Vancouver Greeks Warmly Welcome the Return of Thomas Stamatis.
“I can’t find the right English words, but I must tell you, war is nothing like a 'picnic'. During one terrible stretch, we marched and fought for 60 hours without food because the commissariat train failed us. I might go again if my country needed me, but next time, I’d bring a stash of small, nourishing food packs.”
These heartfelt words come from Thomas Stamatis, who was a restaurateur in Vancouver until he was called to join the Greek reserve forces in October 1912. Leaving immediately, he entrusted his business to his brother Constantine. He returned Saturday, battle-scarred but ready to work, relieved to find his business had thrived in his absence.
Arriving in Greece in November 1912, Stamatis joined his regiment in Saloniki, serving with the construction engineers corps. He fought against the Turks at Bezani, Hilkis, Hills of Doiram, and Hassa Pass, and was involved in battles at Saloniki, Derelles, Demihaser, Stromitza, Durangi, Killandir, Kreshas, and Jumaya. During the brutal 60 hours of fighting and marching without food, he lost 30 pounds, a struggle common in the Fourth Engineer regiment. After the war, he visited his elderly parents in Greece (Vilia) and received two medals: one for the Turkish war and another for the Bulgarian conflict.
In the accompanying photograph, Stamatis stands at the center. To his left is Nicholas Andritisos, another Greek from British Columbia who died in June 1913 on the first day of the battle of Kilkis. Stamatis recalls the bullet that killed Andritisos struck a watch in his pocket, causing fatal internal injuries. He believes without the watch, the wound might have been survivable. The third person in the picture is Constantine Petsalas, a Greek from Toronto who also survived the war.
The Greek community warmly welcomed Mr. Stamatis. Yesterday, at his brother Constantine’s home at 617 Keefer Street, he was presented with a loving cup.
Thomas and Constantine Stamatis have been business partners in Vancouver for years. Both wanted to fight for their homeland, but Thomas claimed the right due to seniority. Leaving his business in his brother’s hands, he departed with little preparation. Returning to find his business thriving, he expressed that Constantine deserves equal recognition for sacrificing his ambitions to manage the responsibilities at home, allowing Thomas to serve their country.
Comments