Battle of Greece 1940: Mussolini Attacks - World War II DOCUMENTARY

Our animated historical documentary series on modern warfare continues with a video on the Battle of Greece of 1940. This episode will focus on the pre-war situation in Italy and Greece and then will dive into the Italian invasion of Greece.

The video was made by Leif Sick, while the script was developed by Ivan Moran

#Documentary #GrecoItalianWar #BattleOfGreece

[saillok]

Mussolini: I will bring back the glory of the Roman empire.
Greeks : Exactly, but of the eastern Roman empire.

[wisp]

Polish regards to Greece. Glad to see both civilians and the military holding off the tide. Very heroic. You should be proud to be Greek.

[d.a.m_]

"To the surprise of the Italians, the political divisions in Greece were temporarily silenced in a mood of national unity."

This seems like a recurring theme for anytime Greece gets invaded

[Prmthus]

The moment when you attempt to invade Greece but Greece invades you right back.

[enriquevigo]

Italy: Daddy Germany look! I can blitzkrieg too
Greece: No.

[spudskie]

Greece whipped the Italians so badly that at the French/Italian border, there was a sign that said, "Greeks stop here. This is France!"

After defeating the Italians, they had to take on Goliath's big brother...Germany. Both of my grandfathers fought in the Greek army against Italy and later participated in the Resistance against the Germans/Italians. I will never forget their stories of incredible hardship.
To this day, October 28 is still celebrated as Οχι (No) Day with parades and homes displaying Greek flags. I think Greece is the only country that actually celebrates (rather than somberly observing) their entry into WWII.
Greece fought as well as they could within its limits. And boy did they have limits! Outnumbered and outgunned with no tanks, no anti-tank weapons, very few aircraft, a small navy, little industry, and an underdeveloped network of roads and railroads.
British Commonwealth forces did the best they could to help Greece, but they were too few in number. They had to protect the British Isles and their possessions around the world. No doubt sending forces to Greece did not help the situation in North Africa. But help was appreciated. Greeks cheered Commonwealth forces when they arrived. They also cheered when they were retreating. Greeks cheered them on saying "You will come back! We will be waiting for you!".

The only complaint I have about the Commonwealth's help is their lack of preparing Crete. Greece was told to go ahead and transfer most of the Crete garrison to Albania to fight the Italians. Britain would prepare the island's defenses. They never really did. Whether it's due to assuming Crete would not be a future battlefield, logistical problems, or other circumstances. General Freyberg left a lot to be desired. He was told an airborne attack was coming, yet still deployed his forces for a seaborne invasion. In spite of it all, they nearly defeated the Germans, if not for a lack of communication and awareness. If they only had just 20 more radios. If just half of the Cretan Division was still there to help. Who knows?!?
Crete should NEVER have fallen.

To this day, the people of Crete remember the British, Australian and New Zealanders that fought alongside the Greeks. Every year there is a memorial service on the anniversary of the invasion. The sadly shrinking number of veterans that are able to return are treated with respect, honor, and a deep appreciation.

To our Allies, thank you for your help.

To my grandfathers...you are heroes and I will always be proud of you both. Miss you and love you. Your memories live on in your photos and the stories I tell to your great-grandchildren who regret having never met you.

Ζήτω η Ελλάδα!

[panzermacher]

Mussolini :- "If we invade Greece we will grind you into dust under our boots"
Metaxas :- "if"

[JonLondrezos]

My grandfather died in this war. Greetings to all Greeks and to our Italian brothers. Let’s never fight again.

[ettoremorabito]

I'm ashamed in this chapter! As a Greek Calabrese I give my most apology to the Greek people!I wasnt born then!But i feel the pain!Sorry my fellow Greeks!As I Locroy Ephizefiri I salute you!X

[mlmlskills]

Amazing story of courage and fighting spirit while outnumbered and outgunned, respect from a Greek Australian 🇦🇺🇬🇷🇦🇺🇬🇷

[itamar]

Mussolini: Its time for Italy to shine.

Greece: I am about to destroy this man's whole career.

[frsaki]

The Greek women climbed the mountains with heavy supplies on their backs for the soldiers...mothers and grandmothers defied the weather conditions and heroicaly were the life saving force of the fontline...remember our women!!!!

[ezio]

Two of my great grandfathers fought in that war. One lost a leg, the other lost hearing from his right ear. Thank you kings and generals for covering the battle of Greece.

[MadAtreides]

As a venetian it is most shameful to be reminded of this particular chapter of italian history since we have a saying to describe our relation with the greeks: "una faccia, una razza" (one face, one race)

[SmugCanadian]

The best part of the Greeks and their amazing feats in this war was they wooped the Italians so badly that Germany had to delay it's invasion of the USSR to come save the Italians mess and because of that delay the Germans never reached Moscow before winter and probably had a massive impact on the outcome of the war. Thank you Greece.

[NenekAtuk]

" We would have been brought to our knees if it was not for the bravery and courage of the Greeks. " - Marshal Georgy Zhukov

[Killzoneguy]

"New Roman Empire"

Somewhere, Flamininus was just sobbing profusely at this pitiful invasion of Greece

[tropicblue]

As an Italian I have only respect for Greece and that resistance. Mussolini made his entire country pay heavy price for stupid ego and ambitions. Fascism is a sad page of our history.

[teodorbabic]

Excellent performance by the Greek army and people ! Greetings from Serbia !

[milioneri]

I love how italians blame albanians for they failed offensive.