Battle of the Metaxas Line

From 6 to 9 April 1941, Greek troops defending the Metaxas Line, a chain of fortifications along the Greek-Bulgarian border, fought the invading German army. The line had been built in the 1930s under Ioannis Metaxas and stretched for about 155 kilometers, with around 21 forts built into the mountains. When Germany invaded Greece on 6 April, most of the Greek army was fighting the Italians in Albania, and the line was held by a much smaller force. German troops, supported by heavy artillery, dive bombers and specialized assault teams, attacked the forts. The Greek defenders resisted fiercely, and most of the forts held despite heavy bombardment. Fort Rupel, guarding the Strymon valley, became especially famous for its defense. However, German armored forces advanced through Yugoslavia and reached Thessaloniki on 9 April, cutting off the Greek troops in eastern Macedonia. The Greek command ordered the forts to surrender. Impressed by their courage, the Germans let the defenders leave with honors. The battle is commemorated as an act of heroic resistance.