Day 6 Lest we Forget

A no-fly day in Crete. The team took the opportunity to draw on Nick Kanakis’ professional military history teaching experience and his family history in Crete. He created a special self-directed tour of WWII local sites of significance from the German Operation Mercury airborne invasion of Crete in May 1941. Thanks so much, Nick.

It was a humbling morning. We stood on the Maleme airfield where fierce fighting took place. We read first-hand accounts from invading and defending soldiers. We also visiting a German war cemetery and the Commonwealth War Grave in Suma Bay where many New Zealand soldiers are laid to rest. The site of ferns etched into those headstones so far from home was stirring and overwhelming. 

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Nick also told us about his grandfather who fought in the Crete resistance. Which brought back memories of the stories my two great uncles who saw action here used to tell. In one spot, I noticed several headstones were joined together. On closer inspection I realised they were for a New Zealand RNZAF and RAF flight crew who were lost on 28 October 1942. For our tight-knit international team it was both sobering and symbolic to see a young multinational flight crew joined in life and death (in the year Spirit of Douglas was built). A very moving experience.

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Rest in Peace.

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