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The Lifetime Story of Reg Saunders and Crete

MikeReg_Saunders_(003967)The story of Reg Saunders (1920-1990), the first Aboriginal Officer who took part in the battle of Crete against the German occupation, is now a documentary, produced and directed by journalist Michael Sweet.

His life story is impressive: from the front lines in the wars of North Africa, Crete, and Korea. He was the first Aboriginal Australian to be commissioned as an officer in the Australian Army.
The film tells of his time spent in Crete in 1941- fighting the Nazi invaders, and being on-the-run, evading capture for a year with the help of the villagers as well as surviving the shipwreck “Costa Rika”. He had a strong relationship with the Greek family of Tsagakarakis, who had given a hideout and shelter. He used to say that Vasiliki Tsagkaraki was the bravest woman he ever met.  In Crete he lived in the caves, dressed in traditional Cretan costume and learned the Greek language. “In Crete, Saunders witnessed the selfless courage of an ancient rural people whose experience was similar to his own. The experience broadened his views on social justice for the rest of his life,” said his daughter. In May 1942, he went back to Australia, married twice and had 10 children. He passed away in his 70’s on March 2, 1990. His ashes were scattered over the Condach Lake in a traditional aboriginal ceremony.

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