Andrea Dania (1775 – 1822), was an Italian soldier, Philhellene and one of the pioneers of the Regular Army in Greece, a heroic figure in the battle of Peta.

He was born in Ovada, Genoa. His parents were Francesco di Domenico Dania and Francesca Maria Beraldi, while his uncle was Angelo Vincenzo Dania, a cardinal and member of the Dominican Monastic Order[1].

The families of Dania’s parents belonged to the high society of Genoa and included clergy, intellectuals and military[2]. Inspired by the latter’s steps, he enlisted in the Militia of the Republic of Genoa in 1793[3].

The Republic of Genoa was overthrown on June 14, 1797 and then the French established the Republic of Liguria. Dania enlisted on November 26 of the same year, with the rank of second lieutenant, in the Battalion of Shooters and Engineers in the Ligurian Volunteer Legion, which formed the basis of the National Guard of the Republic of Liguria[4].

In the period 1798 – 1799 Dania fought under the orders of the French generals Joubert and Morau, against the Russian-Austrian troops, commanded by the important Russian General Alexander Suvorov[5]. For his bravery and his skills as a commander, he was promoted to lieutenant and placed in General Calori’s staff. Calori recruited the citizens of Genoa in April 1800 and organized them to resist a possible attack by the Austrian General, Baron Franz Anton von Elsnitz[6].

After contributing significantly to the success of General Calori’s work, Dania was seconded to the rank of lieutenant in the 12th Dragon Regiment of the French Army and took part in the victorious battle of Marengo for the French on June 14, 1800[7]. His action was appreciated and he was appointed aid de camp of the Military Command of Genoa, on July 13, 1801[8].

Because of his adventurous nature, Dania was appointed on February 1, 1805, in the Gendarmerie, with the rank of colonel, tasked with pursuing the robbery[9]. In June 1805, the Republic of Liguria, shortly before its annexation to France, honored him for his bravery and ability with the Order of Military Value[10].

With the annexation of the Republic of Liguria to France, the Gendarmerie of the Republic of Liguria was integrated as a cavalry unit in the French Army, renamed to 56th Dragon Regiment, placed under the command of the French Lieutenant Galliot and incorporated into the 12th French Regiment of Dragons[11]. Dania took command of its Artillery[12].

During his service in the 12th Dragon Regiment of the French Army, Dania took part in the battle of Talavera on July 27, 1809[13], which ended in a strategic victory for the French. He then served in occupied Madrid from 1810 to 1811[14], distinguished himself at the Battle of Salamanca on 22 July 1812[15], and fought at the Battle of Vitoria on 21 June 1813, which led to the withdrawal of the French from Spain[16]. For this action, he was honored in August 1813 with the Order of the Legion of Honor by the French Government[17].

With the departure of the French from Spain, Dania returned to Genoa, which now belonged to the Kingdom of Piedmont. Upon his recovery, he was appointed commander of the 12th Dragon Brigade of the Piedmontese Army, with the rank of cavalry major[18] and was subsequently demobilized[19].

Dania came from an environment of cultured people, with a classical education, love for Greek culture and philhellenic feelings. The liberation struggle of the Greeks moved him and with the beginning of the Greek Revolution of 1821, Dania is one of the first Philhellenes to go to Greece on June 7, 1821[20]. In fact, he traveled from Trieste to Hydra, on the same ship with Dimitrios Ypsilantis, Panagiotis Anagnostopoulos, the brave French Philhellene Joseph Baleste and the great Italian Philhellene, Lieutenant Colonel Pietro Tarella[21].

On July 2, 1821, he took part in the battle for the liberation of Tripolitsa. When the battle was over, Dania, Tarella, the British chief of staff of Ypsilantis and important Philhellene Thomas Gordon, most of the Philhellenes, and Ypsilantis himself, undertook other missions and did not attend the entrance of the Greeks in Tripolitsa on September 23, 1821[22].

After the capture of Tripolitsa, Dania participated in the first operation for the liberation of Nafplio, which took place in December 1821[23]. During this period the Greek administration was trying to establish a Regular Army[24]. For this purpose, the Parliament passed in Nafplio, on April 1, 1822, a Law “On the Organization of the Army”, which formed the basis of the subsequent military legislation[25].

The Battalion of the Philhellenes was established in this context, and Dania took over its command. The duties of Commander-in-Chief of the Regular Army were assigned to the important German Philhellene, General, Count Karl Friedrich Leberecht von Normann-Ehrenfels. His direct collaborator was Pietro Tarella, who assumed the duties of commander of the 1st Infantry Regiment. The first mission of the Regular Army was the termination of the siege of Souli in north-western Greece, by the Ottoman forces. This operation would result in the resurgence of the Liberation Struggle in Epirus, the strengthening of the Greek Forces with experienced and combative officers, and the removal of the danger of the Ottomans descending to suppress the Revolution towards the south[26].

