Getting to know the Greek Giveaway

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Giveaway Part 2

As all of you well know I’m an American Greek. While saddened by the course of my family’s root country I try to remember the things I was taught growing up that made me proud of it’s rich history.

It is part of that history I’d like to delve into today. My roots are literally spread across Greece. My father’s side of the family is from an island, I won’t tell you which hint hint. My mother’s side is more mainland, not telling either may save that for a future session.

Greece, as all countries, has seen it share of war. There is a particular battle that sticks in my mind, I am proud of my people’s relentless spirit that fought hard against a foe that was more “well equipped.” What I would like from you is to tell me first, what island holds this part of my heritage, and second, to which battle I’m referring. The island is one that is extremely self-reliant. It is rich in music, poetry, and so much more, and the sites are absolutely breathtaking. Please place your answers in the comments below. I don’t think I’ll need to give too many hints, as I have already. Although if needed, rest assured I will. Thanks for taking part, and always reading! Long ashes to all! -Evan

29 thoughts on “Getting to know the Greek Giveaway”

  3. MattSRoss81

    The island is Crete – Crete was involved in the Mithridatic Wars, initially repelling an attack by Roman general Marcus Antonius Creticus in 71 BCE. Nevertheless, a ferocious three-year campaign soon followed under Quintus Caecilius Metellus, equipped with three legions and Crete was finally conquered by Rome in 69 BCE

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    1. MattSRoss81

      In case John can’t win because he won last time, I’m going to agree with the Battle of Crete during WW2.

      After one day of fighting, the Germans had suffered very heavy casualties, and the Allied troops were confident that they would prevail against the German invasion. The next day, through miscommunication and the failure of Allied commanders to grasp the situation, Maleme airfield in western Crete fell to the Germans, enabling them to fly in reinforcements and overwhelm the defenders. The battle lasted about 10 days.

      The Battle of Crete was unprecedented in three respects: it was not only the first battle where the German paratroops (Fallschirmjäger) were used on a massive scale, but also the first mainly airborne invasion in military history;[7] the first time the Allies made significant use of intelligence from the deciphered German Enigma code; and the first time invading German troops encountered mass resistance from a civilian population. Because of the heavy casualties suffered by the paratroopers, Adolf Hitler forbade further large-scale airborne operations. However, the Allies were impressed by the potential of paratroopers and started to build their own airborne divisions.

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          1. MattSRoss81

            Thanks – looks like we helped each other out on this one. I owe you – let’s arrange a trade! DM me sometime

  13. Cigar Surgeon

    I’d also like to pay respects to the New Zealand 2/11th Battalion under command of Major-General Bernard Freyberg VC. Also the combined British and Commonwealth forces.

    The following soldiers were award the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy.

    * Alfred Clive Hulme from New Zealand

    * Alfred Edward Sephton and Englishman in the Royal Navy.

    * Captain Charles Hazlitt Upham, from New Zealand who received two VC during World War 2. One in Crete and one in Egypt. He was only the third person to receive the VC twice, the only person to receive two VCs during the Second World War and the only combat soldier to receive the award twice

    I’d also recommend watching The 11th Day: Crete 1941. It’s a great documentary made in 2005 that focuses on the survivors.

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