The Municipality of Argostoli announces that on Friday, 19 June 2026, memorial events will be held in honour of the fallen sailors of the British submarine HMS Perseus, paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the waters of Kefalonia during the Second World War.
The events will begin in the morning in Poros with an official memorial ceremony and will conclude in the afternoon in Skala with speeches, a documentary screening, and an open historical discussion.
The memorial service will be held at the existing monument dedicated to the fallen of HMS Perseus in Poros.
Ceremony Programme
- 10:50 – Arrival of invited guests completed
- 11:00 – Arrival of officials
- 11:05 – Memorial service (prayer)
- 11:20 – Speeches by representatives:
- Municipality of Argostoli – Deputy Mayor Mr. Nikolaos Kourkoumelis
- British side – Mr. Andy Walters
- Region of the Ionian Islands – Deputy Regional Governor Mr. Sotiris Kouris
- Hellenic Submarine Association
- 11:40 – Wreath-laying
- 11:55 – One minute of silence and playing of the National Anthems of the United Kingdom and Greece
End of ceremony
Afternoon Event
Cultural Centre of Skala – Start time: 19:00
The afternoon event includes historical presentations, personal testimonies, and the screening of a documentary dedicated to the history of HMS Perseus and the research that continues to this day.
Event Programme
- 19:00 – Arrival of the public
- 19:15 – Greeting by the Deputy Mayor of Eleios-Pronnoi, Mr. Nikolaos Kourkoumelis
- 19:25 – Introductory speech by the former Mayor of Eleios-Pronnoi, Mr. Andreas Zapantis
- 19:45 – “Vangelis Thomatos: The man who opened his home to history” – presentation by former Deputy Regional Governor Mr. Stavros Travlos
- 20:00 – Presentation and speech by author and naval history researcher Ms. Kristy Emiliou Ioannidou
- 20:30 – Screening of a short documentary
- 21:00 – Reception – Networking & drinks
With the central message:
“From the dark deep to eternal light”
These events represent a small but heartfelt tribute to the fallen sailors of HMS Perseus, while also offering an opportunity for historical remembrance, knowledge, and international friendship.
The Municipality of Argostoli invites residents and visitors to attend and honour the memorial events with their presence.
Deputy Mayor of Eleios-Pronnoi
Nikolaos Kourkoumelis
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