Lemnos Addresses feature at Anzac Services Across Melbourne

The beautiful Oakleigh Cenotaph in Oakleigh. It was dedicated by General Ned Herring, who served in Greece in both the First and Second World Wars. Photo Jim Claven 2014

Lemnos' role in the Anzac story has been commemorated in Melbourne this Anzac Day.
This ANZAC Day as we reflect on the sacrifices of all our servicemen and women during past and present conflicts and remember their selfless contributions, we also remember those who never returned to their homes and loved ones in Australia like the 148 diggers who remain on the Island of Lemnos in its two Commonwealth Military Cemeteries – at East Mudros and at Portianou where they lie with their fellow 76 Anzacs from New Zealand. Lest We Forget.

Oakleigh Carnegie RSL Anzac Day Service - Lemnos' Anzac Story Honoured
I was the guest of the Oakleigh Carnegie RSL who held their inaugural dawn service ceremony at the Oakleigh Cenotaph. The service was a great success, with many dignitaries and local residents attending the service whihc commenced at 6.00am.
A highlight of the service was the catafalque party who ended the commemorative event with three salvo's from their rifles.
Along with other dignitaries, I layed a wreath on behlf of the Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Commitee.
After the service, I gave a speech to the Anzac Service Breakfast to over 100 attendees. My speech explained the important role of Lemnos in the Anzac story, of the Australian nurses who served there in 1915 and the inter-action between the local Lemnians and the Anzacs on the Island. I also pointed out the connection between Oakleigh and Lemnos, telling the story of Private William Withers, whose family lived in William Street Oakleigh, who is buried on Lemnos at the East Mudros Military Cemetery.
I also pointed out that the connection between Australia and Greece in 1915 continued into WW2 and beyond with the major post-war migration to Australia from Greece. For this reason, it was particularly fitting to hold this lecture in Oakleigh, which is home to one of Melbourne's thriving Greek communities.

Oakleigh's Private William Withers grave at East Mudros Military Cemetery, Lemnos. Photo Jim Claven 2013.

If you would like a copy of my address, please click here.
If you would like a copy of the photographic booklet I produced for the address, please click here.
Below are some photos of the Oakleigh-Carnegie RSL Anzac Day Breakfast.

Jim Claven addresses the Oakleigh-Carnegie RSL Anac Day Breakfast.Photo Jim Barker

Jim Claven with Ann Barker Secretary and Hugh Gordon President of the Oakleigh-Carnegie RSL. Photo Jim Barker

The Anzac Day Service Breakfast room. Photo Jim Barker

The wreath from the Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee laid at the Oakleigh Cenotaph.

We hope that this will be first of many more successful Anzac Dawn Services at Oakleigh.
On behalf of the Committee, I would like to thank the Oakleigh-Carnegie RSL for the invitation to address them at their Anzac Day breakfast. For information on the Oakleigh-Carnegie RSL please click here.
President Lee Tarlamis MP Addresses Anzac Commemorative Service at Dandenong's St John's College

Lee participated in the Anzac Commemoration School Assembly held at St John's Regional College in Dandenong on the eve of Anzac Day.
It was a fantastic event with the College Captains acting as MC's throughout the ceremony. The ceremony included a catafalque party and students performing Amazing Grace as well as the National Anthem. 
Lee laid a wreath Lee and addressed the assembly of more than 1,200 students, teachers and parents about the important role of the Greek Island of Lemnos and the story of the Australian diggers and nurses who were in Lemnos in 1915 and of those Anzac's who remain buried there in its war cemeteries. 
We congratulations go to the school for organising such a wonderful and successful event in memory of those who have and continue to serve and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
To find out more about St John's Regional College, click here St. John's Regional College

Anzac Commemorative Service, St John's Regional College. Photo St John's Regional College

Australian Military Nurses on Lemnos 1915 Lecture - Anzac Eve Address by Dr Kirsty Harris
On Anzac Day eve, members of the Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee joined with members of Melbourne's Greek and nursing communities to listen to a lecture by one of Australia's pre-eminent scholars of Australia's military nursing history, Dr Kirsty Harris.The lecture was part of the Greek orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria's annual lecture program and sponsored by Melbourne's Ithacan Philanthropic Society.
The lecture told the story of the Australian nurses who served on Lemnos - as well as those on the hospital ships
It was great to see so many people who came to hear about the nurses work and their experiences during their time on Lemnos as well as to see some of the many photo's that were taken on the island in 1915. 
You can find out more by reading Dr Harris' book 'More Than Bombs and Bandages - Australian Army Nurses at work in World War I'. This is available from all good bookshops - as they say.

The Committee congratulates the Ithacan Philanthropic Society for sponsoring Dr Harris' address and of course Dr Harris on her excellent research.

Lest we forget

Jim Claven
Secretary
Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee