The two Greek teenage boys who removed the Nazi flag from the Acropolis

·

On the morning of May 30, 1941, two teenaged Greek boys, Manolis Glezos and Lakis Santas, climbed up the Acropolis and took down the Nazi flag.

How did this brave act of resistance against the occupying army in Greece during WWII come about? The Greek Herald finds out.

READ MORE: Former Greek WWII resistance hero Manolis Glezos dies aged 97.

Act of resistance:

The daring plan to remove the Nazi flag from the Acropolis was born one dusk evening in Zappeion as Glezos and Santas looked up at the archaeological monument and saw the flag waving in the breeze.

READ MORE: European Parliament to name room after Greek WWII resistance fighter Manolis Glezos.

The flag lowered by Manolis Glezos and Lakis Santas from the Acropolis.

They went to the National Library and read everything about the Acropolis until they realised the only route they could take to avoid capture by the German guards was through the Pandrosi Cave.

On the morning of May 30, 1941, Glezos and Santas were informed by radio that Crete had fallen and they made the decision to implement their plan that night.

READ MORE: On this day in 2011: Apostolos Santas, Manolis Glezos’ partner-in-crime, died aged 89.

The two young men had no weapons, only a lantern and knife. They jumped the wires, crawled through the cave and upon reaching the flagpole, they removed the huge flag which measured 4 x 2 metres. Glezos and Santas quickly escaped with the flag.

Recreation sketch of the flag being removed by Glezos and Santas.

READ MORE: On This Day: Greek WWII resistance hero, Manolis Glezos, was born.

The next morning, when the German guards realised the flag had been removed, they began interrogations and quickly replaced it with a new flag.

Glezos and Santas were sentenced to death in absentia, the men of the guard were executed, the Greek commanders of the police stations in the area were relieved of their duties, while the Acropolis guards did not find any incriminating evidence.

Source: Sansimera.gr.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

John Stamos explores his Greek heritage in emotional documentary

In a new documentary, Hollywood actor John Stamos embarks on a personal journey to uncover his Greek ancestry.

Actor Adam Demos opens up on his exciting new role

Australian actor Adam Demos, takes on a new challenge in Rescue: HI-Surf, where he plays lifeguard Will Ready on O‘ahu’s North Shore.

Bauhaus-inspired revival for Athens’ Faliro Bay waterfront

The European Commission has approved €370 million in funding for the Faliro Bay Metropolitan Park in Athens.

Expansion work set to begin at Athens International Airport

Preliminary construction for the expansion of Athens International Airport is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2025.

Study ranks Greece among world’s scariest places to drive

According to a recent survey by Scrap Car Comparison, Greece ranks among the most nerve-wracking places to drive in the world.

You May Also Like

Alex Hawke MP: New penalties proposed to protect migrant workers from coercive exploitation

The Government has released for public consultation an exposure draft of the Migration Amendment (Protecting Migrant Workers) Bill 2021.

Mark Spakianos sentenced to jail in SA for involvement in methamphetamine syndicate

Mark Anthony Spakianos was sentenced to jail for his involvement as a "sub-dealer" in a methamphetamine syndicate.

George Laggis’ battle with suicidal thoughts and major depressive disorder

George Laggis tells TGH exclusively how he felt 'ashamed' for needing treatment for his suicidal thoughts in a mental health facility.