THE darkest days of World War II bring back nothing but horrific memories for many people - but for one Preston man, a chance encounter led to the forming of a friendship which is still strong 55 years later.

Now Ribbleton resident Ron Yates joins scores of war veterans each year at a service to remember those who died as the Allied forces tried to liberate the Greek Aegean Islands from the Germans.

For Ron, who served in the Long Range Desert Group and in the Allied HQ in Chios as a sergeant during World War II, his service on the island of Chios led him to forming a friendship with wartime hero Panos Karasoulis, who he still stays with each year when he attends the poignant ceremony, held in honour of those who died as they tried to reclaim the islands from the fascist forces. Ron said: "The ceremony is held to remember people like Lt Ianson Kalambokos, who was the leader of a group of local partisans who had been harassing the occupying forces on the island before the allied forces arrived.

"Tragically, he was killed just days before the landing of the British forces on Chios. This was the first island to be liberated since the German and Italian Fascist forces had arrived in 1941."

Each year when Ron returns to the island to place a wreath on the memorial to Lt Kalambokos, he meets up with Panos, who helped the allied forces on the island while it was occupied by the Germans.

After the war he was awarded with the George Cross for bravery as well as Greek war medals - and like Ron, looks forward to the September ceremony.

Ron added: "He and his wife, Popi, always entertain us and ferry us around. It is the most beautiful island."

The other Prestonians to serve in Chios were Sgt Peter Sowerbutts, from Penwortham, and Pat McNeela, from Crofters Green, Preston.

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