WHEN former Royal Marine Bernard Hallas travelled to Crete to lay a wreath in memory of sailors who died on board HMS York and HMS Warspite in 1941, he expected to play a low-key role in the ceremony.

Instead, to his amazement, the 94-year-old from Haxby ended up as guest of honour, even returning the salute from assembled Greek troops and meeting the Greek Minister for Defence.

Mr Hallas, who is publicity officer for the York Royal Naval Association as well as chairman of the York Royal Marines Association, said he was serving on the battleship HMS Warspite when German bombers attacked his fleet during the British evacuation of Crete in 1941.

Having earlier witnessed an attack on HMS York, he narrowly escaped death when the Warspite was attacked, leaving a battery to get a tot of rum only minutes before it was hit by a massive bomb.

He said on his return to Crete, complete in Royal Marine blazer, medals and beret, he attended a service at Chania Cathedral.

“On the square were the Greek Army, Navy and Air Force paraded in full strength, along with their band, and then came the members of the Greek Government,” he said.

Inside the cathedral, he stood at the rear and was amazed when a large, bearded Bishop put his arms round him and gave him a double kiss, before escorting him to an ornate chair on the altar.

“On completion of the service, the Bishop helped me to my feet, another hug and kiss and he walked me through the assembly to the front of the cathedral.

“As we stepped into the sunshine, the whole parade was called to the attention. The Bishop then invited me to accompany him, to march across the front of the troops and return the salute.”

Later, he said he accompanied Claire Fragaki, the British Vice Consul of Crete, to a reception, where he was introduced to thre Greek Defence Minister and General Staff officers of the Greek Armed Forces.