Out of the blue... and with about two weeks notice, an email from the British Embassy in Athens arrived in my inbox, inviting me to a commemorative ceremony at the Pallas Theatre, Athens on Thursday 16th October 2025 - the Embassy had been contacted by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission through the knowledge that my uncle, Pilot Officer Gerald Davies' final resting place was at the 'Phaleron' Allied War Cemetery in Piraeus, Athens.
The ceremony was being organised to honour the enduring bond between the RAF and Greece’s Hellenic Air Force, and, of course, those individuals who served courageously in the campaigns of Greece and North Africa—including the many lost souls of 211 Squadron and Pilot Officer Gerald Davies.
Representing my uncle, I spoke emotionally: “I am honoured and humbled to stand for my uncle, Pilot Officer Gerald Davies. He lost his life on Easter Sunday, 13 April 1941, defending Greece from invasion. I never met him, but my mother always remembered her tall, smart brother in his RAF uniform; she had been only nine when she last saw him. He is now part of both Greece and Britain — together — in Phaleron, where I placed a poppy on his grave to say ‘thank you for your service.’
We are deeply grateful to Greece: not only for the friendship shown during the war, but for continuing to care for the graves of our fallen. For that, we are eternally thankful.”
Nigel was presented with a beautiful award on the stage of the Theatre.
The inscription reads:
‘In remembrance of the commemorative event honouring the Hellenic & British Air Force Cooperation in the Second World War.’
The award depicts a Spitfire MH-IX Spade Grip - 1942 - 1945.
Read the story of
Gerald's War here.
The Blenheim Boys
‘The devotion and gallantry… are beyond all praise. The Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava is eclipsed in brightness by these almost daily deeds of fame.’
Winston Churchill on the Blenheim Crews - Prime Minister’s Personal Minute, M.852/1, 30 August 1941
