- published: 02 Aug 2021
- views: 145665
Battle of Leros
The Battle of Leros (Greek: Μάχη της Λέρου) was the central event of the Dodecanese Campaign of the Second World War, and is widely used as an alternate name for the whole campaign. The Italian garrison in Leros was strengthened by British forces on 15 September 1943. The battle began with German air attacks on 26 September, continued with the landings on 12 November, and ended with the capitulation of the Allied forces four days later.
Background
The island of Leros is part of the Dodecanese island group in the south-eastern Aegean Sea, which had been under Italian occupation since the Italo-Turkish War. During Italian rule, Leros, with its excellent deep-water port of Lakki (Portolago), was transformed into a heavily fortified aeronautical and naval base, "the Corregidor of the Mediterranean", as Mussolini boasted.
The island was base for some Italian naval units; specifically, in September 1943:
This page contains text from Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia - https://wn.com/Battle_of_Leros
Podcasts:
-
The Nazi's Last Victory - Battle of Leros
The Dodecanese are a group of over 160 islands between the southeastern Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean that don't even total 1,100 square miles. And yet, this was the location of the last great battle in which the Nazis beat the Allies during World War II. The archipelago was one of the most coveted strategic points for both sides, and the Greek island Leros took the bulk of the conflict. After Italy surrendered in September of 1943, the British sent reinforcements to support the Italian troops stationed in Greece, but the incessant German attacks that followed proved too much for the Allied forces. The Battle of Leros would end up becoming the central event of the Dodecanese campaign, and gave the Germans one last victory. - As images and footage of actual events are not a...
published: 02 Aug 2021 -
The Last German Victory of WW2 - How the Germans Got Their Last Laugh in Greece
In this video, we delve into the Battle of Leros, part of the larger Dodecanese campaign and one of Germany's last major victories in the Second World War. Buy us a KoFi to help support the channel & team! 🎭 •https://ko-fi.com/thefront Check out some of the music we use in our videos!🎶 •https://bit.ly/RelaxJackYT Join other history buffs on our Discord!📚 •https://discord.gg/qt68efP 🎬Video Credits: Narrator - Cam Editors - Shantanu koli Writer - Nick Petrou Researcher - Daniel Intro music - https://www.youtube.com/user/16BitRecordsOfficial #TheFront #History For business inquiries and to learn about our team check out our website🌐: •https://frontiermediaco.com Chapters 0:00 Last great victory 1:05 The Dodecanese campaign 4:17 The Battle of Leros 10:39 Conclusion
published: 15 Jul 2022 -
The Battle of Leros: Subtitled
The original documentary about the Battle of Leros in 1943. Now with subtittles in English.
published: 20 May 2007 -
Battle of Leros (1943) – Wehrmacht’s last victory
» SOURCES « Churchill's Folly Paperback – February 1, 2017 by Rogers (Author) amazon.com (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/2IrMVvD Hitler's Island War: The Men Who Fought for Leros (20161030) Kindle Edition by Julie Peakman (Author) amazon.com (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/2EXIEz4 » SUPPORT War&History « paypal donation - https://www.paypal.me/WarHistory » MERCHANDISE from War&History « redbubble - https://www.redbubble.com/people/tamaskun/portfolio?asc=u » DISCLAIMER « As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Battle of Leros (1943) – Wehrmacht’s last victory The Battle of Leros is one of the most important battles in the eastern Mediterranean. It began with the bombing of Leros and culminated in landing German forces on 12. November 1943. After...
published: 14 Apr 2019 -
Battle of Leros
This is a documentary about the Battle of Leros in 1943. Destroyer Olga is sank in 26 September 1943 then after about 50 days of bombarding the real battle begins on the 11th of November. From Radio Leros website.
published: 19 May 2007 -
Battle of Leros
In this operation, we take part in the Battle of Leros. After the Italian surrender, we attempt a paradrop to take some Islands away from them. Recorded Apr 2nd 2022 The history https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Leros Who we are, the First East Prussian infantry is a close-knit group with 10 years of history. For those who are interested in joining this is the latest recruitment post below with everything you need to know. https://www.reddit.com/r/FindAUnit/comments/v3fpg9/a3_recruiting_1_ostpreußische_infanteriedivision/
published: 05 Jun 2022 -
1943 - The Βattle of Leros | Dive in History
The autumn of 1943 was a particularly tumultuous period in the Aegean due to the war events in the region, turning it once again into a major and active field of war. The conflicts arising from the Italian capitulation in September 1943 and the control of the Italian Dodecanese by the Allied forces, led to the organization of a campaign by the German Wehrmacht, known as the "Dodecanese Campaign," (Dodekanes-Feldzug) aiming to control them. Numerous battles were fought for the occupation of the Dodecanese by the German army, but the most intense among them, considered to this day from all sides, was the Battle of Leros. The wrecks presented in this short documentary, undoubtedly serve as another historical witness to the severity of war, awakening memories of events that marked the cour...
published: 15 Nov 2023 -
Victory in the Dodecanese: Kos & Leros, Astipalea, and the 1943 Dodecanese Campaign
Introduction 00:00 History of the Italian Aegean 01:20 Armistice & British Planning 04:06 X. Fliegerkorps 06:50 Battle for Air and Naval Superiority 8:35 The Invasion of Kos 13:40 Might of the Luftwaffe 21:35 Maj. Leverette, Stuka Killer & Ace in a Day 22:40 Invasion by Floatplane: Astypalaia & Levitha 25:28 Air-Sea Battles, SS Sinfra, & Guided Bombs 29:50 Invasion of Leros 35:02 The Value of Air Power 42:10 Surrender & Conclusion 45:12 ------ A special thanks goes out to my YouTube Members and Patreon Patrons! You, too, can join for as little as 99𝇍 and help support this channel! https://www.youtube.com/c/TheWarbirdMistress/join https://www.patreon.com/TheWarbirdMistress Merch! https://the-warbird-mistress.constantcontactsites.com/ Finally, let's not forget Facebook! https://www.facebo...
published: 11 Jun 2022 -
The Most Chilling WW2 Clash You've Never Heard Of
The searing Mediterranean sun beat down on Private Paddy McCrystal as he crouched behind a crumbling stone wall, his rifle clutched tightly to his chest. The acrid smell of cordite permeated the air, mixed with the metallic tang of blood and the salty sea breeze. It was November 16, 1943, and for five relentless days, the tiny Greek island of Leros had been engulfed in a maelstrom of violence. Suddenly, the sky darkened as waves of Luftwaffe bombers roared overhead. The earth shook violently as explosions erupted all around, showering McCrystal with debris. Through the choking dust and smoke, he squinted at the horizon, his blood running cold at the sight before him. Hundreds of dark specks filled the air - German paratroopers descending like a swarm of locusts. The 21-year-old soldier's...
published: 04 Sep 2024 -
Battle of Leros - 80th Anniversary
When friends and history come together the results are fascinating. Commemorative events for the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Leros. The Battle of Leros occured between the 26th September and 16th November 1943 on the tiny island of Leros in the Aegean Sea, Greece. Italians, Greeks and Commonwealth forces prepared to fend off the imminent asault of the Axis... Given the size of the island, the combatants deployed massive armies and fought tenaciously. The Battle of Leros marks the last major victory for the elite German paratroopers, the Fallschirmjäger. We would like to thank everybody who made this happen and especially our friends from Battlefront Malta, Khaki Depot and Deposito Di Guerra. Go check them out! Battlefront Malta: https://battlefrontmalta.com/ Khaki Depot: https...
published: 27 Oct 2023
developed with YouTube
8:41
The Nazi's Last Victory - Battle of Leros
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 8:41
- Uploaded Date: 02 Aug 2021
- views: 145665
The Dodecanese are a group of over 160 islands between the southeastern Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean that don't even total 1,100 square miles. And y...
