Remembering the victims of the Distomo massacre

·

Regarded as one of the most heinous crimes committed by the Nazis in occupied Greece, 228 residents (114 women and 104 men) were executed inhumanely in the Greek town of Distomo on June 10, 1944.

After suffering a defeat to the Greeks at Katavothra, leaving 15 German soldiers dead and as many wounded, the Germans took revenge on the innocent residents of Distomo.

Ordered by German Lieutenant Hans Zambel, Distomo was set on fire and 218 residents were executed, including 45 children and 20 infants.

According to survivors, SS forces “bayoneted babies in their cribs, stabbed pregnant women, and beheaded the village priest.”

The barbaric brutality received international outcry at the time, yet the German administration in Athens blamed the residents of Distomo for not complying with military orders.

Following the Germans’ withdrawal from Greece, the Greek War Crimes Bureau was able to find and arrest Zambel, who had taken refuge in Paris.

In August 1949, he confessed to the extent of the German atrocities in Distomo.

A film about the tragic massacre, titled ‘A Song For Argyrishas’, has since been made and follows the perspective of four-year-old survivor Argyris Sfountouris.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

The Greek passport (for Aussies) debacle: Part One

For quite a while now, I've been hearing complaints from Greek Australians about long delays in obtaining a Greek passport.

Harry Mavrolefteros’ First Education wins ‘Business of the Decade’ at National Awards

First Education, founded by Harry Mavrolefteros, was awarded 'Business of the Decade' at the 2025 Australian Small Business Champion Awards.

Little Legs Foundation sets monopoly World Record in memory of Alegra Vasiliou

The Little Legs Foundation officially set a new Guinness World Record for the most people playing Monopoly in a single venue.

Hellenic Medical Society of Australia’s Careers Day returns to inspire students

The Hellenic Medical Society of Australia invite all year 9-12 students to attend the HMSA ‘Pathways to Success’ Careers Day.

Melbourne man charged for impersonating police officer and assaulting families

Franesko Vamvakaris appeared in Ringwood Magistrates Court on Monday, facing charges of impersonating a police officer and unlawful assault.

You May Also Like

Thousands attend Blessing of the Waters ceremony conducted by Papa Lefteris at Rye

Thousands of people lined the Rye Foreshore in Victoria today as suspended priest, Papa Lefteris, conducted Blessing of the Waters service.

Omonia Square fountain lights up Athens in breathtaking display

Hundreds of people cautiously gathered at downtown Omonia on Thursday night for the unveiling of its new fountain by Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis.

Melbourne serial stabber Christopher Raftopoulos refuses to give DNA to police

Christopher Raftopoulos who allegedly stabbed five people in Melbourne earlier this month will be forced to hand over his DNA to police.