Australian Hellenic Memorial

On 6 April 1941 the 6th Australian Division joined an Allied force resisting German advancement in mainland Greece. The troops, largely from Australia and New Zealand, fought with skill and determination but were vastly outnumbered on the ground. Germany also enjoyed total domination of the air. The campaign was, from start to finish, a fighting withdrawal.

Many evacuated Australians were taken to Crete where, with British, New Zealand and Greek troops, they fought an ill-fated campaign against highly trained German troops. More than 5000 Australians were taken prisoner of war in both campaigns.

The Australian Hellenic Memorial commemorates those who died in these campaigns.

Designed by the architectural firm, Ancher, Mortlock and Woolley Pty Ltd, the marble memorial recalls the shape of an amphitheatre amidst an olive grove. The doric column symbolises the birth of civilisation. This column is also embossed with the cross of the Greek Orthodox Church, representing a soldier's grave. The column stands on a mosaic pavement, designed by Mary Hall, which represents the rugged coastline and terrain of the battlefields. The damaged steel fragment reflects the futility and destruction of war.