Greek Australian Returned and Services League Incorporated

The Battle of Crete Memorial Committee under the auspices of the Greek Australian Returned and Services League has worked continuously throughout the year to see the construction of the Battle of Crete Memorial to a stage where a dedication Ceremony was held on the 11 May 2024. Speeches were presented by His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM, the Governor of WA, the Honourable Roger Cook MLA, Premier of WA, The Honourable Matthew Keogh MP, Commonwealth Minister for Veteran s Affairs representing the Prime Minister of Australia, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church of Australia and His Excellency Stavros Venizelos, Ambassador for The Hellenic Republic of Greece to Australia. Arthur Leggett OAM, the 105yearold veteran was our guest of honour at the Dedication Ceremony and the Dedication Lunch. . He was a former member of 2/11Bn AIF. Arthur who is one of the two remaining Australian survivors of the Battle of Crete was taken captive by German Paratroopers and spent more than four years in a prisoner of war camp. The mere fact that he was able to be present was an honour. Arthur recited the Ode of Remembrance and was able lay a wreath at the Dedication. Veterans and members of the families of veterans were also invited to the Dedication. The response from families who attended was very warm, thankful and very appreciative. Comprehensive coverage of the Ceremony and Dedication Lunch that followed are available on our website www.battleofcrete.org.au. Also as part of or educational mission our website is being continuously updated to include lived experiences from those who fought in the battle and to provide information about the memorial and its construction. Also images of the memorial under construction are displayed on the website. The memorial is expected to be fully completed by the end of this calendar year.