- History
The Dodecanese Volunteer Regiment: A Fight for Freedom and National Independence
The Dodecanese Volunteer Regiment is one of the most remarkable chapters of the Greco-Italian War. Despite the Dodecanese Islands being under Italian occupation since 1912, this did not stop the Dodecanesian people from actively participating in the struggle for Greek independence. Hundreds of men of all ages, professions, and educational backgrounds volunteered to join the regiment, hoping to contribute directly to the liberation of their islands. This effort was led by the Dodecanesian Youth of Athens, which pushed the Greek authorities to accept the volunteers. After persistent efforts, Ioannis Metaxas eventually allowed the enlistment of the Dodecanesians, even though they held Italian citizenship due to the occupation.
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