The Dodecanese are a group of over 160 islands between the southeastern Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean that don't even total 1,100 square miles. And yet, this was the location of the last great battle in which the Nazis beat the Allies during World War II.
The archipelago was one of the most coveted strategic points for both sides, and the Greek island Leros took the bulk of the conflict.
After Italy surrendered in September of 1943, the British sent reinforcements to support the Italian troops stationed in Greece, but the incessant German attacks that followed proved too much for the Allied forces.
The Battle of Leros would end up becoming the central event of the Dodecanese campaign, and gave the Germans one last victory.
- As images and footage of actual events are not always available, Dark Docs sometimes utilizes similar historical images and footage for dramatic effect. I do my best to keep it as visually accurate as possible. All content on Dark Docs is researched, produced, and presented in historical context for educational purposes. We are history enthusiasts and are not always experts in some areas, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us with corrections, additional information, or new ideas. -
https://wn.com/The_Nazi's_Last_Victory_Battle_Of_Leros
The Dodecanese are a group of over 160 islands between the southeastern Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean that don't even total 1,100 square miles. And yet, this was the location of the last great battle in which the Nazis beat the Allies during World War II.
The archipelago was one of the most coveted strategic points for both sides, and the Greek island Leros took the bulk of the conflict.
After Italy surrendered in September of 1943, the British sent reinforcements to support the Italian troops stationed in Greece, but the incessant German attacks that followed proved too much for the Allied forces.
The Battle of Leros would end up becoming the central event of the Dodecanese campaign, and gave the Germans one last victory.
- As images and footage of actual events are not always available, Dark Docs sometimes utilizes similar historical images and footage for dramatic effect. I do my best to keep it as visually accurate as possible. All content on Dark Docs is researched, produced, and presented in historical context for educational purposes. We are history enthusiasts and are not always experts in some areas, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us with corrections, additional information, or new ideas. -
11:04
The Last German Victory of WW2 - How the Germans Got Their Last Laugh in Greece
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 11:04
- Uploaded Date: 15 Jul 2022
- views: 97251
In this video, we delve into the Battle of Leros, part of the larger Dodecanese campaign and one of Germany's last major victories in the Second World War.
Buy...
In this video, we delve into the Battle of Leros, part of the larger Dodecanese campaign and one of Germany's last major victories in the Second World War.
Buy us a KoFi to help support the channel & team! 🎭
•https://ko-fi.com/thefront
Check out some of the music we use in our videos!🎶
•https://bit.ly/RelaxJackYT
Join other history buffs on our Discord!📚
•https://discord.gg/qt68efP
🎬Video Credits:
Narrator - Cam
Editors - Shantanu koli
Writer - Nick Petrou
Researcher - Daniel
Intro music - https://www.youtube.com/user/16BitRecordsOfficial
#TheFront #History
For business inquiries and to learn about our team check out our website🌐:
•https://frontiermediaco.com
Chapters
0:00 Last great victory
1:05 The Dodecanese campaign
4:17 The Battle of Leros
10:39 Conclusion
https://wn.com/The_Last_German_Victory_Of_WW2_How_The_Germans_Got_Their_Last_Laugh_In_Greece
In this video, we delve into the Battle of Leros, part of the larger Dodecanese campaign and one of Germany's last major victories in the Second World War.
Buy us a KoFi to help support the channel & team! 🎭
•https://ko-fi.com/thefront
Check out some of the music we use in our videos!🎶
•https://bit.ly/RelaxJackYT
Join other history buffs on our Discord!📚
•https://discord.gg/qt68efP
🎬Video Credits:
Narrator - Cam
Editors - Shantanu koli
Writer - Nick Petrou
Researcher - Daniel
Intro music - https://www.youtube.com/user/16BitRecordsOfficial
#TheFront #History
For business inquiries and to learn about our team check out our website🌐:
•https://frontiermediaco.com
Chapters
0:00 Last great victory
1:05 The Dodecanese campaign
4:17 The Battle of Leros
10:39 Conclusion
- published: 15 Jul 2022
- views: 97251
8:47
The Battle of Leros: Subtitled
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 8:47
- Uploaded Date: 20 May 2007
- views: 11501
The original documentary about the Battle of Leros in 1943. Now with subtittles in English.
The original documentary about the Battle of Leros in 1943. Now with subtittles in English.
https://wn.com/The_Battle_Of_Leros_Subtitled
The original documentary about the Battle of Leros in 1943. Now with subtittles in English.
- published: 20 May 2007
- views: 11501
3:54
Battle of Leros (1943) – Wehrmacht’s last victory
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 3:54
- Uploaded Date: 14 Apr 2019
- views: 4647
» SOURCES «
Churchill's Folly Paperback – February 1, 2017 by Rogers (Author)
amazon.com (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/2IrMVvD
Hitler's Island War: The ...
» SOURCES «
Churchill's Folly Paperback – February 1, 2017 by Rogers (Author)
amazon.com (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/2IrMVvD
Hitler's Island War: The Men Who Fought for Leros (20161030) Kindle Edition by Julie Peakman (Author)
amazon.com (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/2EXIEz4
» SUPPORT War&History «
paypal donation - https://www.paypal.me/WarHistory
» MERCHANDISE from War&History «
redbubble -
https://www.redbubble.com/people/tamaskun/portfolio?asc=u
» DISCLAIMER «
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Battle of Leros (1943) – Wehrmacht’s last victory
The Battle of Leros is one of the most important battles in the eastern Mediterranean.
It began with the bombing of Leros and culminated in landing German forces on 12. November 1943.
After 4 days of fighting, Leros was captured by the German troops on November 16th. It was the last victory of the Axis forces during WWII.
The occupation of the Dodecanese by the Italian forces took place during the Italian-Turkish War. During the Italian occupation Leros became a major naval base.
On September 8th of 1943 Italy capitulated. On September 11, German forces occupied Rhodes and then Kos, on October 3.
The presence of German bases in the region has compromised the security of allied forces in Egypt and so the Allies decided that Leros has to be captured.
Moreover, an allied victory in the region would indicate that Germany was not invincible and would persuade Turkey to enter the war on the side of the Allies.
The Italian garrison on the island consisted of 5,500 men.
Developed perimetrically to attack the marine targets, there were 3 Italian 152mm, 2 120mm, 4 102mm, 90mm and 14mm 76mm fighters.
There were also 87 anti - aircraft guns and machine guns , but most of the machine guns were of an old and limited range, their positions were uncovered and the variation incomplete.
Until early November 1943, the British had disembarked 3 infantry battalions on the island, which, along with another battalion in Samos, consisted of the 234th Brigade with Commander Brigadier Tilney.
The Wehrmacht responded quickly. Generalleutnant Friedrich-Wilhelm Müller, the commander of the 22nd Infantry Division at Crete, was ordered to take Leros on 23 September.
The German forces assembling for Unternehmen Leopard ("Operation Leopard/Taifun") under the command of Generalleutnant Müller, comprised 3 infantry battalions, a paratroop battalion (I./FJR 2), and an amphibious special forces company (1./Küstenjägerabteilung, Brandenburg Division ).
