The Royal Australian Mint’s commemorative Battle of Crete coin presented to the Archbishop of Australia

A commemorative coin issued by the Royal Australian Mint to mark the 85th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete was recently presented by the Ambassador of Australia to Greece, Ms Alison Duncan, to Archbishop Makarios of Australia.

Through the initiative to issue this collector’s coin, the enduring bonds forged between Australia and Greece during the historic Battle of Crete, fought on the island during the Second World War, are being honoured.

Archbishop Makarios, who is of Cretan origin, received the commemorative coin with great emotion.

For her part, Australian Ambassador Ms Duncan acknowledged that the people of Crete, particularly those at the Holy Monastery of Preveli, risked even their own lives to shelter, care for, and assist Australian soldiers in avoiding capture and escaping the island following the German occupation.

Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou