Australians often ignore how the operation in Thessaloniki influenced the Allied strategy during World War I, as well as Greece’s stance during the Gallipoli campaign in 1915.
Dr. Maria Hill, a distinguished historian, is a great supporter of this idea, therefore she decided to give a lecture for the Greek Community of Melbourne, regarding Australia’s participation and operations in Thessaloniki during World War I in 1915.
According to Dr. Hill, more than 450 men and women from Australia served in various units across northern Greece during the period between 1914 and 1918, but little is known about their experiences in the war’s Macedonian front.
In particular, women from Australia played an important role in this operation. More than 360 Australian women served in British military hospitals located near Thessaloniki and the island of Lemnos. Although Australian military units were incorporated into British, nothing has been written so far about their war experiences in the swamps of Northern Greece that were infected by malaria.
Dr. Hill is a professional historian with expertise in military history, particularly the Greek and Cretan campaigns of 1941. Her lecture at the Greek Center of Melbourne will take place on April 23 and admission will be free.