The invasion force assembled in Kos and Kalymnos, with some groups of Ju 87 D3 dive-bombers were available for close air support. The attack on Leros, which was named Unternehmen Leopard ("Operation Leopard") was set for November 12.
On November 12, German ships appeared on the shores of Leros.
According to the German plan, German soldiers would disembark at 3 points on the eastern side of the island and 1 on the west.
Selected rocky shores have been selected for mine clearance as well as for the surprise of the British and Italian forces on the island.
At the narrowest point of Leros, in the area of Rachi Hill, the plan provided for the dropping of paratroopers, which would cut the island in two, and would connect the eastern to the western bridges.
After the occupation of the northern part of Leros, the southern division would be attacked.
But the battalion to be disembarked in the west accepted a fierce artillery fire and was forced to return to Kalymnos.
Due to the failure of the German forces to disembark on the west side of Leros, there was no escape of paratroopers in the center of the island, connecting the two bridges, and the German soldiers in the east were forced to face all the forces of the defending.
Around 06:30 on the morning of November 12, the 3 German battalions landed on the east side of Leros.
Another battalion in the north, taking fire from the Italian artillery of the area, was forced to flee.
A second German battalion managed to disembark in the bay of Kryfus, and in the afternoon of the same day, and after constant conflicts, occupy the Klidis Hill, which is of particular strategic importance as it connects the north with the south of Leros.
On November 14 , around 2 A.M., the British launched a counterattack to recapture the Pitykiou, but did not work as the Germans relied on strong defense and finally the British were forced to retreat, having suffered heavy losses.
Early in the morning of 15 November the German forces were constantly strengthening while the British-Italians had fallen sharply and their counterattacks in various parts of the island did not have the desired results.
On November 16 , at 3 o'clock in the afternoon Brigadier Tilney surrendered. With this move, the battle of Leros ended.
Leros remained under German occupation until the end of the war!
#militaryhistory, #specialforces, #weaponsandtactics, #easternfront
https://wn.com/Battle_Of_Leros_(1943)_–_Wehrmacht’S_Last_Victory
» SOURCES «
Churchill's Folly Paperback – February 1, 2017 by Rogers (Author)
amazon.com (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/2IrMVvD
Hitler's Island War: The Men Who Fought for Leros (20161030) Kindle Edition by Julie Peakman (Author)
amazon.com (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/2EXIEz4
» SUPPORT War&History «
paypal donation - https://www.paypal.me/WarHistory
» MERCHANDISE from War&History «
redbubble -
https://www.redbubble.com/people/tamaskun/portfolio?asc=u
» DISCLAIMER «
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Battle of Leros (1943) – Wehrmacht’s last victory
The Battle of Leros is one of the most important battles in the eastern Mediterranean.
It began with the bombing of Leros and culminated in landing German forces on 12. November 1943.
After 4 days of fighting, Leros was captured by the German troops on November 16th. It was the last victory of the Axis forces during WWII.
The occupation of the Dodecanese by the Italian forces took place during the Italian-Turkish War. During the Italian occupation Leros became a major naval base.
On September 8th of 1943 Italy capitulated. On September 11, German forces occupied Rhodes and then Kos, on October 3.
The presence of German bases in the region has compromised the security of allied forces in Egypt and so the Allies decided that Leros has to be captured.
Moreover, an allied victory in the region would indicate that Germany was not invincible and would persuade Turkey to enter the war on the side of the Allies.
The Italian garrison on the island consisted of 5,500 men.
Developed perimetrically to attack the marine targets, there were 3 Italian 152mm, 2 120mm, 4 102mm, 90mm and 14mm 76mm fighters.
There were also 87 anti - aircraft guns and machine guns , but most of the machine guns were of an old and limited range, their positions were uncovered and the variation incomplete.
Until early November 1943, the British had disembarked 3 infantry battalions on the island, which, along with another battalion in Samos, consisted of the 234th Brigade with Commander Brigadier Tilney.
The Wehrmacht responded quickly. Generalleutnant Friedrich-Wilhelm Müller, the commander of the 22nd Infantry Division at Crete, was ordered to take Leros on 23 September.
The German forces assembling for Unternehmen Leopard ("Operation Leopard/Taifun") under the command of Generalleutnant Müller, comprised 3 infantry battalions, a paratroop battalion (I./FJR 2), and an amphibious special forces company (1./Küstenjägerabteilung, Brandenburg Division ).
The invasion force assembled in Kos and Kalymnos, with some groups of Ju 87 D3 dive-bombers were available for close air support. The attack on Leros, which was named Unternehmen Leopard ("Operation Leopard") was set for November 12.
On November 12, German ships appeared on the shores of Leros.
According to the German plan, German soldiers would disembark at 3 points on the eastern side of the island and 1 on the west.
Selected rocky shores have been selected for mine clearance as well as for the surprise of the British and Italian forces on the island.
At the narrowest point of Leros, in the area of Rachi Hill, the plan provided for the dropping of paratroopers, which would cut the island in two, and would connect the eastern to the western bridges.
After the occupation of the northern part of Leros, the southern division would be attacked.
But the battalion to be disembarked in the west accepted a fierce artillery fire and was forced to return to Kalymnos.
Due to the failure of the German forces to disembark on the west side of Leros, there was no escape of paratroopers in the center of the island, connecting the two bridges, and the German soldiers in the east were forced to face all the forces of the defending.
Around 06:30 on the morning of November 12, the 3 German battalions landed on the east side of Leros.
Another battalion in the north, taking fire from the Italian artillery of the area, was forced to flee.
A second German battalion managed to disembark in the bay of Kryfus, and in the afternoon of the same day, and after constant conflicts, occupy the Klidis Hill, which is of particular strategic importance as it connects the north with the south of Leros.
On November 14 , around 2 A.M., the British launched a counterattack to recapture the Pitykiou, but did not work as the Germans relied on strong defense and finally the British were forced to retreat, having suffered heavy losses.
Early in the morning of 15 November the German forces were constantly strengthening while the British-Italians had fallen sharply and their counterattacks in various parts of the island did not have the desired results.
On November 16 , at 3 o'clock in the afternoon Brigadier Tilney surrendered. With this move, the battle of Leros ended.
Leros remained under German occupation until the end of the war!
#militaryhistory, #specialforces, #weaponsandtactics, #easternfront
- published: 14 Apr 2019
- views: 4647
8:47
Battle of Leros
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 8:47
- Uploaded Date: 19 May 2007
- views: 21742
This is a documentary about the Battle of Leros in 1943. Destroyer Olga is sank in 26 September 1943 then after about 50 days of bombarding the real battle beg...
This is a documentary about the Battle of Leros in 1943. Destroyer Olga is sank in 26 September 1943 then after about 50 days of bombarding the real battle begins on the 11th of November. From Radio Leros website.
https://wn.com/Battle_Of_Leros
This is a documentary about the Battle of Leros in 1943. Destroyer Olga is sank in 26 September 1943 then after about 50 days of bombarding the real battle begins on the 11th of November. From Radio Leros website.
- published: 19 May 2007
- views: 21742
2:10:48
Battle of Leros
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 2:10:48
- Uploaded Date: 05 Jun 2022
- views: 173
In this operation, we take part in the Battle of Leros. After the Italian surrender, we attempt a paradrop to take some Islands away from them.
Recorded Apr 2...
In this operation, we take part in the Battle of Leros. After the Italian surrender, we attempt a paradrop to take some Islands away from them.
Recorded Apr 2nd 2022
The history
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Leros
Who we are, the First East Prussian infantry is a close-knit group with 10 years of history.
