In 1918, Greece’s siding with the victorious powers in World War I provided a unique opportunity of putting national matters to the fore, with the claims on western Asia Minor standing out. Thus, on April 1919, in the framework of the Paris Peace Conference, “it was decided by the Great powers that the Hellenic Army will occupy Smyrna and maintain order therein”, in order to protect Christian populations and the Greek element from Turkish persecution.

On the morning of 2 May 1919, 18 Greek troop carriers entered Smyrna port, where they disembarked troops from the I Infantry Division (Larissa Iron Division). In front of the Hunter’s Club, Metropolitan Chrysostom blessed the Greek troops, who were cheered by the assembled crowd. Nevertheless, at 1030, II Battalion, of the 1/38 Evzones (Guards) Regiment, during its passage through the area of the Governor’s Residence, was ambushed by rapid gunfire. Bloody clashes ensued, for about an hour. Yet, by evening, order was restored, and the town was successfully surrounded.

The Landing of the Hellenic Army in Smyrna, on 2 May 1919 marked the beginning of the Asia Minor Campaign. An ambitious and daring campaign, albeit with an inglorious end in September 1922, putting a final end to the nation’s ambitions for the liberation of all Greeks and their incorporations into the national branch of unredeemed lands (Megali Idea).

#ΕλληνικόςΣτρατός, #HellenicArmy