Normann, Tarella and Dania faced several strategic issues. For example, decisions and moves were slow. Instead of the Greeks and Philhellenes moving quickly towards Arta, without allowing the Turks to gather an army that would give them a strategic advantage, they wasted valuable time. On the one hand, the Turks were gathering undisturbed forces, when on the other hand, the Greek army was beginning to face diseases and food shortages. Another big problem was the behavior of the irregular forces. And especially the one of Chieftain Bacolas. There were also concerns about how units of irregulars would be integrated into the battle plan. In fact, many days before the start of the march to Arta, it was rumored that Bacolas had a strange attitude and that he had a relationship with the Turks. Of course, it was impossible to believe that a Greek would betray the struggle of his compatriots[27].

The Greek forces came in contact with the Turks at Kompoti, on June 22, 1822. The war plan provided that, “the Philhellenes, as regular soldiers, should not seek the mountain tops to defend themselves comfortably, but to stay in the great and dangerous points and not to miss the opportunity to confront the enemy“[28]. Following this, the 1st Infantry Regiment under Tarella and the Battalion of the Philhellenes under Dania, were placed at critical points at the foot of the hills. The enemy attack was successfully repulsed and the Turks retreated to Arta with heavy losses[29].

Already exhausted by fatigue, illness, hunger and thirst, the Philhellenes left from Kompoti in a hurry at night to Peta, where the Turks were moving. The other Greek forces gathered there, and the preparation for the battle began.

Disagreements arose in the war council of the leaders on two issues: 1) The position of the regular army in relation to the irregulars. That is, who would constitute the vanguard and who the rearguards, and 2) whether or not fortifications (tambouria) should be used. For the first one, the view which prevailed was to place the forces in a circle around Peta. Normann was dissatisfied with this decision and realizing the disadvantaged position of the Greek side, he felt obliged to express his concerns in a letter to Mavrokordatos[30]. Although he was the leader of the Greek forces, Mavrokordatos was absent from the battlefield. He had placed his headquarters in Lagada, six hours away from Peta[31]. In his letter, Normann stressed that the regular soldiers now numbered only 515[32]. He also noted that he was afraid that Bacolas would leave his post and that the other irregular fighters would not be able to help. Mavrokordatos was not convinced and the battle plan did not change. The Philhellenes accepted this decision out of courtesy[33].

After the leaders’ disagreement about the fortifications, the opinion which prevailed was that they should be built. In fact, as many sources confirm, the “tambouria” were also used by Philhellenes. This is a rare case in which European soldiers fought in the “Greek way”. That is, with the methods of the irregulars. It is worth noting that the Philhellenes had a different code of bravery and honor, which results from a position attributed to Dania: “our tambouria are our breasts”[34].

However, other mistakes were also made, which were due to the lack of complete control of the situation from the Philhellene officers. After the battle of Kompoti, Gennaios Kolokotronis and his Corps returned to the Peloponnese, following an order from his father, for which he was criticized[35]. At the same time, 1,200 Greek fighters left the camp and moved to the north to help the Souliotes. The corps comprised Markos Botsaris, Karatasos, Aggelis Gatsos, Georgios Varnakiotis, Alexakis Vlachopoulos and Andreas Iskos. These 1,200 fighters did not even manage to approach Souli. The Turks stopped them in the village of Plaka on June 29, 1822 and crushed them. Those who survived returned to Peta. Gogos Bacolas enticed Marco Botsaris to move towards Souli, and as soon as he left the camp, he warned the Turks to trap him in Plaka[36].

On the day of the battle of Peta, a Corps of Maniates also arrived in Splantza with Kyriakoulis Mavromichalis to help the Greeks. However, they did not form part of a single strategic plan. A corps of Souliotes arrived there and joined them to confront the Turkish forces that were sent to repel them. Kyriakoulis Mavromichalis himself was killed in this battle[37].

All these moves were out of the general coordination plan, and hindered the work of the Greek forces that would face the main attack of the Turks. But again, despite their small numbers, these forces could still be defeated.

At dawn on July 16, 1822, the attack of the Turkish forces that had arrived from Arta (7,000 to 8,000) began. Normann woke up the men, cheered them with warm words and inspected all positions on horseback.

At first the forces of the Philhellenes and the Tactical Corps repulsed the numerous enemy troops with great success. The constant and coordinated shots reaped the attackers. The key to success in this way of warfare is for the soldiers to stay calm, to constantly and quickly load their weapons, to fire in a coordinated manner, and above all, to hold their ground, without allowing a rift in their ranks. The 1st Infantry Regiment and the battalion of the Philhellenes were an impenetrable wall, as Baleste’s training paid off[38].

