The explosion of the Gorgopotamos Bridge on November 25, 1942, stands as one of the most iconic moments of the Greek National Resistance during the Occupation. ELAS and EDES, two resistance organizations from opposing factions, joined forces under the guidance of British agents to disrupt the strategic communication lines of the Axis forces. The operation aimed to cut off supplies to German troops in North Africa but became a powerful symbol of unity and resistance, even as its military significance was diminished due to the outcome of the Battle of El Alamein.
Despite its importance, the anniversary of Gorgopotamos is absent from school textbooks and continues to be commemorated differently by various groups.
This Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 1:00 PM (Athens time), Historical Walks on Voice of Greece takes us back to 1942. Guided by historian Vasiliki Lazou, we relive the day of the operation and explore its aftermath, when the temporary unity of resistance organizations and the neutral stance of the British gave way to new conflicts. Nonetheless, the two groups cooperated again in 1943 under the Joint General Headquarters of Guerrillas, conducting joint operations as part of broader Allied plans.
The program will feature traditional music from Roumeli, resistance songs, and compositions dedicated to the operation’s protagonists. A syrtos dance for Aris Velouchiotis and a march for Napoleon Zervas reflect how victory was attributed separately to the leaders, mirroring the division that followed.
Produced and presented by Marilena Katsimi
Broadcast: Saturday, November 23, 2024, 1:00–2:00 PM (Athens time)
