Greece: Commemorative Medal for the 1st
Balkan War against Ottoman Turkey in 1912-
1913.
On rare ribbon for non combatants.
With 4 clasps: Sarantaporo, Elassona, Pesta,
Ioannina.
The Clasps:
- Elassona: The clasp was awarded for the
liberation of the city of Elassona (the 1st city
that was liberated by the Greek Army) on 06
Oct. 1912. It is very rare as only around 16000
were awarded (to the I, II, III Infantry Divisions
and to the 2th and 6th Evzonoi Battalions
(Special Units of Light Infantry - the Royal
Guard at the time, the Presidential Guard
today).
- Sarantaporo: The clasp was awarded for the
Battle of Sarantaporo (9-10 Oct. 1912), the
1st battle of the War. The Greek victory broke
the fortified defensive line at the Sarantaporo
pass, which connected Thessaly with central
Macedonia, and opened the road towards
Thessaloniki (Salonica). The clasp is rare as
only around 25000 were awarded (to the men
of the I, II, III, IV, and V Infantry Divisions).
- Pesta: The clasp was awarded for the Battle
of Pesta (29-30 Nov. 1912) that opened,
together with the Battle of Aetorrahi, the road
towards Ioannina. The clasp is scarce (aprox.
3000 awards) as it was only bestowed to men
of the B' Mixed Detachment (consisted of
Cretan Volunteers, other Voluntary Units and
support elements of the II Infantry Division).
- Ioannina: The clasp was awarded for the
Siege of Ioannina and the Battle of Bizani
(Bezanie) - 23 Jan.- 06 Mar. 1913. The clasp
is rare (aprox. 45.000 awards).
During the 1st Balkan War the alliance of
Greece, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Serbia
liberated the remaining Christian populations
of the European territories from the Ottoman
Empire.
The War ended with the Treaty of London in
1913 but soon the 2nd Balkan War started,
this time against Bulgaria.
The medal was instituted in 1914.
Signed by Γ. Ιακωβίδης (Georgios (George)
Iakovides).
FULL SIZE
Balkan Wars 1912 - 1913
Item 100% original - vintage replaced ribbon
Condition as on the photos
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