The Untold Story: Greece's Role in Defeating the Nazis on Oxi Day

Christopher Cosmos, a Black List screenwriter and bestselling author from Grand Rapids, Michigan, is the mind behind the captivating novel "Once We Were Here." This multi-generational love story takes place in Greece during WWII and revolves around the Greek resistance and the events remembered on Oxi Day. To stay updated with Christopher Cosmos, follow him on Instagram and Facebook. It is important to note that the opinions expressed in this commentary belong solely to Christopher Cosmos. For more thought-provoking perspectives, visit CNN.

Now, there is a well-known quote often attributed to former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, although its origins are subject to debate.

Starting from the

"Moving forward, we shall not proclaim that heroes fight like Greeks, but rather acknowledge that Greeks fight like true heroes."

or

"From this point on, we shall not claim that heroes fight similarly to Greeks, but rather recognize that Greeks demonstrate unparalleled heroism in battle."

Christopher Cosmos

On October 28, 1940, Greece's Prime Minister, Ioannis Metaxas, received a early morning ultimatum from Italian ambassador Emanuele Grazzi. The ultimatum presented two options: surrender Greece to Italian occupation without resistance or face the consequences of war.

The words that followed have been a subject of debate over the years. In his memoirs, Grazzi recalled an intense moment when Metaxas, looking directly into his eyes, uttered the words, "Alors, c'est la guerre!" which, in the common diplomatic language at the time, meant "Then it is war." Grazzi suggested that war could be avoided if the Greeks surrendered, but Metaxas interrupted and allegedly responded with one powerful Greek word: "Oxi." No.

The debate surrounding whether Metaxas actually uttered the word "oxi" (pronounced: Oh-hee) remains ongoing. However, regardless of the veracity of his statement, this expression of refusal would profoundly resonate with the Greek people. It was crucial for it to do so because, within a few hours, the troops of then-Italian Prime Minister Benito Mussolini invaded from Italian-occupied Albania, situated on Greece's northern border. In this manner, Greece's military involvement in World War II commenced.

Contrary to expectations, Adolf Hitler, the Chancellor of Germany and leader of the Axis Powers, did not have any intentions of invading Greece. In fact, he had explicitly advised Mussolini, who harbored ambitions of territorial expansion and conquest in the Mediterranean, against initiating a war or opening up another front. Instead, Hitler had instructed Mussolini to direct his attention towards the ongoing Western Desert Campaign against the British and their allies in North Africa, as well as to support the German Blitz and Battle of Britain, both of which were actively taking place in the skies over London and the United Kingdom during the summer and fall of 1940.

The restless and ambitious Mussolini, driven by his desire for personal glory, chose to disregard Hitler's orders. Prior to issuing his ultimatum, he confided in Count Galeazzo Ciano, his son-in-law and foreign minister, stating, "Hitler always surprises me with unexpected actions. This time, I will respond in kind. He will discover through the media that I have taken control of Greece."

However, this decision proved to be a significant miscalculation, as Greece's resolute response to his ultimatum and the resounding defiance expressed by an entire nation in the early hours of October 28, 1940, became an inspiring rallying cry not only for Greece, but also for the Allies and the world at large. Ultimately, this event would alter the course of the entire war and reshape history forever.

The Greek resistance to the Italian invasion was swift. Italian troops crossed over the northern Greek border from Italian-controlled Albania at 5:30am, just hours after the rejection of the Italian ultimatum and declaration of war. The fighting commenced in the northern mountains of Greece.

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The fighting on Greek soil was short-lived, with the Greeks emerging victorious despite their smaller population of just 7.3 million compared to Italy's 43.8 million. Despite being outnumbered and better equipped, the Italians were defeated and forced back into occupied Albania. These victories were significant as they were the first land victories for the Allies in World War II. The pride, defiance, and success of the Greeks even caught the attention of America, with both Life and Time magazines featuring the Greek army and their successes on their covers.

The victory achieved by the Allies and America not only exposed the low morale, convictions, and capability of the invading Italian troops but also showcased the fierce and inspirational spirit of the under-equipped and out-manned Greeks, who fought valiantly to protect their homes and possessions. According to historian Mark Mazower, this event marked the "first significant setback for the Axis in the entire war," surprising everyone with the perseverance of Greek resistance.

The outcome of these Greek victories against the Italians had a significant impact on Germany. Hitler perceived these successes as a direct threat to his own southern border and interests, leading to a crucial decision. Consequently, in early April 1941, German forces were deployed southward.

