Battle of Crete Memorial Service 2024
Battle of Crete Memorial Services Meleme and Souda Bay 25 May 2024
“We will remember them”
This year the 83rd Anniversary of the Battle of Crete service was held on 25 May.
Commonwealth War Graves (CWG), Souda Bay
About 50 people attended the 11am service at the 30 and 33 Sqn memorial at Meleme, just across the road from the airfield that was the centre of the German invasion. This service has been held most years since the dedication of the memorial on 25 May 1991 by HRH The Duke of Kent. It is organised by the United Kingdom Crete Veterans and Friends Society. Sadly, we no longer have any veterans of the Battle with us.
It was great to see 8 current members of 30 Sqn on parade, led by Sqn Ldr Katie Hermolle, currently 2i/c 30 Sqn. Unfortunately, 33 Sqn representatives were a week previously, due to a change in dates that occurred after their flights had been booked. Also, in attendance was Cdr Mark Ballard RN, UK Defence Liaison Officer, NSA Souda Bay.
Pete Gregory represented 30 Sqn Association and laid a wreath on the members’ behalf.
Members of 30 Sqn, Cdr Ballard RN, the UK Crete Veterans and Friends Standard Bearer, and a local lady who has attended every year in traditional dress since she was eight years old, now at university.
Souda Bay Commonwealth War Graves (CWG) Service
On the evening of 25th May, all gathered at the Souda Bay CWG for a Service of Remembrance. This is a major annual event and is organised by the British Embassy in Athens. In attendance were the British Ambassador to Greece, the head of the Greek Armed Forces and Ambassadors, and dignitaries of the nations involved in the Battle of Crete namely Australia, New Zealand, Canada, India and Germany. Pete Gregory again laid a wreath on behalf of the Association.
At the commencement of the service a 30 Sqn Atlas A400M made a low pass over the proceedings, right on time and straight down the middle!
It is encouraging that we now get a high level representation from the UK, not unconnected, I think, with the fact that the present Ambassador in an ex-Royal Marine.
The British Ambassador, Mr Matthew Lodge, meets Sqn Ldr Katie Hermolle and members of 30 Sqn at Souda Bay CWG.
Maleme Airfield
The following evening, Sunday, there was a service at Maleme airfield that was to finalise the week’s events and was run by the Greek Armed Forces.
It culminated in a very spirited display by an Hellenic Airforce F16.
Future Years
As the present generation get older, it would be great to see other members of the Association attend these services in the future. 30 Sqn lost 30 men in the Battle of Crete and it is very important that they are not forgotten.
If any members are interested in visiting Western Crete, next years ceremonies are anticipated to be on Saturday 24th May 2025, although this is subject to confirmation nearer the time. Please get in touch with Pete Gregory via the Association if you are visiting at any time for more information.
