Battle of Crete Memorial Committee
Dedication Lunch
12:30 11 May 2024
ANZAC Club Perth WA
Anzac Club
Following the dedication ceremony in Kings Park invited guests attended the Dedication Lunch at the ANZAC Club in St Georges Terrace, Perth WA.
All the guests were warmly welcomed by Mr Bill Evangel, President of the Greek Australian Returned and Services League, and Chairman of the Battle of Crete Memorial Committee. Bill then continued to act as the master of ceremonies during the lunch.
Bill Evangel addressing the guests.
His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM Governor of WA was joined by our Guest of Honour Mr Arthur Leggett, who even though he had earlier attended the Dedication Ceremony in Kings Park, was able to join us for lunch. At 105 years of age there was no stopping him!!! Arthur who is one of the two remaining Australian survivors of the Battle of Crete was taken captive by German Paratroopers and spent more than four years in a prisoner of war camp.
Our patron, his Eminence Archbishop Makarios was invited but unable to attend because of flight commitments. The Honourable Paul Papalia MLA, a strong supporter of the project was also unable to attend because he was required in Bunbury to aid the community in response to the severe storm damage suffered in that City.
Speeches were presented by Vice Admiral Christos Sasiakos, Deputy Chief of the Hellenic Defence General Staff, Duncan Anderson RSLWA President, Tony Tsourdalakis Past President of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand and Richard Sandover co-patron of the Committee. Every speaker acknowledged Arthur’s presence at the lunch and his amazing achievements. They also spoke highly of the completed Battle of Crete Memorial and its significance in recognizing the efforts of the Allies in defending Crete and Greece and for highlighting the efforts of the Cretan villagers and monks in protecting our soldiers despite serious risks to their personal safety.
Also present were the Greek Ambassador His Excellency Stavros Venizelos with his wife Larisa Tikaidi, Ms Gina Karasiotou Greek Consul, Vince Connelly RSLWA CEO and Marilyn Sadleir whose father Geoff Edwards was instrumental in building the Prevelly Chapel in the small town of Prevelly near Margaret River in WA. The Committee was pleased to have several relatives/associates of veterans in attendance also.
Vice Admiral Christos Sasiakos
The vice admiral drew on his personal experience and his association with Crete in his presentation. He was very generous with his approval of the memorial and its representation of the struggle that took place in May 1941.
Tony Tsourdalakis
During his speech Tony Tsourdalakis surprised Bill Evangel with a cheque for $1,000 which was gratefully received. Tony has been a long-time supporter of the memorial project since its inception.
Richard Sandover
Richard Sandover, a co-patron of the Committee and strong supporter of the project provided several humorous anecdotes about his early encounters with the Greek community in Perth and his first meeting with Arthur Leggett.
Guests were treated to an entrée of Pumpkin and Ricotta Tart followed by a main course of Slow Cooked Lamb, Butternut Puree Gratin, Seasoned Greens, and Chimichurri. Red and white wine was served at all tables, and special drinks could be ordered from the bar.
Tea and Coffee were served afterwards.
During the lunch a video featuring Arthur was projected across 3 screens. The video which was produced and directed by Eleni Evangel allowed Arthur to provide a detailed account of his life in the army and more specifically his involvement the actual battle of Crete. In the video Arthur appeared very relaxed as he narrated his personal story. The video which was very personal and inciteful was thoroughly enjoyed by all the guests.
Following the meal many of the guests were able to stay and socialize.
Tony Tsourdalakis, Ms Gina Karasiotou and Chris Dawson
Duncan Anderson, Vince Connelly, and Graeme Johnson
Eleni Evangel with Arthur
Greek Ambassador His Excellency Stavros Venizelos, his wife Larisa Tikaidi, Marilyn Sadleir, Ken Michael, and Cath Papanastasiou
Ken Michael, Cath Papanastasiou, Greek Ambassador and Marilyn Sadleir
Whilst the memorial is not quite finished, the Committee is very pleased with the outcomes thus far and wishes to thank all those who have supported us in many ways on this journey.
Photography Courtesy of Jessamy Welfare