Australian Battle of Crete Veteran Alf Carpenter passes away

At the age of 105, World War II Veteran Alf Carpenter, who in the Spring of 1941 fought for the defense of Crete from the German invaders, has passed away. The news was announced by the NSW Veterans Association (RSL NSW), expressing condolences to his family and loved ones.

Born in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales in April of 1917, Alf Carpenter fought with the ANZACs, alongside the Allied forces, throughout the Second World War, while on his 24th birthday he found himself fighting on the side of the Cretans, in the area of Heraklion, to prevent the island from falling to the Axis powers.

Crete and its hospitable people resided in a special place in his heart, hence he made sure to be present every year at the memorial and honourable commemorations held in Australia on the anniversary of the historic Battle of Crete.

In one of those commemorations, during the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete commemorated at Martin Place, in Sydney, in May 2021, Alf Carpenter had met with His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia. During their heart-to-heart conversation, the ANZAC Veteran had promised the Archbishop that he would be present at the 81st Anniversary events as well, as he indeed did…

May His memory be eternal!