Unveiling Of Greek War Memorial

Press, Volume C, Issue 29511, 12 May 1961, Page 20

Unveiling Of Greek War Memorial

(W Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright)

ATHENS, May 10.

Black Watch pipers played a lament when the Duke of Gloucester today unveiled a memorial to 2888 Commonwealth soldiers who died in Greece during the 1939-45 war and have no known graves.

Many relatives of the dead were flown from Britain, Australia and New Zealand to attend.

Before performing the univeiling, the Duke said that in the last war there were few, if any, episodes more stirring than the Greeks’ defence of their country in the autumn of 1940 and in the subsequent struggles in which Commonwealth forces had taken part.

“The Royal Hellenic Government has made this dedicated spot for ever a corner of our Commonwealth of Nations—a generous act for which I express deep gratitude,” he said. While the Duke of Gloucester was unveiling the memorial, a message from Sir Winston Churchill was broadcast over Athens Radio If said: "The men of the Commonwealth and empire whose names are here recorded fought against great odds and died courageously in the cause of freedom. I am glad to pay tribute to their gallant memory.” Sir Winston Churchill's message was relayed by Lieutenant-General Sir Ronald Scobie, who led the Commonwealth forces during the Communist uprising in Athens in 1944. Cost Undisclosed The cost of the memorial has not been disclosed, but it is believed it will be met by Commonwealth countries in proportion to their number of soldiers commemor'ated. I In his address the Duke of | Gloucester recalled that at 'the time of the Italian ultiimatum in 1940 Britain was I herself in grave peril. But it was little more than a week before the first squadrons of the Royal Air Force were with the heroic Greek Army. Six months later came the greater ordeal—the invasion by Germany in overwhelming strength. In the long withdrawal to the south. Greek and Commonwealth forces suffered heavy loss. Then followed the gallant defence of Crete. “I have been told that the resistance of our Commonwealth troops is still spoken of in Crete with deepest admiration.” said the Duke.

Prayers in Churches In churches of all denominations, prayers were recited this morning in commemoration of the 6000 Commonwealth soldiers who died in Greece during Worid War

Traffic on the main road leading to Phaleron Bay was diverted to let through an endless procession of cars bearing a special windscreen label marked “Memorial.” taking some 1500 relatives, and representatives of the armed services to the ceremony.

Among those who died in Greece during the war and have no known graves were 481 New Zealanders and 331 Australians. Drums rolled as the Duke 'pulled a tassel which caused the Union Jack and Greek flags to fall away, followed by Commonwealth flags. When the flags fell away, eight broad pillars in white and grey marble, engraved with the 2888 names of the fallen soldiers, were revealed.

King Paul and Queen Frederika gave a reception tonight in the gardens of the Royal Palace for representatives of Commonwealth nations, war-time commanders and former servicemen's delegates. General Lord Freyberg. Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Forces in Crete in 1941. and Lieutenant-General Sir Iven Mackay, of Australia. were among the commanders who attended the ceremony.

Among the relatives and representatives from the Commonwealth countries who attended today s ceremony was Mr A. McGregor, a hotelkeeper, aged 42. from Christchurch, who served in Greece and Crete during 1941.