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Our Committee is raising funds to create a lasting legacy telling the story of Lemnos' link to Gallipoli and Australia's Anzac story. Our projects include the Lemnos Gallipoli Memorial in Albert Park, the publication of a major new historical and pictorial publication and more. To make a donation you can also deposit directly by direct debit into the Committee's bank account: Account Name: Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee Inc; Bank: Bendigo Bank; Account No: 188010037; BSB No: 633000; Include your surname in the reference section. For further information on our legacy projects or to make a donation please contact either Lee Tarlamis 0411553009 or Jim Claven 0409402388M

Wednesday 10 May 2017

You are Invited - Battle of Kalamata Commemorative Service - Australian Hellenic Memorial, Domain Gardens Melbourne, 12.30pm, Sunday 21st May 2017

Australian troops marching through Kalamata, April 1941. AWM
The Committee has been invited to take part in the forthcoming commemoration of those who fought and died in the defence of Greece, including those who took part in the battle of Kalamata.The commemoration will be held at the Australian Hellenic Memorial, Domains Gardens, Corner Birdwood Avenue and Government House Drive, Melbourne.
It will take place at 12.30pm, Sunday 21st May 2017.
The service is in commemoration of the 76th anniversary of the Greek campaign of 1941 and specifically the battle of Kalamata,
This battle took place on the night of the 28th April 1941 on the waterfront of Kalamata. The battle was won but it would be too late - the last major evacuations had taken place and soon the German invaders would overwhelm the defenders waiting to be evacuated.
Captain Albert Gray. NAA
Red Cliffs' Captain Albert Gray, MC - Hero of KalamataOne of those who fought that day was Captain Albert Gray of Red Cliffs, near Mildura, of the 2/6th Australian Infantry Battalion.
For his bravery on that day - leading the charge of the mixed force of Allied troops - mostly Anzac's - along Navarino Street on the Kalamata waterfront, directly into the face of German artillery and machine guns - Albert was awarded the Military Cross.
Another Australian who took part in the battle was Private Max Holbrook Wood of the 2/6th who was awarded the Military Medal.
The New Zealander Sergeant Jack Hinton of the 20th New Zealand Battalion was awarded the Victoria Cross for his part in this action, leading troops in a flanking movement against the same German post.
They took the German position and captured over 80 German prisoners.
Gray and Hinton would later be captured. Max Wood escaped by heading down the Mani.
Lest we forget.
Kalamata waterfront, 2016. Photo Jim Claven

The commemoration is organised by Melbourne's The Society of Kalamata "23 March" and is part of the annual program of commemorative events supported by the Melbourne-based Battle of Crete and Greece Commemorative Council.

All welcome to attend the service.

RSVP by Wednesday, 17th May, 2017
Please advise if you will be laying a wreath at the Memorial
Email: kalamata23@hotmail.com
Telephone: 0437 102 960
Postal: P.O. Box 1191, WINDSOR, Victoria, 3181 

Jim Claven
Secretary
Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee

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