Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee Inc: Dunkeld and Lemnos ... Another Lemnos connection in Victoria

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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

Monday, 14 January 2019

Dunkeld and Lemnos ... Another Lemnos connection in Victoria

Dunkeld War Memorial, Victoria. Photo Lee Tarlamis 2019

Recently our President, Lee Tarlamis OAM, made a visit to the central Victorian country town of Dunkeld.
At Dunkeld Lee came across its War Memorial and special dedication to Australia's WW1 submarine, the AE2. the AE2 is famous for having been the first Allied naval vessel to have breached the Turkish defences at the narrows in the Dardanelles. After an engagement, the submarine was scuttled to ensure it didn't fall into enemy hands and the crew went into captivity for the rest of the war.

Dunkeld War Memorial detail. Photo Lee Tarlamis 2019

One of those crew members was Stoker Michael Williams, born in Dunkeld in 1894.
What is not so well known is that the AE2 has a strong connection to Lemnos.
Firstly, the submarine sailed in one of the convoys which would ultimately bring the Australian troops to Lemnos.
Secondly, the submarine itself came to Lemnos prior to the landings on 25th April, and no doubt its crew looked out on the Island and the villages across its shores.
And finally, the submarine would sail from the port of Mudros on its journey to the Dardanelles that would see it pass the narrows.
It is also true that those crew members who survived Turkish captivity - sadly not Michael - would be released following the signing of the Armistice of Mudros at Lemnos in October 1918.
This demonstrates again the Hellenic link to Anzac, connecting local Australian communities and their Anzac history to the Greek Island of Lemnos.
Below are some of the photos taken by Lee of the Dunkeld Memorial.

Jim Claven
Secretary, Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee