Reliving history! "Operation Marita" and the German invasion in Greece, 75 years after it happened

Photos: Lt. Col. (ret) Ilias Kotridis

Lt. Col. (ret) Ilias Kotridis is the man behind the reenacting of the German attack on the strongholds of Metaxas Line, at Forts Istibey and Rupel, which attracted over 5,000 spectators, who wanted to see history relived in front of their own eyes.

Lt. Col. (ret) Ilias Kotridis has dedicated his life and efforts unearthing the lost secrets of the "Metaxas Line", a complex of concrete bunkers and fortresses that withstood the German invasion, codenamed "Operation Marita" which started on the early hours of April 6, 1941. 

Enthusiasts, portraying the two opposing armies Greek and German, under the guidance of Lt. Col. (ret) Ilias Kotridis reenacted the exact circumstances of the Battle, according to the official accounts from both sides. 

"It was an idea that matured slowly" Mr. Kotridis says and adds:


"We focused on the actual events,  based on the official Greek and German reports, as well as memoirs and personal accounts of soldiers from both sides. 

We wanted to be historically accurate.

At Istibey fort the Germans managed to go on top of the fortifications, an unsuccessful Greek counterattack ensued, then the Germans used gas and suffocated the Greeks inside, forcing them to surrender.

According to Julius Ringel, Commander of the 5th Mountain Division (5. Gebirgs Division) a German detachment presented arms to the Greeks, while they were exiting the fort.

In Rupel the Germans were pinned down by dense fire and Rupel remained in Greek hands for the whole duration of the battle.

"Rupel is not surrendering, come and take it!", was what the Commander of Rupel said to the Germans and this is a message that reminds us of Thermopylae, when Leonidas said "Molon Lave - meaning come and get them!" to the Persian invaders, when the armies of Xerxes asked the Spartans to give up their arms.

All dialogues and texts have been based on the official Greek and German archives, without any deviation from the historic truth, or any embellishment. 

We managed to do the first revival with great success and make the spectators feel like they were watching from a time capsule the actual events, as they unfolded. 

We hope that every year new events will brighten known and unknown aspects of the Metaxas Line battles. 

The best is yet to come!

Preparations for next year have already begun!" Lt. Col. (ret) Ilias Kotridis says.