5th Battle of Crete Anzac Remembrance Walk

Many, Many Cretans sacrificed their own lives in order for the Anzacs to live to fight another day. And this year will mark the 80th Anniversary of this game-changing battle. The resistance by the Cretan people was fierce and they formed their own militia groups and faced off against the German forces who underestimated the Cretans. The Germans had the highest percentage of casualties suffered by the German Army in any single action up to that point in the war.

Psychologically it was a Nazi defeat: The Germans who fought in Crete or were engaged in its planning were totally demoralized. They were instructed by their superiors not to discuss the battle with other units in the future. 

The resistance by the civilians on Crete stunned the Germans. “During a year of unbroken triumph, they [the Germans] had known nothing but the cowed submission of their victims. This unexpected defiance by civilian population surprised and angered them.” When the Nazis won over the land of Crete they were going to brutally punish the Cretan population for its defiance.

And they Did.

Zorba has joined forces with 42for42 this year to fundraise for the building of our Memorial Garden and will commence his remarkable journey leaving from the Afghanistan War Memorial garden on Saturday, April 17th at 10 am and walking up and over Cunninghams Gap down to Warwick and Stanthorpe and onto the border at Wallangarra and then back for the 80th anniversary May 20th and then that night launch a book Silk Clouds & Olive Trees, Stories from the Battle of Crete at the Paddington Tavern.

Andreas, or more affectionately known as Zorba, is embarking on his 5th Battle of Crete ANZAC Remembrance Walk and will walk 520 km’s to share the remarkable story of the historical bond and friendships forged via the People of Crete, Greece and the ANZAC’s.

5th Battle of Crete Anzac Remembrance Walk Itinerary

24th April – Fisher park to Maryvale then event in Warwick

25th April – Rest for ANZAC Day

26th April – Maryvale to Warwick

27th/28th April –  Warwick to Cottonvale

28th April – Cottonvale to Stanthorpe

29th April – Stanthorpe to Ballandean

30th April Ballandean to the border at Wallangarra so 15 days to get to the border and 18 days to get back