The German invasion

Although Greece had surpassed expectations by defeating the Italians when no one believed they could, they would be unable to overcome the combined forces of Italy and Germany. However, it was crucial for Greece to continue fighting because the outcome of the battle would significantly influence the overall result of the war. The duration of Greece's resistance would ultimately determine whether the German invasion of Russia would occur during the favorable mild summer, providing them with an advantage, or during the harsh winter, potentially leading to their defeat.

Hitler had strategically planned to invade Russia during the spring and summer, fully aware of the disastrous consequences that a prolonged siege in the unforgiving Russian winter could bring. This lesson had been learned over a century ago by Napoleon. The Allies were also aware of this fact, which emphasized the importance of the Greek actions.

Greece successfully defended itself against the combined Axis forces for a remarkable 219 days, surpassing the resistance of any other country that fell under occupation during the war. The legendary tale of Spartan Basileus Leonidas and his 300 warriors immortalizes their valiant stand against the mighty Persians at Thermopylae in 480 BCE. Despite being vastly outnumbered, they showed unwavering determination in the face of inevitable defeat.

From 1940 to 1941, Greece endured heavy losses as they fought against the German invasion. Despite facing certain defeat and the capture of their capital city, the Greeks persisted in their resistance, recognizing the significance of their defiance to the larger war effort. Even when the Germans reached Athens and northern borders were breached, the Greeks refused to surrender. Eventually, on April 27, 1941, the capital fell, leading the Greek government to relocate to Crete. The resistance continued in Crete until June of the same year when the island was finally captured.

Overall, Greece exhibited remarkable resilience, resisting the combined Axis forces for 219 days, starting from October 28, 1940, until early June 1941. This duration far exceeded that of any other country occupied during the war, proving the extraordinary determination of the Greek people.

During the resistance against the German and Italian occupation, Greece suffered significant military and civilian casualties, with estimates suggesting that it lost 10 to 13 percent of its total population. Even the conservative figure is a remarkable number of individuals. Although this aspect is often overlooked in history books, the Greek victory over the Italians and the subsequent delay inflicted upon the Germans played a crucial role in the Allied war effort and eventual triumph. This accomplishment became a source of immense national pride.

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During his trial at Nuremberg after the war, Wilhelm Keitel, a field marshal under Hitler, succinctly acknowledged the significant impact of the Greeks' resistance during this period with the following quote:

"The Greeks' remarkably resilient resistance prolonged the German assault on Russia by two or more crucial months. Without this significant delay, the outcome of the war would have been altered."

The legacy of Oxi Day has sparked debates over the years regarding whether Prime Minister Metaxas actually uttered "oxi" to the Italian ambassador during the late hours of the night. Some argue that his words were a straightforward "Alors, cest la guerre," and nothing more.

On the morning of October 28, 1940, after Metaxas informed the Greek people about the Italian ultimatum and his response through a radio broadcast, something remarkable happened. Without any prior debate, the people of Greece, from both cities and villages, took to the streets. Together, they chanted and shouted in unison, expressing their resolute refusal with a single word - "Oxi!" This display of unity was particularly significant considering Greece's political fragmentation at the time, as the country was under authoritarian rule and had even suspended parts of its constitution. Furthermore, it is important to note that Greece would soon plunge into civil war once World War II and the Axis occupation came to an end. However, for a brief moment, the Greek nation set aside their political differences and ideologies, standing as one. They demonstrated an unprecedented strength and resilience that surpassed all expectations.

President Franklin Roosevelt is believed to have said that the Greek people boldly challenged the German monster with their spirit of freedom, when the rest of the world had lost hope.

In 1943, Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union, recognized Greece's significant contribution and role in the war during the German invasion of his country. He expressed his regret for not being able to personally thank the Greek people, whose resistance played a decisive role in World War II, due to his old age and limited lifespan.

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Oxi Day commemorates the courageous journey towards bravery, unity, and liberation, rejecting the ideologies of fascism, tyranny, and deceit.

It is a day that honors the triumph of righteousness and goodness over evil, serving as a reminder that temporary despots are merely reflections of their own era, not of the people they claim to represent.

Oxi Day is primarily a celebration of the Greek people's supreme sacrifice during World War II, as well as the valor of their comrades who fought alongside them in Greece. It serves as a perpetual reminder of the unwavering responsibility to confront evil and injustice, regardless of time or place. Additionally, it highlights the remarkable ability of a courageous but often overlooked nation to alter the course of history and contribute to the salvation of the world once more.