For those who are interested in joining this is the latest recruitment post below with everything you need to know.
https://www.reddit.com/r/FindAUnit/comments/v3fpg9/a3_recruiting_1_ostpreußische_infanteriedivision/
https://wn.com/Battle_Of_Leros
In this operation, we take part in the Battle of Leros. After the Italian surrender, we attempt a paradrop to take some Islands away from them.
Recorded Apr 2nd 2022
The history
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Leros
Who we are, the First East Prussian infantry is a close-knit group with 10 years of history.
For those who are interested in joining this is the latest recruitment post below with everything you need to know.
https://www.reddit.com/r/FindAUnit/comments/v3fpg9/a3_recruiting_1_ostpreußische_infanteriedivision/
- published: 05 Jun 2022
- views: 173
14:13
1943 - The Βattle of Leros | Dive in History
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 14:13
- Uploaded Date: 15 Nov 2023
- views: 2537
The autumn of 1943 was a particularly tumultuous period in the Aegean due to the war events in the region, turning it once again into a major and active field o...
The autumn of 1943 was a particularly tumultuous period in the Aegean due to the war events in the region, turning it once again into a major and active field of war. The conflicts arising from the Italian capitulation in September 1943 and the control of the Italian Dodecanese by the Allied forces, led to the organization of a campaign by the German Wehrmacht, known as the "Dodecanese Campaign," (Dodekanes-Feldzug) aiming to control them.
Numerous battles were fought for the occupation of the Dodecanese by the German army, but the most intense among them, considered to this day from all sides, was the Battle of Leros.
The wrecks presented in this short documentary, undoubtedly serve as another historical witness to the severity of war, awakening memories of events that marked the course of WW II.
https://wn.com/1943_The_Βattle_Of_Leros_|_Dive_In_History
The autumn of 1943 was a particularly tumultuous period in the Aegean due to the war events in the region, turning it once again into a major and active field of war. The conflicts arising from the Italian capitulation in September 1943 and the control of the Italian Dodecanese by the Allied forces, led to the organization of a campaign by the German Wehrmacht, known as the "Dodecanese Campaign," (Dodekanes-Feldzug) aiming to control them.
Numerous battles were fought for the occupation of the Dodecanese by the German army, but the most intense among them, considered to this day from all sides, was the Battle of Leros.
The wrecks presented in this short documentary, undoubtedly serve as another historical witness to the severity of war, awakening memories of events that marked the course of WW II.
- published: 15 Nov 2023
- views: 2537
47:50
Victory in the Dodecanese: Kos & Leros, Astipalea, and the 1943 Dodecanese Campaign
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 47:50
- Uploaded Date: 11 Jun 2022
- views: 1828
Introduction 00:00
History of the Italian Aegean 01:20
Armistice & British Planning 04:06
X. Fliegerkorps 06:50
Battle for Air and Naval Superiority 8:35
The In...
Introduction 00:00
History of the Italian Aegean 01:20
Armistice & British Planning 04:06
X. Fliegerkorps 06:50
Battle for Air and Naval Superiority 8:35
The Invasion of Kos 13:40
Might of the Luftwaffe 21:35
Maj. Leverette, Stuka Killer & Ace in a Day 22:40
Invasion by Floatplane: Astypalaia & Levitha 25:28
Air-Sea Battles, SS Sinfra, & Guided Bombs 29:50
Invasion of Leros 35:02
The Value of Air Power 42:10
Surrender & Conclusion 45:12
------
A special thanks goes out to my YouTube Members and Patreon Patrons! You, too, can join for as little as 99𝇍 and help support this channel!
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheWarbirdMistress/join
https://www.patreon.com/TheWarbirdMistress
Merch! https://the-warbird-mistress.constantcontactsites.com/
Finally, let's not forget Facebook!
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------
The Luftwaffe was hardly dead in 1943 despite growing pressure from the strategic bombing campaign by the RAF and USAAF and the defeats in North Africa, Sicily, and the Eastern Front. One of the Germans' best-executed aerial and naval victories would take place in this phase of the war: the Dodecanese Campaign. Following the Badoglio Putsch that resulted in the Italian Armistice of 8 September 1943, Hitler's trust in his erstwhile ally's forces was shaken to the core as Italy became a co-belligerent force in league with the Allies.
Meanwhile, Churchill saw an opportunity to seize the Dodecanese, the chain of beautiful islands where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, and the Italian "Corregidor of the Aegean." After the Germans took Rhodes and other Italian strongholds in a matter of days, British, South African, New Zealand, Irish, and Indian regiments swept in to join their newfound Italian allies. Kos, Leros, Kalymnos, Symi, Castellorizo, Astypalaia, Levitha, Samos: it was on these shores that thousands of men would be killed, wounded, or captured in their vainglorious attempt to quench Churchill's "Rhodes Madness." The dreams of convoys to the Black Sea, an early liberation of Greece, and an attack through the Balkans would fade as the Luftwaffe sunk or heavily damaged over thirty Allied vessels of the British, Greek, Polish, and Italian navies and shot down over 100 Allied aircraft.
Once more, Göring's commanders brought out the flying artillery batteries of Stukas and Junkers Ju 88s in close-air support missions as part of combined-arms assaults. Dornier Do 217s would take on the Royal Navy with their new Henschel Hs 293 guided missiles. Fallschirmäger would descend on Allied positions just as they had in the glory days of 1940. Joining the Luftwaffe was the Wehrmacht's Brandenburger Division of special operations paratroopers and Küstenjäger commandos. At the heart of the offensive, the 22. Luftlande-Division and their commander, Friedrich-Wilhelm Müller: the Butcher of Crete.
While forever stained by the massacres of Italians and Greeks, the accidental Allied bombing and torpedoing of Kriegsmarine vessels and commandeered transports loaded with Italian, British, and Greek POWs, like the Sinfra, and the loss of 4,800 personnel and countless civilians, it remains a largely forgotten campaign. The Luftwaffe's last great victory in many ways, the Dodecanese Campaign showed that a small, elite force with the support of a small aerial force could take on numbers many times the size of their own by making the most of air supremacy to conquer the waves, the shore, and the skies.
Enjoy this documentary on the battles of Kos and Leros, the naval battle for the Aegean, and role the Luftwaffe had in securing these staggering victories against an Allied and Italian force abandoned to hold their own in a largely needless campaign where neither air nor naval support could be secured. Stories like those of Maj. William Leverette, the Ace in a Day who splashed Stuka after Stuka were rare. Adventures like the airborne and air-landed invasions of Levitha and Astypalaia would be gripping tales if not for the ease with which the Allies folded. It was a brutal campaign, but one that would not have played out had it not been for the X. Fliegerkorps and the pilots who relived the Blitzkrieg for perhaps the last time.
