On the trail of Cyril Bolden NX9137

Ross’ father, Cyril Bolden enlisted for the 2nd AIF in 1939 despite being in a protected industry. He left Australia on the first ship out and arrived in Gaza in early 1940. The 6th Division Australian Army Supply Corp (AASC) saw action in Tobruk, Greece and were evacuated from Greece onto Crete to assist the allies in its defence.

There are many histories written about the Battle of Crete. The Germans used a bold new technique for landing troops by parachute. Whilst not entirely effective and was retired by the Germans, other forces were to take up this technique later in the war.

A fierce battle ensued for a couple of weeks however once the Germans captured Maleme airport they were able to send troops and supplies at will, and eventually, were able to overrun the allied forces. Some were evacuated at Souda Bay, others were able to cross the mountain range and head south to Sfakia for evacuation to Egypt, 10,000 were captured and sent to German POW camps and thousands gave their lives. Cyril was captured and spent 4 years as a POW.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission established a cemetery on the shore of Souda Bay to commemorate the lives of those service men who lost their lives. RIPRead more