A Visit to Mount Athos: November 1944

Seventy years ago, when the Second World War came to an end, Mount Athos monks had rescued and sheltered many Allied Troops, who were left behind during the disorderly retreat of their forces in front of the Nazi onslaught. Only a year after the Nazi’s defeat –which was triggered significantly by the Greek resistance delaying the Germans- the first Allied Government that organised the dispatch of Credential letters, was the most distant one. New Zealand, not only felt obliged to send citations to the Greek Monasteries and Municipalities all around Greece, but decided to actually sent a team of three officials, representing both the NZ Army and their Government. These citations were handed over personally, as an expression of gratitude, for the Holy Mountain’s vital role in protecting the New Zealand soldiers. One of the few unpublished experiences and descriptions of foreign representatives in the Athonite peninsula, is this one by Peter McIntyre, not only a well trained soldier, but a highly cultured, adventurous and recognised artist. McIntyre recorded his unique experience in an unplayed radio talk on New Years Day, 1945 for the Radio of New Zealand that was discovered recently by Peter Howorth, together with all the photos taken during the visit, that are the main theme of this booklet. Eventually, the 1944 New Zealand visit to Mount Athos regained its multidimensional and historical significance. This booklet, also, includes a Foreword about Mount Athos from the Publisher, a Preface by Peter Howard, and a short biography of Peter McIntyre. A collectable piece of history!