Other Keywords: Dodecanese Campaign, 8th Indian Infantry Division, Inigo Campioni, 50th Infantry Division Regina, Luigi Mascherpa, Felice Leggio, Unternehmen Taifun, Unternehmen Leopard, Unternehmen Eisbär, SS Gaetano Donizetti, HMS Carlisle, RHN Vasilissa Olga, HMS Intrepid, HMS Hurworth, HMS Eclipse, RHN Adrias, HMS Petard, HMS Rockwood, ORP Krakowiak, Kampfgeschwader 100, KG 100, StG 3, Sturzkampfgeschwader 3, Eccidio di Coo, Campagna del Dodecaneso, Eccido di Rhodi, Lero, Levita, Armistizio di Cassibile, Bristol Beaufighter, P-38 Lightning, No 7 Squadron, SAAF, No 74 Squadron, RAF, Supermarine Spitfire, Isole italiane dell'Egeo, Δωδεκάνησα, μάχη της Κω, μάχη της Λέρου, Λούφτβαφφε, Αδρίας Ι, κατάκτηση των Δωδεκανήσων
https://wn.com/Victory_In_The_Dodecanese_Kos_Leros,_Astipalea,_And_The_1943_Dodecanese_Campaign
Introduction 00:00
History of the Italian Aegean 01:20
Armistice & British Planning 04:06
X. Fliegerkorps 06:50
Battle for Air and Naval Superiority 8:35
The Invasion of Kos 13:40
Might of the Luftwaffe 21:35
Maj. Leverette, Stuka Killer & Ace in a Day 22:40
Invasion by Floatplane: Astypalaia & Levitha 25:28
Air-Sea Battles, SS Sinfra, & Guided Bombs 29:50
Invasion of Leros 35:02
The Value of Air Power 42:10
Surrender & Conclusion 45:12
------
A special thanks goes out to my YouTube Members and Patreon Patrons! You, too, can join for as little as 99𝇍 and help support this channel!
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------
The Luftwaffe was hardly dead in 1943 despite growing pressure from the strategic bombing campaign by the RAF and USAAF and the defeats in North Africa, Sicily, and the Eastern Front. One of the Germans' best-executed aerial and naval victories would take place in this phase of the war: the Dodecanese Campaign. Following the Badoglio Putsch that resulted in the Italian Armistice of 8 September 1943, Hitler's trust in his erstwhile ally's forces was shaken to the core as Italy became a co-belligerent force in league with the Allies.
Meanwhile, Churchill saw an opportunity to seize the Dodecanese, the chain of beautiful islands where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, and the Italian "Corregidor of the Aegean." After the Germans took Rhodes and other Italian strongholds in a matter of days, British, South African, New Zealand, Irish, and Indian regiments swept in to join their newfound Italian allies. Kos, Leros, Kalymnos, Symi, Castellorizo, Astypalaia, Levitha, Samos: it was on these shores that thousands of men would be killed, wounded, or captured in their vainglorious attempt to quench Churchill's "Rhodes Madness." The dreams of convoys to the Black Sea, an early liberation of Greece, and an attack through the Balkans would fade as the Luftwaffe sunk or heavily damaged over thirty Allied vessels of the British, Greek, Polish, and Italian navies and shot down over 100 Allied aircraft.
Once more, Göring's commanders brought out the flying artillery batteries of Stukas and Junkers Ju 88s in close-air support missions as part of combined-arms assaults. Dornier Do 217s would take on the Royal Navy with their new Henschel Hs 293 guided missiles. Fallschirmäger would descend on Allied positions just as they had in the glory days of 1940. Joining the Luftwaffe was the Wehrmacht's Brandenburger Division of special operations paratroopers and Küstenjäger commandos. At the heart of the offensive, the 22. Luftlande-Division and their commander, Friedrich-Wilhelm Müller: the Butcher of Crete.
While forever stained by the massacres of Italians and Greeks, the accidental Allied bombing and torpedoing of Kriegsmarine vessels and commandeered transports loaded with Italian, British, and Greek POWs, like the Sinfra, and the loss of 4,800 personnel and countless civilians, it remains a largely forgotten campaign. The Luftwaffe's last great victory in many ways, the Dodecanese Campaign showed that a small, elite force with the support of a small aerial force could take on numbers many times the size of their own by making the most of air supremacy to conquer the waves, the shore, and the skies.
Enjoy this documentary on the battles of Kos and Leros, the naval battle for the Aegean, and role the Luftwaffe had in securing these staggering victories against an Allied and Italian force abandoned to hold their own in a largely needless campaign where neither air nor naval support could be secured. Stories like those of Maj. William Leverette, the Ace in a Day who splashed Stuka after Stuka were rare. Adventures like the airborne and air-landed invasions of Levitha and Astypalaia would be gripping tales if not for the ease with which the Allies folded. It was a brutal campaign, but one that would not have played out had it not been for the X. Fliegerkorps and the pilots who relived the Blitzkrieg for perhaps the last time.
Other Keywords: Dodecanese Campaign, 8th Indian Infantry Division, Inigo Campioni, 50th Infantry Division Regina, Luigi Mascherpa, Felice Leggio, Unternehmen Taifun, Unternehmen Leopard, Unternehmen Eisbär, SS Gaetano Donizetti, HMS Carlisle, RHN Vasilissa Olga, HMS Intrepid, HMS Hurworth, HMS Eclipse, RHN Adrias, HMS Petard, HMS Rockwood, ORP Krakowiak, Kampfgeschwader 100, KG 100, StG 3, Sturzkampfgeschwader 3, Eccidio di Coo, Campagna del Dodecaneso, Eccido di Rhodi, Lero, Levita, Armistizio di Cassibile, Bristol Beaufighter, P-38 Lightning, No 7 Squadron, SAAF, No 74 Squadron, RAF, Supermarine Spitfire, Isole italiane dell'Egeo, Δωδεκάνησα, μάχη της Κω, μάχη της Λέρου, Λούφτβαφφε, Αδρίας Ι, κατάκτηση των Δωδεκανήσων
- published: 11 Jun 2022
- views: 1828
25:06
The Most Chilling WW2 Clash You've Never Heard Of
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 25:06
- Uploaded Date: 04 Sep 2024
- views: 56037
The searing Mediterranean sun beat down on Private Paddy McCrystal as he crouched behind a crumbling stone wall, his rifle clutched tightly to his chest. The ac...
The searing Mediterranean sun beat down on Private Paddy McCrystal as he crouched behind a crumbling stone wall, his rifle clutched tightly to his chest. The acrid smell of cordite permeated the air, mixed with the metallic tang of blood and the salty sea breeze. It was November 16, 1943, and for five relentless days, the tiny Greek island of Leros had been engulfed in a maelstrom of violence.
Suddenly, the sky darkened as waves of Luftwaffe bombers roared overhead. The earth shook violently as explosions erupted all around, showering McCrystal with debris. Through the choking dust and smoke, he squinted at the horizon, his blood running cold at the sight before him.
Hundreds of dark specks filled the air - German paratroopers descending like a swarm of locusts. The 21-year-old soldier's mind raced almost in a panic after days of ceaseless attacks and sleep deprivation. Their depleted British garrison was already exhausted from days of constant bombardment. Now, they faced over 1,500 fresh German soldiers dropping from the skies, joining the thousands more who had already landed in a brutal amphibious attack.
As the staccato of gunfire mounted around him, McCrystal gripped his rifle tighter. The odds seemed insurmountable. How could they hold out without air support and dwindling supplies? He watched in dread as more parachutes blossomed overhead. British gunners took the paratroopers out by the dozens, but they kept coming.
McCrystal knew the stakes were enormous. Leros was the key to controlling the Aegean Sea. If it fell, the Allies would lose their foothold in the region, leaving Turkey exposed and potentially pushing them into the Axis camp. It would dash Churchill's hopes of striking at Hitler's "soft underbelly" through the Balkans and give the Germans a clear path to the oil-rich Middle East.
