Royal Australian Navy Personnel, Cantabria Crew Pay Tribute to Service Men

Royal Australian Navy Personnel, Cantabria Crew Pay Tribute to Service Men

Seven days after leaving Ferrol for transit to Australian waters, the Commanding Officer ESPS Cantabria (CMDR J.L. Nieto) and members of the crew of Cantabria showed solidarity with their Royal Australian Navy companions, from the RAN DET Cantabria, in paying their respects to the fallen at the Commonwealth War Cemetery, Souda Bay.

Although a small island, Crete was a strategic allied stronghold during WWII and is of particular military historical importance as it was the scene for some of the bloodiest fighting during the war.

In 1941, Axis soldiers forced allied troops to retreat from mainland Greece to this small island. The allied force, led by New Zealand Army MAJ-GEN Bernard Freyberg VC, consisted of more than 40,000 Commonwealth and Greek soldiers, of which 4,000 were killed and approximately 17,000 captured. Out of those killed in action, 197 Australians were subsequently buried in the local Commonwealth War Cemetery located at the head of Souda Bay. The site commands an uninterrupted and inspiring view of the entrance and length of the bay itself.

The RAN contingent onboard led by OIC RAN DET Cantabria (LCDR Gerry Savvakis, RAN) were compelled to visit the cemetery on a cold winter’s day with the clouds threatening to rain, to pay their respects to the fallen heroes from Commonwealth Countries. Members of the contingent had an opportunity to explore the immaculately kept grounds containing imposing white head stones, the majority of which had the haunting words “Believed to be” or “Known unto God” inscribed on them, reminding them of the toll that the war had taken on their fellow countrymen and the turmoil which once embroiled the now serene landscape.

CPO CIS Warren Barr felt privileged to share the experience with other RAN members and commented that ´it´s not often that an Australian contingent has the opportunity to visit a remote war grave on the other side of the world.´

Upon completion, OIC RAN DET Cantabria officiated a short but poignant remembrance ceremony by providing a brief history of the action that had taken place on the island and the sacrifice our servicemen made, a recital of ´the ode´, a salute and finally a wreath was laid at the foot of the cenotaph.

Having paid their respects the men and women of ESPS Cantabria now cast their minds ahead to the journey from Crete to Australia, via the Suez Canal and a brief visit to British Indian Ocean Territory island of Diego Garcia. ‘Lest we forget’.

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Naval Today Staff, January 18, 2013; Image: Royal Australian Navy