The Battle of Menina ( el, Μάχη της Μενίνας) was conducted by the Greek resistance group

EDES The National Republican Greek League ( el, Εθνικός Δημοκρατικός Ελληνικός Σύνδεσμος (ΕΔΕΣ), ''Ethnikós Dimokratikós Ellinikós Sýndesmos'' (EDES)) was one of the major resistance groups formed during t ...

against the

German German(s) may refer to: * Germany (of or related to) ** Germania (historical use) * Germans, citizens of Germany, people of German ancestry, or native speakers of the German language ** For citizens of Germany, see also German nationality law **Ge ...

garrison of the village Menina,

Thesprotia Thesprotia (; el, Θεσπρωτία, ) is one of the regional units of Greece. It is part of the Epirus region. Its capital and largest town is Igoumenitsa. Thesprotia is named after the Thesprotians, an ancient Greek tribe that inhabited the ...

, during the German occupation of Greece. They were successful and captured a large quantity of supplies.

Background

Guerilla units of the EDES resistance undertook several sabotage missions against the Wehrmacht as soon as the later began its withdrawal from Greece. The 10th Division of EDES was active in the wider region of Preveza and managed in various clashed to block the movement of the Germans from Preveza to the regional capital of Epirus, Ioannina.Flitouris, 1998, p. 216 Nazi German and Cham Albanian collaborator units were stationed in various positions in the sectors of Filiates, Igoumenitsa and Filiates.Flitouris, 1998, p. 217 Meanwhile, the Allied High Command in Middle East ordered the advance of the EDES units in strategic positions in the west coast of Epirus. The defense of Menina was of vital importance for the German army since it a main transportation hub in Epirus. As such the Germans as well as their collaborators have turned Menina into a major stronghold.Flitouris, 1998, p. 218

Offensive

The main thrust of the offensive in Menina was undertaken by EDES' Sacred Band which belonged to its 3/40 Regiment. After a 2-day battle the German-Cham units were dispersed and the area was secured.

Result

Among the Greek resistance there were 25 dead, while the Axis counted 87. After the victorious battle the Muslim Cham population under the state of panic and in fear of reprisals fled north to Albania.Flitouris, 1998, p. 219 Moreover, EDES captured 109 Axis soldiers in addition to military material.

Sources

References

Menina 1944 in Greece Battles and operations involving the National Republican Greek League Menina Menina Thesprotia August 1944 events {{WWII-battle-stub