A glorious page in Greek history is the battle of Kilkis – Lachanas, which signaled the rapid advance of the Greek Army for the ultimate liberation of Macedonia.

Following the victorious outcome of the First Balkan War, the relations between the allies, Greece and Bulgaria, worsened due to territorial claims in Macedonia. Bulgaria’s surprise attack on June 16th along the frontline, from Polykastro region to Paggaio region, and the subsequent retreat of the Greek frontier defence troops, showed that it was a generalized offensive and not just border incidents. However, the Greek Army’s rapid and effective response forced the Bulgarians to retreat to the main defense position of the Kilkis – Lachanas line. The battle took place on 20 – 21 June 1913, when after the Bulgarian attack against their former allies, the Greek forces under King Constantine launched a general and coordinated counterattack, aiming at occupying the strongly fortified positions in Kilkis – Lachanas region.

After a hard fight, the Greek troops prevailed over the Bulgarian ones with bayonets. The battles have been fierce and bloody. Greek soldiers, with determination and self-denial, repulsed the Bulgarian attacks, with significant casualties for both sides. This victory, resulting from the Greek fighters’ high morale, bravery and heroism, leaded apart from the liberation of the towns, to the capturing of prisoners and the seizure of significant war material.

The battle of Kilkis – Lachanas is one of the bloodiest battles of the Second Balkan War, representing at the same time a symbol of sacrifice, bravery, but also a turning point, since it paved the way for the liberation of eastern Macedonia, preventing the fulfillment of the Greater Bulgaria dream.

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