Unfortunately, suddenly a fatal thing happened. Chieftain Bacolas and his men treacherously left their positions, opening the path for the Turkish forces to attack the rear of the 1st Infantry Regiment and the battalion of the Philhellenes[39]. Tarella was trying to encourage the men of his Regiment. He was surrounded by the attacking Turks and had a tragic death (he was beheaded)[40].

General Normann, the emblematic Philhellene, took himself the command of the 1st Infantry Regiment and led it back to battle, shooting: “For the salvation of the Philhellenes! Victory or death!”. In the ensuing raid, he received a bullet in the chest and was transported to the rear to treat his serious injury[41]. Gradually the Regiment began to recede and was now an easy target for the Turkish cavalry. The Philhellenes had been abandoned by all the forces of the irregulars. The forces of the Philhellenes and the Greeks from the Ionian islands experienced a sad and unjust disaster. They were surrounded by the enemy at an exposed point and were exterminated.

Amazing scenes of incredible heroism followed. Dania, who was cheering the soldiers of the battalion of the Philhellenes until the end, was surrounded by Turks, who beheaded him as they did with Tarella[42]. Fifteen brave Poles, led by the Polish officer Mierzewski, gathered at the St George’s Church in central Peta and fought with incredible heroism, even fighting on the roof of the church. They were all killed heroically[43]. In fact, the Turks set fire to the roof of the church to burn them alive beig unable to defeat them. A French officer, Mignac (who had clashed with German Philhellenes during the campaign), also fought with a heroism of Homeric proportions. The Turks tried to capture him alive because he was wearing an impressive uniform and they thought that he was General Normann, the leader of the Regular Army. Mignac refused to surrender and fought valiantly. In the end, being severely injured in the leg, because he could not stand, he leaned on the trunk of an olive tree to stay upright and by fighting in all directions, he neutralized fourteen more Turks. His body was full of wounds, and when he broke his sword, he committed suicide by cutting his throat[44].

Among the volunteers of the Regular Army, 160 Greeks from the Ionian islands and Philhellenes (one third of the forces) were killed. Many were taken prisoners to Arta and were killed there, after being tortured and humiliated in a horrible way. Many Philhellenes were forced to walk naked for hours, holding in their hands the heads of their comrades[45].

The few survivors gathered in Lagada; among them the tragic figure of the day, the noble and brave General Normann. As after the battle of Kompoti, so this time he arrived at the camp last on his dying horse and presented himself to Mavrokordatos, to whom he stated the following: “We lost everything your highness, except our honor“![46]. The 1st Infantry Regiment, the Battalion of the Philhellenes, and hundreds of enthusiastic European Philhellenes, and Greeks from the Ionian islands, no longer existed.

Greece and SHP pay tribute to the heroic Philhellene Andrea Dania and his brave comrades-in-arms, who fought to the end for the Independence of Greece and are eternally grateful for their sacrifice.

 

