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Tinos: 86th anniversary of the sinking of the Greek destroyer Elli
On August 15, 1940, the Italian submarine Delfino torpedoed and sank the Greek destroyer Elli in the port of Tinos during the second year of World War II. The attack occurred while the vessel was anchored for religious festivities. The operation was reportedly ordered by Cesare Maria de Vecchi, the Italian Governor of the Dodecanese.
The sinking was part of a series of Italian provocations aimed at establishing dominance in the Mediterranean. Prior to the Elli incident, Italian aircraft had attacked the Greek naval vessel Orion and the destroyer Hydra in July 1940, as well as several ships in the port of Nafpaktos.
The torpedo attack on the Elli resulted in the deaths of one non-commissioned officer and several sailors, while causing injuries to many others. The Delfino also attempted to strike passenger vessels in the harbor, though those attacks were unsuccessful. The event remains a significant historical moment in the lead-up to Greece's formal entry into the war.
Entities
Benito Mussolini · Cesare Maria De Vecchi · Delfino · Elli · Giuseppe Aicardi · Greece · Italy · Tinos
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Twenty-four crew members were injured during the sinking. tinostoday.gr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The ‘Delfino’ attempted to torpedo the passenger ships ‘Elsi’ and ‘Esperos’ in Tinos harbor. tinostoday.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] The attack took place on August 15, 1940. www.reader.gr · www.iefimerida.gr · tinostoday.gr
- [● 2 SOURCES] The order for the attack was given by Cesare Maria De Vecchi. www.iefimerida.gr · tinostoday.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Italian submarine ‘Delfino’ torpedoed the Greek destroyer ‘Elli’ on August 15, 1940. www.reader.gr · www.iefimerida.gr · tinostoday.gr
- [● 2 SOURCES] The attack occurred in the port of Tinos. www.iefimerida.gr · tinostoday.gr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The attack resulted in the deaths of one officer and eight sailors. tinostoday.gr
- [● 2 SOURCES] Lieutenant Commander Giuseppe Aicardi commanded the submarine ‘Delfino’. www.iefimerida.gr · tinostoday.gr