20th Infantry Division (Greece) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 20th Infantry Division20ή Μεραρχία Πεζικού |
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|---|---|
| Active | 24 January – 14 April 1941 |
| Country | Greece |
| Branch | Hellenic Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Part of | Central Macedonia Army Section |
| Engagements | Battle of Greece |
The 20th Infantry Division (Greek: 20ή Μεραρχία Πεζικού) was a military group in the Hellenic Army (Greece's army). It didn't last very long. This division was created on January 24, 1941. At that time, Greece was already fighting in the Greco-Italian War.
Contents
The Division's Story
This division was put together quickly in late February near a place called Florina. Most of Greece's soldiers and equipment were already busy fighting in the Greco-Italian War.
A Difficult Start
The first commander, Major General Karassos, said the division was formed "in haste." It had two infantry regiments, but no artillery (big guns). Many of its officers were reserve soldiers, and many of the men were not fully trained. They also didn't have enough good weapons or communication gear. They even lacked pack animals to carry supplies. Because of these problems, the division wasn't very strong or ready for battle.
Joining the Fight
The 20th Infantry Division became part of the Central Macedonia Army Section (TSKM). It also joined a group called "W Force," which included Greek and British soldiers. This group was led by British Lieutenant General Henry Maitland Wilson. Their job was to defend a line along the Aliakmon River and Mount Vermion. They were preparing for an attack from Germany.
The Final Battle
The division faced a big challenge during the German invasion of Greece. It was defeated and almost completely destroyed as a fighting force. This happened at the Battle of Kleisoura Pass on April 13–14, 1941.
Who Was in the Division?
Before the German attack in early April 1941, the 20th Infantry Division included these main groups:
- 35th Infantry Regiment (led by Reserve Colonel Emmanouil Marinakis)
- 80th Infantry Regiment (led by Lieutenant Colonel Vasileios Matzouranis)
- Dodecanese Regiment (led by Reserve Lieutenant Colonel Ioannis Nikolaou)
- X Frontier Sector (led by Reserve Colonel Aristotelis Sergos)
- 20th Mountain Artillery Regiment (led by Lieutenant Colonel Christos Delivogiatzis)
Division Leaders
Here are the commanders who led the 20th Infantry Division:
- Major General Christos Karassos (from January 24 to April 8, 1941). He then moved on to command the Central Macedonia Army Section.
- Colonel Miltiadis Papakonstantinou (from April 8 to April 14, 1941).
