UK in Greece
- You are here:
- Home
- › About us
- › Working with Greece
- › Defence relations
- › Highlights and activities
- › Battle of Crete
Battle of Crete
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery
The land where the cemetery is situated is so low-lying that as one looks out to sea it is almost as if the sea is a continuation of the land. And in the distance one can see battleships anchored in the bay, a reminder of the strategic importance of this natural harbour.
It was here that, during the war, a local Cretan buried a British soldier in his vineyard. The land was later bought by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and, gradually, more and more servicemen were laid to rest. Today there are three full-time gardeners, and the entire cemetery bears the signs of careful stewardship. For lawns must be mown and rose bushes pruned, visitors looked after and gravestones, walls and buildings maintained. Indeed for many, a visit to the cemetery marks the end of many years of pilgrimage in the search for the graves of loved ones, and in this the Commission plays a vital role and performs a valuable service.
The UK Crete Veterans and Friends Society: A Veteran Remembers
The UK Crete Veterans and Friends Society provides a valuable point of reference for veterans and their families. The Society also organises the trip to Crete every year for its members.
A soldier's story was Doug West, who in the war served in the 151st Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery of the 51st Brigade, Royal Artillery. His battery landed at Souda Bay in November 1940, charged with the defence of the bay. The locals were very hospitable towards the Allied forces. He recalled with amusement how they would be offered raki (an aniseed-flavoured spirit) and wine, both of which, in their lack of knowledge of Greek, the British soldiers called ‘krasi’, or wine.
At the time of the German invasion he was manning 3.7 inch guns at the Sternes position on the Akrotiri Peninsula. He and his fellows had camouflaged their positions well in an olive grove. They hid the ammunition under the trees, and covered the gun walls with sage brush. This meant that when the German search-planes flew over in advance of the invasion, they remained undetected. Importantly, they also held fire at this point. They had also employed a clever trick tactic, whereby long poles were placed against walls made out of sandbags, and these dummy guns were fired at by the search-planes.
Later they were taken prisoner in the village of Sternes, following the surrender by his Commanding Officer, Major Milne. He was among the 6,576 British troops who were captured during the Battle.
Links
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (including Souda Bay Cemetery)
UK Crete Veterans and Friends Society