As another explosion rocked the earth, McCrystal steeled himself. The fate of the war might hinge on their ability to hold this tiny island. The battle for Leros was about to reach its bloody climax.
https://wn.com/The_Most_Chilling_WW2_Clash_You've_Never_Heard_Of
The searing Mediterranean sun beat down on Private Paddy McCrystal as he crouched behind a crumbling stone wall, his rifle clutched tightly to his chest. The acrid smell of cordite permeated the air, mixed with the metallic tang of blood and the salty sea breeze. It was November 16, 1943, and for five relentless days, the tiny Greek island of Leros had been engulfed in a maelstrom of violence.
Suddenly, the sky darkened as waves of Luftwaffe bombers roared overhead. The earth shook violently as explosions erupted all around, showering McCrystal with debris. Through the choking dust and smoke, he squinted at the horizon, his blood running cold at the sight before him.
Hundreds of dark specks filled the air - German paratroopers descending like a swarm of locusts. The 21-year-old soldier's mind raced almost in a panic after days of ceaseless attacks and sleep deprivation. Their depleted British garrison was already exhausted from days of constant bombardment. Now, they faced over 1,500 fresh German soldiers dropping from the skies, joining the thousands more who had already landed in a brutal amphibious attack.
As the staccato of gunfire mounted around him, McCrystal gripped his rifle tighter. The odds seemed insurmountable. How could they hold out without air support and dwindling supplies? He watched in dread as more parachutes blossomed overhead. British gunners took the paratroopers out by the dozens, but they kept coming.
McCrystal knew the stakes were enormous. Leros was the key to controlling the Aegean Sea. If it fell, the Allies would lose their foothold in the region, leaving Turkey exposed and potentially pushing them into the Axis camp. It would dash Churchill's hopes of striking at Hitler's "soft underbelly" through the Balkans and give the Germans a clear path to the oil-rich Middle East.
As another explosion rocked the earth, McCrystal steeled himself. The fate of the war might hinge on their ability to hold this tiny island. The battle for Leros was about to reach its bloody climax.
- published: 04 Sep 2024
- views: 56037
10:30
Battle of Leros - 80th Anniversary
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 10:30
- Uploaded Date: 27 Oct 2023
- views: 1588
When friends and history come together the results are fascinating.
Commemorative events for the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Leros.
The Battle of Leros...
When friends and history come together the results are fascinating.
Commemorative events for the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Leros.
The Battle of Leros occured between the 26th September and 16th November 1943 on the tiny island of Leros in the Aegean Sea, Greece.
Italians, Greeks and Commonwealth forces prepared to fend off the imminent asault of the Axis...
Given the size of the island, the combatants deployed massive armies and fought tenaciously. The Battle of Leros marks the last major victory for the elite German paratroopers, the Fallschirmjäger.
We would like to thank everybody who made this happen and especially our friends from Battlefront Malta, Khaki Depot and Deposito Di Guerra. Go check them out!
Battlefront Malta: https://battlefrontmalta.com/
Khaki Depot: https://www.khakidepot.com/
Deposito Di Guerra: https://www.facebook.com/depositodiguerra/
Read more about the Battle of Leros here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Leros
All sounds and music used in the making of the video are from the royalty-free site Pixabay.
https://pixabay.com/
https://wn.com/Battle_Of_Leros_80Th_Anniversary
When friends and history come together the results are fascinating.
Commemorative events for the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Leros.
The Battle of Leros occured between the 26th September and 16th November 1943 on the tiny island of Leros in the Aegean Sea, Greece.
Italians, Greeks and Commonwealth forces prepared to fend off the imminent asault of the Axis...
Given the size of the island, the combatants deployed massive armies and fought tenaciously. The Battle of Leros marks the last major victory for the elite German paratroopers, the Fallschirmjäger.
We would like to thank everybody who made this happen and especially our friends from Battlefront Malta, Khaki Depot and Deposito Di Guerra. Go check them out!
Battlefront Malta: https://battlefrontmalta.com/
Khaki Depot: https://www.khakidepot.com/
Deposito Di Guerra: https://www.facebook.com/depositodiguerra/
Read more about the Battle of Leros here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Leros
All sounds and music used in the making of the video are from the royalty-free site Pixabay.
https://pixabay.com/
- published: 27 Oct 2023
- views: 1588
8:41
The Nazi's Last Victory - Battle of Leros
The Dodecanese are a group of over 160 islands between the southeastern Aegean Sea and the...
published: 02 Aug 2021
The Nazi's Last Victory - Battle of Leros
The Nazi's Last Victory - Battle of Leros
- Report rights infringement
- published: 02 Aug 2021
- views: 145665
The Dodecanese are a group of over 160 islands between the southeastern Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean that don't even total 1,100 square miles. And yet, this was the location of the last great battle in which the Nazis beat the Allies during World War II.
The archipelago was one of the most coveted strategic points for both sides, and the Greek island Leros took the bulk of the conflict.
After Italy surrendered in September of 1943, the British sent reinforcements to support the Italian troops stationed in Greece, but the incessant German attacks that followed proved too much for the Allied forces.
The Battle of Leros would end up becoming the central event of the Dodecanese campaign, and gave the Germans one last victory.
- As images and footage of actual events are not always available, Dark Docs sometimes utilizes similar historical images and footage for dramatic effect. I do my best to keep it as visually accurate as possible. All content on Dark Docs is researched, produced, and presented in historical context for educational purposes. We are history enthusiasts and are not always experts in some areas, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us with corrections, additional information, or new ideas. -
11:04
The Last German Victory of WW2 - How the Germans Got Their Last Laugh in Greece
In this video, we delve into the Battle of Leros, part of the larger Dodecanese campaign a...
published: 15 Jul 2022
The Last German Victory of WW2 - How the Germans Got Their Last Laugh in Greece
The Last German Victory of WW2 - How the Germans Got Their Last Laugh in Greece
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- published: 15 Jul 2022
- views: 97251
In this video, we delve into the Battle of Leros, part of the larger Dodecanese campaign and one of Germany's last major victories in the Second World War.
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Chapters
0:00 Last great victory
1:05 The Dodecanese campaign
4:17 The Battle of Leros
10:39 Conclusion
8:47
The Battle of Leros: Subtitled
The original documentary about the Battle of Leros in 1943. Now with subtittles in English...
published: 20 May 2007
The Battle of Leros: Subtitled
The Battle of Leros: Subtitled
- Report rights infringement
- published: 20 May 2007
- views: 11501
The original documentary about the Battle of Leros in 1943. Now with subtittles in English.
3:54
Battle of Leros (1943) – Wehrmacht’s last victory
» SOURCES «
Churchill's Folly Paperback – February 1, 2017 by Rogers (Author)
amazon.co...
published: 14 Apr 2019
Battle of Leros (1943) – Wehrmacht’s last victory
Battle of Leros (1943) – Wehrmacht’s last victory
- Report rights infringement
- published: 14 Apr 2019
- views: 4647
» SOURCES «
Churchill's Folly Paperback – February 1, 2017 by Rogers (Author)
amazon.com (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/2IrMVvD
Hitler's Island War: The Men Who Fought for Leros (20161030) Kindle Edition by Julie Peakman (Author)
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Battle of Leros (1943) – Wehrmacht’s last victory
The Battle of Leros is one of the most important battles in the eastern Mediterranean.
It began with the bombing of Leros and culminated in landing German forces on 12. November 1943.
After 4 days of fighting, Leros was captured by the German troops on November 16th. It was the last victory of the Axis forces during WWII.
The occupation of the Dodecanese by the Italian forces took place during the Italian-Turkish War. During the Italian occupation Leros became a major naval base.
