fax: (02) 9556 3324 Mobile: 0439 665 011
Email: [email protected]
Top Row (Left to Right):
Christopher Townsend, Anthony
Tzirtzilakis, Billy Tzirtzilakis,
Nicolas Townsend
Bottom Row (Left to Right):
Sophia Townsend, Kali Maladakis,
Eleni Janes, Maria Richards
Absent:
Iliana Kougias, Kosta Fradelakis,
Ellie, Erin Stavroulakis, Nicholas
Damoulakis, Dimitri Damoulakis
Fountoulakis, George Parras, George
Tzanidis
Beginners Dance Group
Top Row (Left to Right):
Christopher Townsend, Anthony
Tzirtzilakis, Billy Tzirtzilakis,
Nicolas Townsend
Bottom Row (Left to Right):
Sophia Townsend, Kali Maladakis,
Eleni Janes, Maria Richards
Absent:
Iliana Kougias, Kosta Fradelakis,
Ellie, Erin Stavroulakis, Nicholas
Damoulakis, Dimitri Damoulakis
Small Dance Group
50
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Cretan Association of QLD
Κρητική Αδελφότητα Κουηνσλάνδης
P.O. Box 5217, West End, QLD. 4101
Telephone: (07) 3228 4162 Fax: (07) 3228 4538 Mobile: 0418 980 310
Email: [email protected]
President:
Michael Arvanitagis
Treasurer:
Hercules Kasseleakis
Secretary:
Elizabeth Georgiou
Committee:
Miron Katsanevas, Anthony
Katsanevas, Joseph
Panagiotakis, Vasilis Hatzioannou,
Michael Hatzifotis, Stamatiki Londy
(Public Relations For Federation
Youth Committee), Marina Londy
Committe Members
Senior Dance Group
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
51
Cretan Association of QLD
Κρητική Αδελφότητα Κουηνσλάνδης
P.O. Box 5217, West End, QLD. 4101
Telephone: (07) 3228 4162 Fax: (07) 3228 4538 Mobile: 0418 980 310
Email: [email protected]
Intermediate Dance Group
Cretan Association of Tasmania
Κρητική Αδελφότητα Τασμάνιας
54 Lipcombe Avenue, Sandy Bay, Tasmania 7005
Telephone: (03) 6225 4891 Mobile: 0419 575 441
Email: [email protected]
Back Row (Left to Right):
Stavros Kalogeropoulos,
Alex Tsakirakis, Petro Anagnostis,
Manoli Mellas, Christos Klonaris,
Nicko Mellas, Adonis Pavlidis,
Harrison Ross, Manoli Klonaris,
Andreas Kalogeropoulos row
Row 2 (Left to Right):
Eva Polikretis, Eleni Marakis,
Katina McMaster, Pia Dobie,
Dominique Pavlidis, Alexia Skalkos,
Ava Anagnostis
Row 3 (Left to Right):
Eleni Anagnostis, Zoe Cowles,
Natalia Polikretis, Georgia Ross,
Nikolet Spiliopoulos, Theodora
Klonaris, Francesca Tsakirakis,
Marika Castrisios (dance instructor)
Front Row (Left to Right):
Georgia Nikitaras, Philip Cowles,
Christina Martinez, Ruby Payenda,
Nikoletta Exarhakos, Alexandra
Dellas, Elianna Diafokeris, Zoe
Argyropoulos
Senior & Junior Dance Group
52
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Cretan Association of WA
Κρητική Αδελφότητα Δυτικής Αυστραλίας
39 Paperbark Way Morley, WA 6062
Mobile: 0413 629 541
President: Manoli Yeroyianakis Email: [email protected]
President Manoli Yeroyianakis laying a wreath for the Battle of Crete Commemorations
Western Australian Greek Schools Celebrating the Battle of Crete Commemorations.
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Cretan Association of WA
Κρητική Αδελφότητα Δυτικής Αυστραλίας
39 Paperbark Way Morley, WA 6062
Mobile: 0413 629 541
President: Manoli Yeroyianakis Email: [email protected]
Western Australian Greek Schools Celebrating the Battle of Crete Commemorations.
Western Australian Greek Schools Celebrating the Battle of Crete Commemorations.
53
54
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
Cretan Association of SA
Κρητική Αδελφότητα Νότιου Αυστραλίας
220 Port Road, Alberton, S.A. 5014
Telephone: (08) 8276 9237
Email: [email protected]
Left to Right:
Stamatis Borakis, Alexia
Stavroulaki, Kathy Fridakis,
Haralambos Fridakis, Pantelis
Fridakis, Lambros Kollis, Kaitie
Kollis, Petros Papachronopoulos,
Filio Maragos.
Committe Members
Cretan Association of Canberra
Κρητική Αδελφότητα Καμπέρρας
220 Port Road, Alberton, S.A. 5014
Mobile: 0419 899 964
Email: [email protected]
Left to Right:
Tony Katheklakis,
Nick Sfyrakis (Vice President),
George Paterakis (President),
George Katheklakis
Absent:
Jim Katheklakis, Manolis Xenidakis
Committe Members
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
55
Xylouris
Giorgos Xylouris (Greek: Γιώργoς Ξυλούρης, born
1965), also known as Psarogiorgis, is a Cretan lute
player and singer.
Ensemble recently expanded to include a younger generation of players, including Psarogiorgis’ sons Nikos
and Adonis Xylouris, who are based in Melbourne.
Xylouris was born into a musical family (his father is Psarantonis (Antonis Xylouris) and his uncle is
Nikos Xylouris) and grew up in Anogeia, a mountain
village in Crete with a rich musical culture. Xylouris
started playing the Cretan lute at an early age, guided
by his uncle Psarogiannis. From eleven years old he
would accompany his father at village functions, and
participate in recordings. Giorgos lived for eight years
in Melbourne, Australia, where he formed the Xylouris
Ensemble. Two of the Xylouris Ensemble’s albums, Antipodes (1998) and Drakos (1999), were nominated for
the ARIA Fine Arts Awards in Australia. The Xylouris
Xylouris plays the lute as a solo instrument, in contrast to the traditional accompaniment role the lute has
in Cretan music. Normally in an ensemble the laouto
provides the rhythmic backing to the lyra, which is par
excellence a singer’s instrument. In this role Giorgos is
peerless. In the less usual role of lead instrument he
has made the laouto a melodic instrument to frame
and adorn song.
Xylouris has performed extensively both in his native Crete, in his second home Australia, and internationally at world music festivals, collaborating with
musicians from both folk and rock traditions.
74
73rd Anniversary Of The Battle Of Crete
«Πότε θα κάμει ξαστεριά»
Πότε θα κάμει ξαστεριά,
πότε θα φλεβαρίσει,
να πάρω το ντουφέκι μου,
την έμορφη πατρόνα,
να κατεβώ στον Ομαλό,
στη στράτα του Μουσούρου,
να κάμω μάνες δίχως γιους,
γυναίκες δίχως άντρες,
να κάμω και μωρά παιδιά,
να κλαιν’ δίχως μανάδες,
να κλαιν’ τη νύχτα για νερό,
και την αυγή για γάλα,
και τ’ αποδιαφωτίσματα
τη δόλια τους τη μάνα...
“Παραδοσιακό”

(45) και γαρ ο υιος του ανθρωπου ουκ ηλθεν διακονηθηναι αλλα

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