Battle of Tempe Gorge
The Vale of Tempe, looking west: showing the river Pinios and the Athens-Salonika railway, site of the Battle of Tempe Gorge circa 1941
Historical Overview
The Battle of Tempe Gorge, also known as the Battle of Pinios Gorge, was a rearguard action fought by Australian and New Zealand troops during the German invasion of Greece on 18 April 1941. The battle was fought amidst the advance of German forces through central Greece, and saw a brigade-sized element dubbed "Anzac Force" fight a delaying action against elements of two German divisions, supported by armoured forces. During a day of hard fighting, the defending Anzacs suffered heavy casualties and were forced back from the gorge, but their stand allowed other Allied forces to withdraw through Larissa, and afterwards a new defensive position was established around Thermopylae.
Quick Facts
German Army
- Commander: F. Schörner
- Strength: 1 Division
- Casualties: gering
Commonwealth
- Commander: Arthur Allen
- Strength: ca. 5.000
- Casualties: ca. 300
Strategic Context
Outflanking the position at Mt. Olympus.
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Historical Locations
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