Battle of Lemnos: What Happened
In January 1913, during the First Balkan War, the Greek navy won a second victory over the Ottoman fleet near the island of Lemnos in the northern Aegean. After their defeat at Elli in December 1912, the Ottomans tried again to break the Greek blockade of the Dardanelles and regain control of the Aegean. Rear Admiral Pavlos Kountouriotis again led the Greek fleet aboard the cruiser Georgios Averof. When the Ottoman ships came out of the straits, the Greeks attacked them and inflicted heavy damage, especially to the flagship. The Ottoman fleet retreated into the Dardanelles and did not come out again for the rest of the war. The victory confirmed Greek control of the Aegean. It secured the islands already freed by the Greek navy, including Lemnos, Lesbos, Chios and Samos, and prevented the Ottomans from sending troops by sea to fight in the Balkans. The Battles of Elli and Lemnos made Kountouriotis a national hero. He later served as regent and as the first president of the Second Hellenic Republic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Battle of Lemnos?
The Battle of Lemnos, in January 1913, was a Greek naval victory over the Ottoman fleet near the island of Lemnos during the First Balkan War.
Who led the Greeks at Lemnos?
Rear Admiral Pavlos Kountouriotis again led the Greek fleet aboard the cruiser Georgios Averof, as he had at Elli.
What happened to the Ottoman fleet after Lemnos?
The Ottoman fleet retreated into the Dardanelles and did not come out again for the rest of the war.
Why was the Battle of Lemnos important?
It confirmed Greek control of the Aegean and secured islands such as Lemnos, Lesbos, Chios and Samos, which had been freed by the Greek navy.
What happened to Admiral Kountouriotis later?
Kountouriotis became a national hero. He later served as regent and as the first president of the Second Hellenic Republic.
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