A landmark event dedicated to Greece’s early aviation history will take place on Tuesday, January 20, at the Athens War Museum, bringing to light lesser-known chapters of World War I and honoring the country’s pioneering military aviators. Titled “The Battle of Greek Wings,” the event is organized by the Association of Graduates of the Hellenic Air Force Academy.
At the center of the evening is the presentation of the book “1918 – World War I: The Battle of Greek Wings,” published by Psichogios Editions and written by historians Pantelis Vatakis and Konstantinos Lagos. The event will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the museum’s auditorium and aims to highlight the role of Greek airmen during the final year of the Great War.
The book transports readers to the strategic area of the Aegean Sea, focusing on aerial operations launched from the island of Lemnos against German warships operating in the region. Through detailed historical research, it underscores the geopolitical importance of the Aegean and the enduring cooperation between air and naval forces—an alliance that continues to shape modern defense strategy.
Distinguished Speakers and Historical Insight
The discussion will be moderated by prominent journalist Vicky Flessa and will feature a panel of historians and retired senior air force officers. Speakers include Dr. Tassos Sakellaropoulos, head of historical archives at the Benaki Museum; Dr. Georgios Geroulis, retired Air Vice Marshal and president of the Air Force Academy Alumni Association; aviation history researcher Diogenis Tsipouridis; and the two authors of the book, both respected scholars of military history.
Their presentations will explore the historical context of 1918, the challenges faced by early military aviators, and the broader significance of Greece’s contribution to allied operations during World War I.
Exhibition and Ceremony of Remembrance
Alongside the book presentation, visitors will be able to explore a special exhibition in the museum foyer. The display includes historical artifacts and meticulously handcrafted scale models of aircraft and warships from the period 1912–1918, created by aviation and naval history experts with the support of IPMS Hellas, a modeling association dedicated to historical accuracy.
The evening will conclude with an emotional tribute ceremony honoring the descendants of Greek pilots who lost their lives during World War I. The awards will recognize their sacrifice and preserve the memory of those who laid the foundations of Greek military aviation.
The event will be broadcast both on television and online by the channel “Fryktories,” while a small reception will follow, offering attendees the opportunity to reflect on a pivotal yet often overlooked chapter of European and Greek history.
