Royal Air Force personnel from 30 Squadron and 33 Squadron RAF, have joined the British Ambassador to Greece for a commemoration of the Battle of Crete, fought during World War Two.
The British led event at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, at Suda Bay Crete, was one of a series of events being held over the anniversary period of the battle fought from the 20th May to the 1st June 1941. The battle began with the German invasion and lasted till the final evacuation of the island by the Allied troops.
The Suda Bay Ceremony included a flypast by a 30 Squadron A400M Atlas flying from the Squadron’s current home base of RAF Brize Norton, in tribute to all the Allied personnel lost in the battle.
"Ceremonies such as today’s are so important to the squadron as it gives us the opportunity to reflect and remember those squadron members who have served before us, to remember their exploits and in some cases their ultimate sacrifice, that created the heritage that we are so proud of today."
Wing Commander Patton
Officer Commanding 30 Squadron
The 30 Squadron personnel will be remembering in particular, the 30 members of the squadron who were killed during the initial fighting. This occurred when German Parachute forces captured Malame Airfield on the 20th and 21st May 1941. A memorial to those lost is maintained at Malame which was also visited by the Squadron personnel during their visit to Crete.
"We are surrounded by the final resting place of 1,500 men buried in this cemetery, who fought alongside their Greek comrades for this island and for Greece in 1941. They came from every part of the globe: Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and of course the United Kingdom. During the Battle of Crete and the subsequent occupation, many thousands were killed, and many thousands taken prisoner. We owe them all a debt of gratitude for their sacrifice and for their service.
We have been overflown by an A 400M Atlas aircraft, which is flown by members of 30 Squadron of the Royal Air Force, which together with the personnel from 30 and 33 Squadrons here today, represent the same squadrons that were in action here 81 years ago today. We are extremely grateful for their support in Crete this year, both in the air and on the ground."
Mr Matthew Lodge
British Ambassador to Greece
In addition to the British led event there were a further two formal commemoration events. Representatives from Australia, Greece, India, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, that made up the wartime allies during the battle, have been taking part in the events. They were joined by representatives from Canada and the United States, who were also part of the wider World War Two Alliance, but who did not take part in the battle.
