When Italy unnecessarily attacked Greece in October 1940, the Greek Army had made great strides in its organization, training and equipment. However, there were many and large shortcomings.
OF PANTELIS D. KARYKAS
A part of these deficiencies was covered by the many Italian spoils which fell into the hands of the victorious Greek Army on the Northern Continental Front or were surrendered by the British allies after their victory over the Italians in North Africa.
In the category of machine guns 311 8 mm Breda machine guns fell into the hands of the Greeks. 258 Fiat 8mm machine guns as booty from the Northern Continent. The British delivered another 250 Fiat machine guns. Of these, 114 Fiat machine guns were repaired and made available to units.
In the category of machine guns a total of 2,293 6.5mm Breda machine guns were captured. Of these 1,993 came from the Northern Continental Front. It became possible to repair and make available to the units 804 submachine guns of the type. A number of Beretta M 18, M 18/38 and M 38 submachine guns were also used.
In the category of mortars several 81 mm mortars fell into the hands of the Greeks. and hundreds of clumps Brixia of 45 mm. Of these, 234 came from the Northern Continent and 201 from Africa. The number of mortars captured in Northern Epirus was much higher as many of the mortars in question were kept by the units and never counted.
42 mountain guns were also captured of 65 mm. and another nine were surrendered by the British. Of these only 20 were made available for use. Also captured were 33 75mm mountain guns. of which 28 were used. Another 50 75 mm field guns were delivered by the British. which, however, did not have time to be repaired and used.
Seven long-barreled field guns were also used of 149 mm. 15 100 mm guns were also captured. but of which only four were utilized. In the category of anti-aircraft guns, eight 20 mm. which were not exploited.
As for anti-tanks a total of 53 47 mm cannons fell into the hands of the Greeks. (30 by the British) of which 38 were used against the Italians and Germans. Also the British delivered 15 Solothurn anti-tank rifles S-18/100 of 20 mm. of which 14 were allocated to combat units.
As for rifles 12,700 6.5mm rifles and howitzers were captured. while another 8,000 guns were handed over by the British. Of these, 11,500 rifles and arabides had been delivered to units. At the same time, huge quantities of ammunition fell into the hands of the Greeks. Tens of thousands of grenades, millions of rounds, thousands of mortar shells were used against their previous owners.
End of the tank category the Greeks controlled a number of CV-33/35 tanks and a small number of M13/40 and possibly M14/41 tanks. These tanks, the number of which is not exactly known, other sources speak of 27 and others of 40, were used to form the XIX Motorized Division who acted against the Germans in 1941.
As demonstrated by the above, it would not be an exaggeration to say that in the final analysis Greece's rival Italy became its best supplier of arms and ammunition during the war due to the fact that the Greek and the Italian Army used similar armament.
Greek soldier with a captured CV-33 chariot.
Greek soldiers with a captured Italian tank M13/40.
20mm Solothurn anti-tank gun.
Italian soldiers manning a 47mm gun.
Italian soldier serving Brixia holmes.