Battle of Elli: What Happened
In December 1912, during the First Balkan War, the Greek navy defeated the Ottoman fleet near the entrance of the Dardanelles, the strait linking the Aegean to the Sea of Marmara. The Greek fleet was led by Rear Admiral Pavlos Kountouriotis aboard the Georgios Averof, a modern armored cruiser that Greece had bought in 1910, partly paid for by a bequest from the wealthy benefactor Georgios Averof. When the Ottoman fleet came out of the Dardanelles to challenge the Greeks, Kountouriotis boldly broke away from the slower ships of his squadron and steamed ahead with the Averof at full speed, crossing in front of the Ottoman line and attacking it from an advantageous position. The Ottoman ships were hit and quickly retreated back into the Dardanelles. The victory gave Greece control of the northern Aegean. It allowed the Greek navy to protect the islands it had freed and to prevent Ottoman reinforcements from being sent by sea. The Averof survives today as a floating museum at Palaio Faliro in Athens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Battle of Elli?
The Battle of Elli, in December 1912, was a Greek naval victory over the Ottoman fleet near the entrance to the Dardanelles during the First Balkan War.
Who commanded the Greek fleet at Elli?
Rear Admiral Pavlos Kountouriotis led the Greek fleet aboard the armored cruiser Georgios Averof, a modern warship Greece had bought in 1910.
How did Kountouriotis win at Elli?
Kountouriotis broke away from his slower ships and steamed ahead with the Averof at full speed, attacking the Ottoman line from an advantageous position.
Why was the Battle of Elli important?
The victory gave Greece control of the northern Aegean and prevented Ottoman reinforcements from being sent by sea.
Can you visit the Georgios Averof?
Yes. The Averof survives as a floating museum at Palaio Faliro in Athens, part of the Park of Maritime Tradition.
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