9 April 1941 - Thessaloniki falls

A Panzer passing through Nikis Avenue, Thessaloniki. The building in the background has a banner with the inscription "Bolshevism is the greatest enemy of our civilization".

On this day 75 years ago, the German Army entered Thessaloniki.
The German advance into the city and surrounding Thrace and eastern Macedonia led to the rapid collapse of the Greek defences here.The focus of the invasion of Greece would now be the Monastir Gap and the coastal road to central and southern Greece - defended by Allied and Greek forces.
On this day began over 4 years of German occupation of Thessaloniki, Greece's great and ancient second city. This occupation would see the Nazi's extend their holocaust to Greece - and the destruction of the cities thriving Jewish community.


Jim Claven
Secretary
Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee
& Member, Battle of Crete and the Greek Campaign Commemorative Council