On This Day ... in 1941 & 1944
An ANZAC brigade composed of the 2/2 and 2/3 Australian and 21st New Zealand Battalions fought a determined rearguard action at Tempe Gorge in northern Greece, allowing other Commonwealth and Greek forces to establish a defensive position at the famous Thermopylae pass.
1944: As part of the preparations for the Normandy landings, RAF Bomber Command mounted a series of attacks against significant transport facilities in France. On this night, railway yards at Rouen, Juvisy, Noisy-le-Sec, and Tergnier, each raid consisting of 170 to 270 bombers. The strength that Bomber Command enjoyed by this stage of the war also allowed the dispatch of 168 aircraft on minelaying missions off the German and Danish coasts. When account is taken of Intruder missions and diversionary raids, Bomber Command flew 1,125 sorties that night, a new record level of activity. 14 aircraft failed to return.
Comments
I believe that that attack on Rouen also had the unfortunate effect of severely damaging the medieval city. (Since partially rebuilt) bloody poor aim, chaps!
Posted by: Fred | April 22, 2006 12:07 AM
"allowing other Commonwealth and Greek forces to establish a defensive position at the famous Thermopylae pass"
Which is completely pointless in a certain way as Thermopylae 'pass' does not even remotely resemble the narrow corridor it once was. Trying to block the pass nowadays would be like attempting a blockade of the Champs Élysées with a tricycle.
Posted by: Brazilski | April 18, 2009 12:25 PM
So whats your point? If Les Frogs were trying to advance down the Champs Elysee in an aggressive military-like formation, you probably COULD block it with a tricycle.....
Why do you think they had to recruit 2 Para?
.....Oops. I won't get invited round for the Bastille Day Reception for that, will I?
Posted by: Gweilicus | April 19, 2009 4:21 PM
The point is that other than what mentioning the pass is 'famous' would imply, the fact that part of this particular event took place at Thermopylae, adds nothing whatsoever to either the tactical or romantic value of this story, as the place is now as accesible as any part of the Greek countryside.
The comparison with a tricycle on the Champs Élysées, was merely meant to indicate that placing 300 Spartiates (and a couple thousand Helots)in Thermopylae nowadays would have the effect of using a small toy to block passage through a very broad street.
Posted by: Brazilski | April 20, 2009 8:49 AM