Liberation memorial at Myrina. Photo Jim Claven 2015 |
The liberation was undertaken by the combined force of the Greek resistance - the andartes, many of whom came from nearby Lesvos to help liberate their neighbours - as well as soldiers of the Allied Special Boat Service led by the Scottish-born Major Jock Lapraik and including members of the Greek Sacred Squadron led by Colonel Bourdaras. The local resistance on Lemnos led by EAM's Andreas Noulas played their part in supporting the liberation.
The Germans did not leave without a fight. Withdrawing to Moudros, destroying bridges as they crosssed the Island, the German forces on Lemnos were engaged in a fierce firefight as they sought to depart. Miuch of Moudros tonw was destroyed by German mortar fire. One Greek Sacred Squadron officer - from Larissa - was killed, Lieutenant Panayiotis Dimoulas. And Major Lapraik received a head wound.
The fight ended with manty Germans killed, hundreds of prisoners and the sinking of the German vessels by the British Royal Navy's HMS Argonaut as they sought to depart Lemnos.
HMS Argonaut |
And so modern day Argonaut's had returned to Lemnos and helped the Island - as Jason had done.
The liberation of Greece from the long years of German occupation is sadly rarely commemorated. It should be. In the later months of 1944, the liberation progressed across Greece's Island's and the mainland. The bravery of those who helped ended the occupation - whether civilians, andartes or members of the various armed services - should be remembered.
Next time you visit Lemnos, go to Myrina's Roman Shore and stand before the memorial to Lieutenant Panayiotis Dimoulas and the liberation of Lemnos in October 1944.
More to follow - watch this space.
Jim Claven
Secretary
Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee
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