Konstantinos Lagos, professor at the Hellenic Air Force Academy, and Pantelis Vatakis, retired brigadier general and Hellenic Air Force pilot, join Stavroula Karali on “Remarkable Personalities”. They are the co-authors of “1918 – World War I: Greek Wings in Battle,” published by Psichogios Publications.
Ahead of the Feast of the Archangels on 8 November, when the Hellenic Air Force honors its patron saints, the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, the program presents the first part of a tribute to Greece’s pioneering aviators.
From the ancient Greek myth of Daedalus and Icarus, which captures humanity’s enduring desire to take to the skies, to the first real flights and the pioneers of Greek aviation, the program traces the story of a dream that became reality. It is a fascinating journey through wartime feats, daring flights, and little-known aspects of the aviators’ personal lives.
Who was the legendary “Trelokamperos” (“Daredevil Kamperos”), whose daring maneuvers thrilled spectators and whose charm captivated women? Which aviator was embroiled in a sensational divorce and an attempted murder case that made headlines at the time? And how did a hero of the skies become a dancer, painter, and friend of Salvador Dalí?
Particularly moving is the story of Aristeidis Moraitinis, who survived the aerial battles of World War I, only to disappear on a routine flight shortly before Christmas in 1918, while his mother waited for him to return home.
Equally harrowing is the tragic fate of aviator and pharmacist Spyros Hambas, who rigged a drawing of lots to ensure that he would be chosen for a dangerous wartime mission.
The program also spotlights Thanos Veloudios, the daring aviator who landed in Bursa and raised the Greek flag before later taking an entirely different path in the arts.
From the Balkan Wars and World War I to the Asia Minor Campaign, the program explores both the courage and the frailties of the aviators who devoted their lives to conquering the skies.
Research and presentation: Stavroula Karali
Sound editing: Kostas Palios