On September 8th of 1943 Italy capitulated. On September 11, German forces occupied Rhodes and then Kos, on October 3.
The presence of German bases in the region has compromised the security of allied forces in Egypt and so the Allies decided that Leros has to be captured.
Moreover, an allied victory in the region would indicate that Germany was not invincible and would persuade Turkey to enter the war on the side of the Allies.
The Italian garrison on the island consisted of 5,500 men.
Developed perimetrically to attack the marine targets, there were 3 Italian 152mm, 2 120mm, 4 102mm, 90mm and 14mm 76mm fighters.
There were also 87 anti - aircraft guns and machine guns , but most of the machine guns were of an old and limited range, their positions were uncovered and the variation incomplete.
Until early November 1943, the British had disembarked 3 infantry battalions on the island, which, along with another battalion in Samos, consisted of the 234th Brigade with Commander Brigadier Tilney.
The Wehrmacht responded quickly. Generalleutnant Friedrich-Wilhelm Müller, the commander of the 22nd Infantry Division at Crete, was ordered to take Leros on 23 September.
The German forces assembling for Unternehmen Leopard ("Operation Leopard/Taifun") under the command of Generalleutnant Müller, comprised 3 infantry battalions, a paratroop battalion (I./FJR 2), and an amphibious special forces company (1./Küstenjägerabteilung, Brandenburg Division ).
The invasion force assembled in Kos and Kalymnos, with some groups of Ju 87 D3 dive-bombers were available for close air support. The attack on Leros, which was named Unternehmen Leopard ("Operation Leopard") was set for November 12.
On November 12, German ships appeared on the shores of Leros.
According to the German plan, German soldiers would disembark at 3 points on the eastern side of the island and 1 on the west.
Selected rocky shores have been selected for mine clearance as well as for the surprise of the British and Italian forces on the island.
At the narrowest point of Leros, in the area of Rachi Hill, the plan provided for the dropping of paratroopers, which would cut the island in two, and would connect the eastern to the western bridges.
After the occupation of the northern part of Leros, the southern division would be attacked.
But the battalion to be disembarked in the west accepted a fierce artillery fire and was forced to return to Kalymnos.
Due to the failure of the German forces to disembark on the west side of Leros, there was no escape of paratroopers in the center of the island, connecting the two bridges, and the German soldiers in the east were forced to face all the forces of the defending.
Around 06:30 on the morning of November 12, the 3 German battalions landed on the east side of Leros.
Another battalion in the north, taking fire from the Italian artillery of the area, was forced to flee.
A second German battalion managed to disembark in the bay of Kryfus, and in the afternoon of the same day, and after constant conflicts, occupy the Klidis Hill, which is of particular strategic importance as it connects the north with the south of Leros.
On November 14 , around 2 A.M., the British launched a counterattack to recapture the Pitykiou, but did not work as the Germans relied on strong defense and finally the British were forced to retreat, having suffered heavy losses.
Early in the morning of 15 November the German forces were constantly strengthening while the British-Italians had fallen sharply and their counterattacks in various parts of the island did not have the desired results.
On November 16 , at 3 o'clock in the afternoon Brigadier Tilney surrendered. With this move, the battle of Leros ended.
Leros remained under German occupation until the end of the war!
#militaryhistory, #specialforces, #weaponsandtactics, #easternfront
8:47
Battle of Leros
This is a documentary about the Battle of Leros in 1943. Destroyer Olga is sank in 26 Sep...
published: 19 May 2007
Battle of Leros
Battle of Leros
- Report rights infringement
- published: 19 May 2007
- views: 21742
This is a documentary about the Battle of Leros in 1943. Destroyer Olga is sank in 26 September 1943 then after about 50 days of bombarding the real battle begins on the 11th of November. From Radio Leros website.
2:10:48
Battle of Leros
In this operation, we take part in the Battle of Leros. After the Italian surrender, we at...
published: 05 Jun 2022
Battle of Leros
Battle of Leros
- Report rights infringement
- published: 05 Jun 2022
- views: 173
In this operation, we take part in the Battle of Leros. After the Italian surrender, we attempt a paradrop to take some Islands away from them.
Recorded Apr 2nd 2022
The history
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Leros
Who we are, the First East Prussian infantry is a close-knit group with 10 years of history.
For those who are interested in joining this is the latest recruitment post below with everything you need to know.
https://www.reddit.com/r/FindAUnit/comments/v3fpg9/a3_recruiting_1_ostpreußische_infanteriedivision/
14:13
1943 - The Βattle of Leros | Dive in History
The autumn of 1943 was a particularly tumultuous period in the Aegean due to the war event...
published: 15 Nov 2023
1943 - The Βattle of Leros | Dive in History
1943 - The Βattle of Leros | Dive in History
- Report rights infringement
- published: 15 Nov 2023
- views: 2537
The autumn of 1943 was a particularly tumultuous period in the Aegean due to the war events in the region, turning it once again into a major and active field of war. The conflicts arising from the Italian capitulation in September 1943 and the control of the Italian Dodecanese by the Allied forces, led to the organization of a campaign by the German Wehrmacht, known as the "Dodecanese Campaign," (Dodekanes-Feldzug) aiming to control them.
Numerous battles were fought for the occupation of the Dodecanese by the German army, but the most intense among them, considered to this day from all sides, was the Battle of Leros.
The wrecks presented in this short documentary, undoubtedly serve as another historical witness to the severity of war, awakening memories of events that marked the course of WW II.
47:50
Victory in the Dodecanese: Kos & Leros, Astipalea, and the 1943 Dodecanese Campaign
Introduction 00:00
History of the Italian Aegean 01:20
Armistice & British Planning 04:06
...
published: 11 Jun 2022
Victory in the Dodecanese: Kos & Leros, Astipalea, and the 1943 Dodecanese Campaign
Victory in the Dodecanese: Kos & Leros, Astipalea, and the 1943 Dodecanese Campaign
- Report rights infringement
- published: 11 Jun 2022
- views: 1828
Introduction 00:00
History of the Italian Aegean 01:20
Armistice & British Planning 04:06
X. Fliegerkorps 06:50
Battle for Air and Naval Superiority 8:35
The Invasion of Kos 13:40
Might of the Luftwaffe 21:35
Maj. Leverette, Stuka Killer & Ace in a Day 22:40
Invasion by Floatplane: Astypalaia & Levitha 25:28
Air-Sea Battles, SS Sinfra, & Guided Bombs 29:50
Invasion of Leros 35:02
The Value of Air Power 42:10
Surrender & Conclusion 45:12
------
A special thanks goes out to my YouTube Members and Patreon Patrons! You, too, can join for as little as 99𝇍 and help support this channel!
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheWarbirdMistress/join
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Finally, let's not forget Facebook!
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------
The Luftwaffe was hardly dead in 1943 despite growing pressure from the strategic bombing campaign by the RAF and USAAF and the defeats in North Africa, Sicily, and the Eastern Front. One of the Germans' best-executed aerial and naval victories would take place in this phase of the war: the Dodecanese Campaign. Following the Badoglio Putsch that resulted in the Italian Armistice of 8 September 1943, Hitler's trust in his erstwhile ally's forces was shaken to the core as Italy became a co-belligerent force in league with the Allies.
