Englishman's Bay
Englishman's Bay – Known Locally as “Gjiri i Gjo Lekës”
Englishman’s Bay, locally known as “Gjiri i Gjo Lekës,” is located on the Karaburun Peninsula. It received its name during World War II, in reference to the famous British actor and director Sir John Anthony Quayle, who sought refuge in this bay during the war.
Who Was Sir Anthony Quayle?
Sir Anthony Quayle served as a British army officer and later as a liaison officer with Albanian partisans during WWII. He fictionalized his experiences in Albania in his book “Eight Hours from England.”
Though he is not widely known among Albanians, Quayle played a significant role in classic cinema. In the famous film “Lawrence of Arabia,” he portrayed one of the protagonist’s colleagues. Quayle went on to become one of the most acclaimed actors in Europe and the United States, in both film and theater. But during his youth, he chose to volunteer for military service.
Quayle’s Time in Albania
In 1943, Quayle established his military headquarters in the village of Dukat, where he spent nearly a year living under harsh conditions in shepherd huts, constantly threatened by German forces. His mission in Albania helped him build a military career, and he was promoted to the rank of Major. Alongside him were several British officers and aides.
Later, he was joined by an American mission and several Italian deserters, including a general named Infante.
Legacy and Writings
Major Quayle left behind detailed reports on his time in Albania and wrote two books about his experiences:
“Eight Hours from England” (published in 1945)
“A Time to Speak” (published in 1948)
In these works, he named the Albanians who helped him, such as the Çela and Meto families of Dukat, preserving their memory in literature and history.
This bay, rich in both natural beauty and wartime history, is not just a scenic destination but also a symbol of international solidarity and bravery during one of the world’s darkest times.