In the spring of 1941, the unsuccessful Italian operations against the Hellenic Army at the Albanian Theatre of Operations caused the simultaneous German invasion of Greece and Yugoslavia (Operation “Marita”).

The invasion of German troops into Hellenic territory at 0515 of 6 April 1941 marked the start of the Battle of the Forts, the four-day battle at the “Metaxas Line” forts along the Greek-Bulgarian border. The main German effort was launched against the heights of Mt. Kerkini (Beles) and the Roupel defile. Despite the constant pounding by German mechanised units and dive bombers, for three days the Beles – Nestos line and most forts remained essentially intact. However, the rapid collapse of the southern part of the Yugoslav front and the lack of available forces to cover the left flank of the fortified position allowed the German 2nd Panzerdivision to cross into Hellenic territory through the Axios river valley and then rapidly advance to Thessaloniki, which it captured on the morning of 9 April 1941.

The signing of the capitulation protocol on 1400 of the same day marked the cessation of hostilities and the end of the Battle of the Forts. Despite the outcome of the battle, the heroic resistance of the Eastern Macedonia Army Section (TSAM) troops constitutes an eternal example of courage and self-sacrifice, earning the respect even of their enemies.
#ΕλληνικόςΣτρατός, #HellenicArmy