Battle of Crete Memorial Committee of WA, Perth (2026)

The Battle of Crete Memorial Committee of WA (BCMA WA) is seeking to erect a designated war memorial in Kings Park to recognise the sacrifices made by ANZACs and Greeks in the 1941 Battle of Crete. However, the Botanical Parks and Gardens Authority (BGPA) have given ‘in principle’ approval for a memorial to located in Kings Park at a site near Saw Avenue, close to the Battle of Tobruk Memorial. Th

e significance of this initiative requires public support. For Western Australia, the 2nd/11th Battalion and HMAS PERTH played important roles in the operation. Military personnel and civilians gave their lives resisting the enemy. For many Commonwealth troops left on the island after its evacuation, it was Cretan men, women and children, including clergy, who sheltered them and guided them to safety. This fact was recognised by the late Corporal Geoff Edwards of the 2nd/11th’s Carrier Platoon who remembered the bravery and sacrifice of the Cretans, who helped him evade capture. He built a Greek Orthodox church, St John the Theologian, on the hill above his seaside community and named his home in W.A., Prevelly Park, after the monastery at Preveli on Crete. It is a personal tribute by a Western Australian survivor of the battles on Crete in May 1941 to the heroism of the Cretan people and their bond with Australian soldiers. Ultimately 42 members of the 2nd/11th and many other Commonwealth troops made it to Egypt.

17/07/2024

The Friends of Prevelly Chapel are holding the Annual Memorial Service & Luncheon on Saturday 26 July. See flyer for details re booking for lunch. Donations can also be accepted through the QR Code on the flyer.
The purpose of the Friends of Prevelly is to maintain, develop and support the infrastructure by constructing a memorial garden, to serve as a place for commemoration, education & tourism.
PLEASE HELP IN SUPPORTING THIS VERY WORTHY CAUSE.

14/05/2024

What an amazing day! The Battle of Crete Memorial was finally unveiled on 11 May by the Premier of WA, Mr. Roger Cook, His Excellency the Ambassador of Greece, Mr. Stavros Venizelos and our chairman, Mr. Bill Evangel. It was an emotion filled day for many of the guests who were connected in some way with soldiers who fought in the battle. Family members flew in just for the event from the eastern states.
We had the honour of having in attendance the last veteran from the battle, Mr. Arthur Leggett OAM (105) who laid the first wreath.
The event was attended by many VIP's including His Excellency the Governor of WA, Mr. Chris Dawson, Mrs. Dawson, our two patrons His Eminence Archbishop Makarios and Mr. Richard Sandover, several State and Federal politicians, the Hon. Chief Justice, Mr. Peter Quinlan, just to name a few.
A very impressive memorial dedicated to those brave soldiers who fought in the BATTLE OF CRETE. Lest We Forget.

19/04/2024

On behalf of the Greek Australian RSL (GARSL) and Battle of Crete Memorial Committee (BCMC) it is with great pleasure that we inform you of a special event marking the FORMAL DEDICATION of the Battle of Crete Memorial at the Saw Avenue precinct at Kings Park, performed by the Hon. Roger Cook MLA, Premier of WA and His Excellency Mr. Stavros Venizelos, Ambassador of Greece.
His Eminence, Archbishop Makarios, one of the co-patrons will also be attending.
We expect to have as our special guest of honour, the last surviving West Australian veteran from the Battle of Crete in attendance, Mr. ARTHUR LEGGETT OAM. Following the Dedication, a Wreath Laying Service will take place, in commemoration of the 83 Anniversary of the Battle of Crete.
DATE: Saturday 11 May 2024
TIME & PLACE 9.45am for a 10.15am start at Saw Ave precinct Kings Park (entry via Thomas St)
WE WOULD LOVE YOU TO BE PART OF THIS MOMENTOUS ONCE IN A LIFETIME OCCASSION.

08/02/2024

We are truly on our way! The latest addition to the site at King's Park. As things progress, we will keep you posted. Looking forward to the addition of the sculptured figures.

15/01/2024

Members of the congregation will be pleased to know that after several years of planning, negotiating and fund-raising, work on the installation on the Battle of Crete Memorial in the Saw Avenue precinct of Kings Park is underway. Just before Christmas, the site was prepared and 30 square metres of concrete poured.
Federal and State funds (including a Lotterywest grant), along with private donations, have made possible this important and impressive Memorial. The Memorial recognises the significance the
Battle of Crete has in Australian and Greek military history. In particular, it seeks to acknowledge the courage, sacrifice and commitment of those who served and endured the Battle of Crete, both Australian and Greek, in their defense of liberty. For Western Australians, the campaign in Crete has
particular significance as it involved HMAS Perth and the City of Perth 2/11 th Battalion. It will be the only fully dedicated memorial to the Battle of Crete in Australia.
The Memorial is due for completion in late April/early May 2024.

14/01/2024

4 November 2023 at the Site of the BOC Memorial
Saw Avenue Kings Park WA
To celebrate the commencement of construction for the Battle of Crete Memorial the Chairman of the Committee, Mr Bill Evangel, invited guests to attend the Sod Turning Event at King’s Park.

Mr Mike McDonald, a member of the Committee performed the duties of MC and welcomed all present to the event.

Bill Evangel thanked all the dignitaries for their participation in the event and for their support over a number of years. He also thanked the members of the Committee and all others present who played a role in the development of this project. He noted the importance of the memorials design attributed to Smith Sculptors (Joan and Charlie were in attendance) and in particular the strong symbolism portrayed within the design.

All speakers warmly welcomed and acknowledged our guest of honour, Arthur Leggett OAM who at the age of 105 is one of the remaining two survivors of the Battle. His presence was warmly accepted by all present and not surprisingly everyone wanted to have chat with him.

In addition the following dignitaries attended the ceremony.

The Hon Paul Papalia CSC MLA, The Hon Dan Caddy MLC , The Hon Patrick Gorman MP, Mr Duncan Anderson – President of the RSL, Vince Connelly – CEO of the RSLWA, Alan Barrett CEO of the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority and Mr Richard Sandover, our co patron.

Mr Paul Papalia and Mr Patrick Gorman were invited to speak. The short sharp speeches were punctuated by a high level of support and enthusiasm for the project. A desire to be in attendance at the final dedication was also evident displaying the unwavering support for the completion of this long awaited project.

After the conclusion of the speeches Mr McDonald requested a number of the signatories to “get up and do some work” by joining in with Mr Leggett to turn the sod.

Mr Leggett was joined by Mr Paul Papalia, Mr Patrick Gorman, Mr Richard Sandover Mr Bill Evangel, Mr Dan Caddy, Mr Duncan Anderson and Dr Ken Michael to formally turn the sod.

Address

Perth, WA
6000

Website

https://battleofcrete.org.au/

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