As previously mentioned, it was hoped that in 2025 there would be screenings of the documentary “Anzac – The Greek Chapter” and that at least one more plaque would be unveiled on the Commemorative Anzac Memorial Plaque Trail.  We are pleased to report that both these initiatives of Jim Claven, OAM, came to fruition.  The Mayor of West Mani hosted the unveiling, which took place on Monday 12th May.  The plaque was unveiled in a lovely spot near the sea in the picturesque village of Trahila (Trachila). The wording is as follows:

This memorial is dedicated to the people of the Mani who assisted hundreds of Allied soldiers evade capture in this region in April-May 1941 enabling their escape from the advancing German forces and to over 200 Allied soldiers who were successfully evacuated from Trahila and other villages along the Mani coast in the early hours of lst May by the brave men of the British Royal Navy destroyers HMS Hero, Kimberley and Isis.  Lest we Forget.

As an aside, Janet Parkin’s father and founder of The Brotherhood, Edwin Horlington, was rescued by HMS Hero at Trahila.

Later that evening the West Mani Municipality organised a private screening of “Anzac -The Greek Chapter” in the garden of Patrick and Joan Leigh-Fermor’s House (now owned by the Benaki Foundation), just outside Kardamyli – a perfect setting. The 90-minute long documentary was introduced by Jim Claven.  This is an excellent film featuring the voices and images of many of the actual veterans who served in the Greek Campaign.