Welcome to our website, which is in honour of Allied Veterans and their fallen comrades who served in Greece in World War Two.
Our aim is to:
- create awareness and understanding of the ill-fated Greek Campaign
- promote the ongoing work and activities of ‘The Brotherhood of Veterans of The Greek Campaign 1940 to 1941’ for veterans and their families.
30 years since it was founded by Edwin Horlington MBE, The Brotherhood continues to be very active due to the hard work and dedication of Edwin’s daughter Janet Parkin (formerly Buttery, née Horlington) and, until recently, our President Frank J Gill (Lance Corporal, Royal Engineers).
The 1941 Greek Campaign has been commemorated with a memorial service, attended by veterans and their families from the UK, in Kalamata in May every year since 1994. We also hold an annual service at the National Memorial Arboretum in the UK every September.
Our Archive of veterans stories is available to view on our website. For every veteran listed we provide a summary record. For others, we also have a copy of their POW questionnaire. For the rest, we have a comprehensive story including Pre-Greece, Greek Campaign, Post-Greece and sometimes a Post Script about life after the war.
UK Reunion – 82nd Anniversary 9th September 2023
We were pleased to be able to hold the service outside at The Greek Grove and we were delighted to welcome Captain Nikolaos Filias, HN, Greek Defence Attaché. Father John (Nankivell) led the service and two members of his congregation accompanied him. Four standards were carried by the following ‘volunteers’: Colin Pleavin, Peter Simpson, Barry Parkin and Ted Gummer. Janet Parkin gave a short welcome speech and reiterated, as always how important it is not to forget the 1941 Greek Campaign and the sacrifices made.
Our Chairman, David Sanderson, was unable to attend the service this year. He did, however, prepare something for the Service, which was read out by Geoff Swinnerton on David’s behalf. To read an abridged version of David Sanderson’s speech please click on the link below.
Five wreaths were laid, one by the Greek Defence Attaché plus Buster Beckett in memory of the Prisoners of War; Mrs Anne Holmes on behalf of the Widows; Mark Buttery in memory of Deceased Members and Mrs Carole Brown on behalf of the Brotherhood. Geoff Swinnerton gave the oration and acted as Parade Marshall. ‘Thank You’ to you all.
News (please click on links below and see News section)
- UK Reunion – 82nd anniversary 9th September 2023
- Kalamata 2023 – 82nd anniversary of the 1941 Greek Campaign
- Anzac Memorial Plaque Trail across Greece
- English translation of Nikos Zervis’s book: Kalamata – Occupation – Resistance – Liberation available to buy
- Funding The Brotherhood activities
- Famous people who were also veterans of the Campaign