The Katsonis memorial ...

Its 71 years to the day since the Katsonis was lost ...

The Katsonis

Source: http://www.navypedia.org/ships/greece/gr_ss_katsonis.htm

'Celebrated annually in September on the Greek island of Skiathos, the Katsonia Festival is held in memory of the submarine Lambros Katsonis, which was sunk on 14th September 1943 close to Kastro, the former capital of Skiathos, located on the northern tip of the island.

Source: http://www.mezeviris.gr/missiontolondon.html

Whilst trying to intercept a German troop transport during World War Two, the Lambros Katsonis was sunk by the German submarine chaser UJ-2101. This tragic event resulted in the drowning of 32 crewmen, including the ship’s captain, as well as 15 other crewmembers being captured by the Germans.

Amazingly, three of the ship’s crew – Lt. Eleftherios Tsoukalas, the ship’s executive officer, and petty officers Antonios Antoniou and Anastasios Tsigros – managed to swim to the shores of Skiathos, which was an epic feat taking them nine exhausting hours. They hid on the island until they eventually managed to return to Egypt, to rejoin the Greek fleet.

The submarine was named after the 18th century Greek naval hero Admiral Lambros Katsonis who built up a small fleet in order to begin harassing the Ottomans in the Aegean Sea'

Here in Skiathos, we have our annual visit from the Hellenic Navy, to commemorate the event ...

The memorial service took place in Tries Hieraches church this morning. It was standing room only and the service was broadcast on loudspeakers outside ...

Followed by a wreath laying service at the memorial to the sailors, on the old harbour. 

The names of the sailors, and their role on board are read out by one of the sailors. 

Then the dignitaries lay wreaths, to honour the sailors ultimate sacrifice, 71 years ago today ...

The Mayor Mr Prevanzanos

Mr Plomaritis - Prefecture

Then after a minutes silence, the assembled sang the Greek National Anthem ...

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