Frank Abney-Hastings (1794-1828) was one of the most influential of all the philhellenes who fought in the Greek War of Independence (1821-1829). A naval tactician he pioneered military techniques and technology to great effect against contingents of the Ottoman fleet and supply chain. Ultimately giving his life fighting for the freedom of the Greek people, he was mortally wounded while leading an attack on a fortification on the island of Anatolikon (modern day Etoliko) expiring several days later on June the 1st 1828.
Hastings was mourned greatly and given a national funeral. He was interred at the site of the old arsenal on the island of Poros. A site that from 1830 became the home of the Hellenic Navy and is currently a naval training base. A memorial to Hastings has been erected at this site in his memory.
Hastings memorial was commissioned in 1928 by the then minister of the Hellenic Navy Panagiotou Merlopoulou and commemorates the centenary of Hastings death. The memorial is is referred to on a plaque in the Anglican Church of St Pauls Athens, where Hastings heart is immured. The centenary was marked by a service which was attended by Sir Percy Loraine British Ambassador to Greece and other dignitaries.
The memorial carries two plaques which are illustrated below along with a translation of the inscriptions.
“ERECTED TO COMMEMORATE
THE CENTENARY OF THE DEATH
OF THE PHILHELLENE
FRANK ABNEY HASTINGS
WHO FOUGHT IN THE HELLENIC NAVY
FOR THE REBIRTH OF GREECE
DONATED IN GRATITUDE BY
THE MINISTER OF THE GREEK NAVY
PANAGIOTOU MERLOPOULOU
JUNE 1928”
“IN GLORIOUS MEMORY OF
FRANK ABNEY HASTINGS
WHO GAVE HIS LIFE FOR
THE CAUSE OF GREECE
THIS SITE WAS VISITED IN REMEMBRANCE
ON THE CENTENARY OF HIS DEATH
BY SIR PERCY LORAIN AMBASSADOR TO GREECE
REPRASENTATIVE OF THE KING OF ENGLAND
AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BRITISH NAVY”
What a testament to the enduring legacy of Hastings distinguished role in the Greek revolution.
These particular photographs are not licensed for redistribution.
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