The Better Battle of Thermopylae
1 Comments Published by Tom Gara on Friday, July 17 at Friday, July 17, 2009.
Forget Spartans vs Persians. I like the one that involved Australians:
The Battle of Thermopylae during World War II occurred in 1941 following the retreat from the Olympus and Servia passes. British Commonwealth forces began to set up defensive position at the historic pass at Thermopylae....Along with our Gazan cavalry charge, this is the kind of thing that really would have made Australian Studies a lot more interesting in high school...
When the order to retreat was received on the morning of the 23rd it was decided that each of the two positions was to be held by one brigade each. These brigades, the Australian 19th and 6th New Zealand were to hold the passes as long as possible, allowing the other units to withdraw. General Vasey, commander of the 19th Brigade said:
“Here we bloody well are and here we bloody well stay”
The Germans attacked on 24 April, met fierce resistance, lost fifteen tanks and sustained considerable casualties. The Australians and New Zealanders held out the entire day....
call a producer - it's time for an Australian movie on a war that doesn't end with a total fiasco.