Greece And Australia Commemorate Wartime Brotherhood At ANZAC Documentary Premiere

The enduring friendship between Australia and Greece was powerfully reaffirmed this week at a moving event commemorating their shared military history, both for ANZAC Day and ahead of the 84th anniversary of the Battle of Crete.

Held on Monday, 28 April, the Australian Embassy in Greece, in collaboration with the Athens War Museum, hosted the Greek premiere of the documentary “ANZAC: The Greek Chapter.” The event paid tribute to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) who served in Greece during both World Wars and highlighted the deep bonds forged with the Greek people during times of war.

Ambassador Alison Duncan and Defence Attaché for Southern Europe, Captain Rachel Jones CSC RAN, welcomed dignitaries, military representatives, academics, and members of the Australian and New Zealand communities to the premiere, held at the historic museum in central Athens.

The documentary, co-directed by military historian Dr Peter Ewer and filmmaker John Irwin, was produced by the Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee with support from the Australian Department of Veterans’ Affairs. It features firsthand accounts from ANZAC veterans and Greek civilians who witnessed and endured the hardships of the Greek Campaign. Through these personal stories, the film honours both the bravery of the soldiers and the compassion of the Greek people who risked their lives to aid them.

Vice Admiral Efthymios Mikros, representing the President of the Hellenic Republic, and Vice Admiral Christos Sasiakos, on behalf of the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (HNDGS), attended the event, underscoring the importance of the occasion.

Ambassador Duncan expressed her gratitude to Lieutenant General Konstantinos Karamesinis, President of the Athens War Museum, for his hospitality and co-hosting the event. She also acknowledged the efforts of Jim Claven OAM, John Irwin, and Vicki Kyritsis for bringing the film to Athens and for their role in preserving this shared chapter of Greek-Australian history.

“This event is a heartfelt reminder of the bonds born not only from shared values and vibrant diaspora links but from the sacrifices made together in times of war,” said Ambassador Duncan.

The evening concluded with warm exchanges between guests from both nations, united in remembrance and mutual respect.

(Source: Australian Embassy Greece)