BATTLE // November 2, 1940
Battle of Elaia–Kalamas
LOADING MAP TELEMETRY…
Source · Wikipedia
Significance
The Battle of Elaia–Kalamas was fought in Epirus from 2–8 November 1940 during the opening phase of the Greco-Italian War. The Royal Italian Army had launched its invasion of Greece on 28 October 1940, with the main thrust directed through the Epirus sector. Despite being outnumbered, Greek forces under Major General Charalambos Katsimitros held the Kalpaki (Elaia)–Kalamas river line and stopped the Italian advance. Combined with the concurrent Italian failure in the Battle of Pindus, the Greek success at Elaia–Kalamas marked the complete collapse of the Italian invasion plan. The defeat led directly to the dismissal of the Italian commander in Albania, Sebastiano Visconti Prasca, on 9 November 1940. In the weeks that followed, Greek forces launched a counteroffensive that drove the Italians back deep into Albania, fundamentally reversing the strategic situation in the theater.
Tactics
The Italian offensive was launched from the Greek-Albanian border into the Epirus sector, which constituted the main axis of the invasion, with a secondary flanking move through the Pindus mountains. The Greek defense was anchored on the Kalpaki (Elaia)–Kalamas river line, which local forces under Katsimitros used to halt the Italian advance despite numerical inferiority. The overview does not provide further detail on unit dispositions, maneuver schemes, or specific tactical engagements.
Forces & casualties
Troop strength
- Italy42,000medium
Casualties
- Royaume d'Italie160–561medium
- Royaume de Grèce208medium
Commanders (8)
Compare with sibling battle
4 options
Pick a battle to compare side-by-side
Related
4 sibling battles · 0 factions