Wings of the Great War

In the first episode, “Airfield Genesis (1916),” we delve into the dynamic geopolitical landscape at the close of 1915, setting the stage for a pivotal chapter in World War I aviation. With a concise report on the Dardanelles and Gallipoli operations, the air force’s crucial role emerges. January 1916 witnesses the strategic installation of an aircraft carrier base on Lemnos Greece, a move aimed at safeguarding vital sea routes. Simultaneously, German air forces gain prominence in the Bulgarian-occupied Xanthi Greece. The threat to Allied sovereignty in the Northeast Aegean becomes palpable.

As the conflict unfolds, “The War Expands” unveils the metamorphosis of Lemnos Greece into a crucial air support center. Amidst the aerial theater, the episode delves into the stark realities of living in the Greek countryside, where the true invisible enemy—Malaria—adds a layer of complexity to the daily lives of those embroiled in the war.

In this pivotal episode, “The Involvement of the Greek Air Force (1916-1917),” the narrative shifts to the poignant moment of Greek pilots from the Navy Air Force joining the National Defense movement. A tableau of portraits emerges, introducing to the formidable personalities shaping the aerial theater. Their stories weave into the broader tapestry of Lemnos, becoming the crucible for the evolution of Greek aviation prowess.

In this gripping episode, “Air Warfare Escalation on All Fronts (1917),” the narrative unfurls the birth of the (legendary) Greek Squadron Z, laying the foundation for a squadron that would become synonymous with valor and determination. The episode unfolds with a poignant exploration into the training of young Greek aviators, witnessing the emergence of a new generation poised for aerial warfare.

The concluding episode, “Famous People During and After the War,” unfolds with a momentous event in January 1918, as Lemnos and Imvros serve as the base for the largest airborne operation of the First World War—an operation aimed at sinking warships. A testament to the indomitable spirit of the era, this operation marks another extraordinary achievement of Moraitinis, yet it is marred by the tragic death of Lieutenant Commander (I) Spyridon Hambas.