Meanwhile, Churchill saw an opportunity to seize the Dodecanese, the chain of beautiful islands where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, and the Italian "Corregidor of the Aegean." After the Germans took Rhodes and other Italian strongholds in a matter of days, British, South African, New Zealand, Irish, and Indian regiments swept in to join their newfound Italian allies. Kos, Leros, Kalymnos, Symi, Castellorizo, Astypalaia, Levitha, Samos: it was on these shores that thousands of men would be killed, wounded, or captured in their vainglorious attempt to quench Churchill's "Rhodes Madness." The dreams of convoys to the Black Sea, an early liberation of Greece, and an attack through the Balkans would fade as the Luftwaffe sunk or heavily damaged over thirty Allied vessels of the British, Greek, Polish, and Italian navies and shot down over 100 Allied aircraft.
Once more, Göring's commanders brought out the flying artillery batteries of Stukas and Junkers Ju 88s in close-air support missions as part of combined-arms assaults. Dornier Do 217s would take on the Royal Navy with their new Henschel Hs 293 guided missiles. Fallschirmäger would descend on Allied positions just as they had in the glory days of 1940. Joining the Luftwaffe was the Wehrmacht's Brandenburger Division of special operations paratroopers and Küstenjäger commandos. At the heart of the offensive, the 22. Luftlande-Division and their commander, Friedrich-Wilhelm Müller: the Butcher of Crete.
While forever stained by the massacres of Italians and Greeks, the accidental Allied bombing and torpedoing of Kriegsmarine vessels and commandeered transports loaded with Italian, British, and Greek POWs, like the Sinfra, and the loss of 4,800 personnel and countless civilians, it remains a largely forgotten campaign. The Luftwaffe's last great victory in many ways, the Dodecanese Campaign showed that a small, elite force with the support of a small aerial force could take on numbers many times the size of their own by making the most of air supremacy to conquer the waves, the shore, and the skies.
Enjoy this documentary on the battles of Kos and Leros, the naval battle for the Aegean, and role the Luftwaffe had in securing these staggering victories against an Allied and Italian force abandoned to hold their own in a largely needless campaign where neither air nor naval support could be secured. Stories like those of Maj. William Leverette, the Ace in a Day who splashed Stuka after Stuka were rare. Adventures like the airborne and air-landed invasions of Levitha and Astypalaia would be gripping tales if not for the ease with which the Allies folded. It was a brutal campaign, but one that would not have played out had it not been for the X. Fliegerkorps and the pilots who relived the Blitzkrieg for perhaps the last time.
Other Keywords: Dodecanese Campaign, 8th Indian Infantry Division, Inigo Campioni, 50th Infantry Division Regina, Luigi Mascherpa, Felice Leggio, Unternehmen Taifun, Unternehmen Leopard, Unternehmen Eisbär, SS Gaetano Donizetti, HMS Carlisle, RHN Vasilissa Olga, HMS Intrepid, HMS Hurworth, HMS Eclipse, RHN Adrias, HMS Petard, HMS Rockwood, ORP Krakowiak, Kampfgeschwader 100, KG 100, StG 3, Sturzkampfgeschwader 3, Eccidio di Coo, Campagna del Dodecaneso, Eccido di Rhodi, Lero, Levita, Armistizio di Cassibile, Bristol Beaufighter, P-38 Lightning, No 7 Squadron, SAAF, No 74 Squadron, RAF, Supermarine Spitfire, Isole italiane dell'Egeo, Δωδεκάνησα, μάχη της Κω, μάχη της Λέρου, Λούφτβαφφε, Αδρίας Ι, κατάκτηση των Δωδεκανήσων
25:06
The Most Chilling WW2 Clash You've Never Heard Of
The searing Mediterranean sun beat down on Private Paddy McCrystal as he crouched behind a...
published: 04 Sep 2024
The Most Chilling WW2 Clash You've Never Heard Of
The Most Chilling WW2 Clash You've Never Heard Of
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- published: 04 Sep 2024
- views: 56037
The searing Mediterranean sun beat down on Private Paddy McCrystal as he crouched behind a crumbling stone wall, his rifle clutched tightly to his chest. The acrid smell of cordite permeated the air, mixed with the metallic tang of blood and the salty sea breeze. It was November 16, 1943, and for five relentless days, the tiny Greek island of Leros had been engulfed in a maelstrom of violence.
Suddenly, the sky darkened as waves of Luftwaffe bombers roared overhead. The earth shook violently as explosions erupted all around, showering McCrystal with debris. Through the choking dust and smoke, he squinted at the horizon, his blood running cold at the sight before him.
Hundreds of dark specks filled the air - German paratroopers descending like a swarm of locusts. The 21-year-old soldier's mind raced almost in a panic after days of ceaseless attacks and sleep deprivation. Their depleted British garrison was already exhausted from days of constant bombardment. Now, they faced over 1,500 fresh German soldiers dropping from the skies, joining the thousands more who had already landed in a brutal amphibious attack.
As the staccato of gunfire mounted around him, McCrystal gripped his rifle tighter. The odds seemed insurmountable. How could they hold out without air support and dwindling supplies? He watched in dread as more parachutes blossomed overhead. British gunners took the paratroopers out by the dozens, but they kept coming.
McCrystal knew the stakes were enormous. Leros was the key to controlling the Aegean Sea. If it fell, the Allies would lose their foothold in the region, leaving Turkey exposed and potentially pushing them into the Axis camp. It would dash Churchill's hopes of striking at Hitler's "soft underbelly" through the Balkans and give the Germans a clear path to the oil-rich Middle East.
As another explosion rocked the earth, McCrystal steeled himself. The fate of the war might hinge on their ability to hold this tiny island. The battle for Leros was about to reach its bloody climax.
10:30
Battle of Leros - 80th Anniversary
When friends and history come together the results are fascinating.
Commemorative events ...
published: 27 Oct 2023
Battle of Leros - 80th Anniversary
Battle of Leros - 80th Anniversary
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- published: 27 Oct 2023
- views: 1588
When friends and history come together the results are fascinating.
Commemorative events for the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Leros.
The Battle of Leros occured between the 26th September and 16th November 1943 on the tiny island of Leros in the Aegean Sea, Greece.
Italians, Greeks and Commonwealth forces prepared to fend off the imminent asault of the Axis...
Given the size of the island, the combatants deployed massive armies and fought tenaciously. The Battle of Leros marks the last major victory for the elite German paratroopers, the Fallschirmjäger.
We would like to thank everybody who made this happen and especially our friends from Battlefront Malta, Khaki Depot and Deposito Di Guerra. Go check them out!
Battlefront Malta: https://battlefrontmalta.com/
Khaki Depot: https://www.khakidepot.com/
Deposito Di Guerra: https://www.facebook.com/depositodiguerra/
Read more about the Battle of Leros here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Leros
All sounds and music used in the making of the video are from the royalty-free site Pixabay.
https://pixabay.com/
Battle of Leros
The Battle of Leros (Greek: Μάχη της Λέρου) was the central event of the Dodecanese Campaign of the Second World War, and is widely used as an alternate name for the whole campaign. The Italian garrison in Leros was strengthened by British forces on 15 September 1943. The battle began with German air attacks on 26 September, continued with the landings on 12 November, and ended with the capitulation of the Allied forces four days later.
Background
The island of Leros is part of the Dodecanese island group in the south-eastern Aegean Sea, which had been under Italian occupation since the Italo-Turkish War. During Italian rule, Leros, with its excellent deep-water port of Lakki (Portolago), was transformed into a heavily fortified aeronautical and naval base, "the Corregidor of the Mediterranean", as Mussolini boasted.
The island was base for some Italian naval units; specifically, in September 1943:
This page contains text from Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia - https://wn.com/Battle_of_Leros
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