The Greek landing at Smyrna was a military operation by Greek forces starting on May 15, 1919 which involved landing troops in the city of Smyrna and surrounding areas. The Allied powers sanctioned and oversaw the planning of the operation and assisted by directing their forces to take over some key locations and moving warships to the Smyrna harbor. During the landing, a shot was fired on the Greek 1/38 Evzone Regiment and significant violence ensued with Greek troops and Greek citizens of Smyrna participating. The event became important for creating the three-year-long Greek Occupation of Smyrna and was a major spark for the Greco-Turkish War (1919–1922).
Men of the 1/38 Evzone Regiment at the Smyrna quay
Greek troops marching on Izmir's coastal street, May 1919
After the skirmishes, in front of the Hotel Great Britain, Greek Evzones & civilians passing through the corpses of Turkish civilians.
Dead bodies of Turkish civilians being dragged in the wet street to the cart, while Greek & other civilians watch in front of the Hotel Great Britain.
1/38 National Guard Command
The 1/38 National Guard Command "Bizani" is an infantry unit of the Hellenic Army, based in Rhodes island as part of the 95th National Guard Higher Command. It carries on the traditions of the elite 1/38 Evzone Regiment.
Evzones of the 1/38 attack in Asia Minor, August 1921.
