When I last read Alan Palmer’s classic history of the Macedonian campaign (The Gardeners of Salonika, 1965) several years ago, I came across a story which I thought would be worth sharing here; needless to say I then completely forgot about it … until now. With the death of Prince Philip, it is a good time to remind ourselves of his connection with the Greek royal family and the war in Salonika.
Continue reading “A Royal Connection”Tag: Greek Army
The Greek Army during the Salonika campaign, 1915-1918.
Remembering CQMS Michael Margiotta of 12 Corps Cyclist Battalion
One hundred years ago today, Serjeant Michael Margiotta died of dysentery and pneumonia in Salonika. He is buried in the CWGC Lembet Road Military Cemetery.
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Meanwhile …
I’m going to take a break from French colonial cavalry to consider what the BSF was doing at this time, using the Official History of Military Operations in Macedonia (Vol. 2 – 1935) by Capt. Cyril Falls.
“508 bottles of beer will be sent to you”
Early in the morning of September 18th this apparently inconsequential message was telephoned to each British Divisional HQ. It was the signal that the attack at Doiran was to be launched at eight minutes past five that morning, one and three-quarter hours before sunrise. The offensive opened with…
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Introducing Desperate Frankie
As we enter September we come to the centenary of the last month of hostilities for the BSF. September 1918 saw the final allied offensive – which for the British was the Second Battle of Doiran – which brought about the Bulgarian armistice at the end of the month. Continue reading “Introducing Desperate Frankie”
