Message from the Consul General, Mr. Dimitrios Michalopoulos for the 79th anniversary of the battle of Crete (20 May 1941)

The Battle of Crete was a turning point in the history of World War 2.  The strategies developed and the execution of the German attack as well as the ferocity of the resistance by the defenders of the island have made this conflict unique in military history.

Crete was the last stand of British, Australian and New Zealand forces on Greek territory.  Our allies fought bravely, defending every inch of Greek soil on which they stood, knowing that retreat was not an option and fighting to the last against an elite force was the only way.

They did not fight alone.  As soon as the first shots were fired, on 20 May 1941, the fearless Cretans, poorly armed but determined, joined the battle.  For the first time in World War 2, the invading German forces were met with armed resistance from the local population.  The fight put up by the free-spirited people of Crete proved to the occupiers that Crete could be won, but it would never be conquered or subdued.

The remnants of the Greek army, including many new recruits, were fully engaged in combat and provided the necessary cover for the Allied evacuation from the south of Crete.

The Battle of Crete was then lost.  But the message which resonated from the battlefields of Maleme, of Hill  107, of Heraclion and Paleochora was that of resilience and self-sacrifice and of determination to carry on till the final victory.

The sacrifice of the ANZACs in Crete is something that Greeks will forever remember.  Fighting side by side and shoulder to shoulder against a common enemy has reinforced a special bond between our two people.

The fierce defence of Greek independence and sovereignty by the Australian troops in 1941 is the legacy that still determines our bilateral relations to this day.  Our countries see eye to eye on all important world issues and never shy away from taking a stand when our shared values and principles are at stake.