AUSSIE-GRECO RELATIONS

Australia–Greece relations

Australian–Greek relations are the relations between Australia and Greece. Relations between the two states are close: both country were allies during both World Wars and the Korean War. During World War II, Australian forces took part in the Battle of Greece and Battle of Crete. There are a large Greek community in Australia (dating back from the 1950s and 1960s) ^[1] Both countries have an embassy in the each other's capital. Greece also has Consulates General in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, as well as a Consulate in Perth, Honorary Consulates General in Brisbane and Darwin, and Honorary Consulates in Newcastle and Hobart ^[2]. Both countries are full members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

VETERANS REVISIT GREECE ON 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF SECOND WORLD WAR BATTLE

16-May-2011

Six Second World War veterans will return to Greece and Crete next week to participate in commemorations marking the 70th anniversary of their desperate and ill-fated battle to save the country from invasion.

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, will lead the four day mission of Navy and Army veterans who are aged between 88 and 101. The group will attend a number of events including a commemorative ceremony at the Hellenic-Australian Memorial, at Rethymno, on Crete.

Mr Snowdon said the Battles of Greece and Crete were fought by Australian, New Zealand, British and Greek troops from October 1940 to May1941.

“The Battles of Greece and Crete resulted in strong bonds between Australia and the people of Greece, and that friendship has not wavered in the 70 years since. It endures in the hearts of the thousands of Greeks who made their homes in Australia post-war.

“It’s fitting that our veterans make this journey on such a significant anniversary. It will be an honour to visit Greece with some of the men who fought to defend it,” he said.

Mr Snowdon said the Allies had been poorly equipped to withstand the German onslaught in Greece in 1941, lacking aircraft and armour and being outnumbered on the ground and in the air.

“In spite of this, the Allies slowed down the German advance, offering brave and locally successful resistance. When the force finally evacuated the mainland, 320 Australians had been killed, with 494 wounded and more than 2,000 taken prisoner.

“Withdrawing to the Island of Crete, the Allied troops attempted to fight off an airborne invasion. A further 274 Australians were killed and over 3,000 taken prisoner in defending Crete.

“But Australia’s losses paled in comparison with those suffered by the Greeks, with an estimated 500,000 Greek and Cretan lives lost during the war.”

“While the outcome of the campaign wasn’t in the Allies’ favour, it was a significant battle that showcased the best of Australia’s Defence Forces.

“The tenacity and courage of the Greek and Cretan people was seen first hand by our troops, many fighting side by side.

“I hope this mission will help raise community awareness of the service and sacrifice of Australians and their Greek counterparts in this campaign,” Mr Snowdon said.

The six veterans making this trip are [see full biographies attached]:

•    Mr Arthur Leslie Leggett, from Perth, WA
•    Mr George William (Bill) Henry Taylor MID, from Bremer Bay, WA
•    Mr Daniel (Dan) Mark Bowden MID, from Bateau Bay, Central Coast, NSW
•    Mr Alfred (Alf) Clive Carpenter ED, from Newcastle, NSW
•    Mr Basil George Hayler, from Ferntree Gully, VIC
•    Mr Norman (Norm) William Maddock OAM, from Melbourne, VIC

Member for Hindmarsh, Steve Georganas, will be also be taking part in the trip as chair of the Greek Australian Parliamentary Friendship Group.

“I feel privileged to be a part of what will be an emotional and significant journey for these special Australians, I look forward to sharing in this experience with them,” he said.

The two-week mission will leave for Greece from Sydney on Sunday 15 May and will also visit Australian Defence Force personnel at Al Minhad Airbase, in the United Arab Emirates, in the Middle East.

The veterans will be supported by a small administrative and medical team including a doctor and a nurse.

For images of the veterans and historical images of the Battles are available from the DVA Media Centre (www.dva.gov.au/media).

An artist initially prepared the concept for this memorial commemorating Greek-Australian friendship during WWII.

RBA was engaged by the Australian-Hellenic Association to collaborate with the artist in the development and execution of the design concept. This project involved the investigation of stone masonry techniques capable of best realising the original concept, documentation of the works and construction supervision.