References

[1] Fassino, Pier Giorgio, ”Andrea Dania, ovadese: eroe dell’Indipendenza greca”, εκδ. περ.”URBS”, Ovada, Σεπτέμβριος 2006, σελ. 180.
[2] Βλ. στο ίδιο, σελ. 181.
[3] Βλ. στο ίδιο.
[4] Barbagallo, C., ”Storia Universale -Dall’età Napoleonica alla fine della prima Guerra Mondiale (1799 – 1919)”, εκδ. UTET, Τορίνο, 1964.
[5] Gachot, Édouard, ”Les campagnes de 1799. Souvarow en Italie”, εκδ. Perrin et cie., Παρίσι, 1903.
[6] Furse, George Armand, ”Marengo and Hohenlinden”, εκδ. Worley Publications, Newcastle upon Tyne, 1993.
[7] Benoît, Jérémie, ”Marengo: Une victoire politique”, εκδ. Réunion des Musées Nationaux, Παρίσι, 2000.
[8] Calandra, E., “ La bufera”, εκδ. Mondadori, Μιλάνο, 1964, σελ. 205.
[9] Ruggiero, M., “ La Storia dei Briganti Piemontesi”, εκδ. Alzani Editore, Pinerolo, 1998.
[10] Fassino, Pier Giorgio, “Andrea Dania, ovadese: eroe dell’Indipendenza greca”, εκδ. περ.”URBS”, Ovada, Σεπτέμβριος 2006, σελ. 183.
[11] Βλ. στο ίδιο, σελ. 186.
[12] Barbagallo, C., “Storia Universale – Dall’età Napoleonica alla fine della prima Guerra Mondiale (1799 – 1919)”, εκδ. UTET, Τορίνο, 1964.
[13] Field, Andrew, “Talavera: Wellington’s First Victory in Spain”, εκδ. Pen & Sword Military, Barnsley, 2006.
[14] Fassino, Pier Giorgio, “Andrea Dania, ovadese: eroe dell’Indipendenza greca”, εκδ. περ.”URBS”, Ovada, Σεπτέμβριος 2006, σελ. 186.
[15] Fletcher, Ian, “Salamanca 1812: Wellington Crushes Marmont”, εκδ. Osprey, Λονδίνο, 1997.
[16] Fletcher, Ian, “Vittoria 1813: Wellington Sweeps the French from Spain”, εκδ. Praeger Publishers, Νέα Υόρκη, 2005.
[17] Fassino, Pier Giorgio, “Andrea Dania, ovadese: eroe dell’Indipendenza greca”, εκδ. περ.”URBS”, Ovada, Σεπτέμβριος 2006, σελ. 186
[18] Φορνέζης, Ερρίκος, “Οι Φιλέλληνες”, εκδ. περ. ”Εβδομάς”, Αθήνα, 1884, σελ.27.
[19] Βλ. στο ίδιο.
[20] Πρασσά, Αννίτα, “Ο Φιλελληνισμός και η Επανάσταση του 1821”, εκδ. Δημιουργία, Αθήνα, 1999.
[21] Ξάνθος, Εμμανουήλ, “Απομνημονεύματα περί της Φιλικής Εταιρείας”, εκδ. Βεργίνα, Αθήνα, 1996, σελ. 168.
[22] Persat, Maurice, “Memoires du Commandant Persat. 1806 à 1844”, εκδ. Librairie Plon, Παρίσι, 1910, σελ. 87-88.
[23] Συλλογικό, “Italy on the Rimland. Storia Militare di una Penisola Eurasiatica”, εκδ. Società Italiana di Storia Militare, Ρώμη, 2019, 1^ος τόμος, σελ. 143.
[24] “Τα Αρχεία της Ελληνικής Παλιγγενεσίας”, εκδ. Βουλή των Ελλήνων, Αθήνα, 1857, α’ τόμος, σελ. 272.
[25] Διεύθυνση Ιστορίας Στρατού, “Η ιστορία του Ελληνικού Στρατού”, εκδ. Γενικό Επιτελείο Στρατού, Αθήνα, 1997.
[26] “Ιστορικόν Αρχείον Αλεξάνδρου Μαυροκορδάτου”, επιμ. Εμμ. Πρωτοψάλτης, Γενικά Αρχεία του Κράτους, Αθήνα, τόμος 1, φακ. 197, σελ. 254.
[27] Κουτσονίκας, Λάμπρος, “Γενική Ιστορία της Ελληνικής Επαναστάσεως”, εκδ. Δ. Καρακατζάνη, Αθήνα, 1863, δ’ τόμος, σελ. 177.
[28] Βυζάντιος Χρήστος, “Ιστορία των κατά την Ελληνικήν Επανάστασιν εκστρατειών και μαχών και των μετά ταύτα συμβάντων, ων συμμετέσχεν ο Τακτικός Στρατός, από του 1821 μέχρι του 1833”, εκδ. Κ. Αντωνιάδου, Αθήνα, 1874, σελ. 203.
[29] Συλλογικό, “Ιστορία του Ελληνικού Έθνους”, εκδ. Εκδοτική Αθηνών, Αθήνα, 2000, 12^ος τόμος, σ. 232.
[30] “Ιστορικόν Αρχείον Αλεξάνδρου Μαυροκορδάτου”, επιμ. Εμμ. Πρωτοψάλτης, Γενικά Αρχεία του Κράτους, Αθήνα, τόμος 2, φακ. 548, σελ. 135.
[31] Φωτιάδης, Δημήτρης, “Η Επανάσταση του ’21”, εκδ. Μέλισσα, Αθήνα, 1971, β’ τόμος, σελ. 211.
[32] Βλ. στο ίδιο.
[33] Woodhouse, Christopher Montague, “The Philhellenes”, εκδ. Fairleigh Dickinson University Press, Madison 1971.
[34] Βλ. στο ίδιο.
[35] Κολοκοτρώνης, Γενναίος, “Απομνημονεύματα”, εκδ. Βεργίνα, Αθήνα, 2006.
[36] Voutier, Olivier, “Απομνημονεύματα του συνταγματάρχη Olivier Voutier από τον πόλεμο των Ελλήνων”, μετ. Ειρήνη Τζουρά, επιμ. Παναγιώτα Παναρίτη, εκδ. Εθνικό Ιστορικό Μουσείο, Αθήνα, 2019.
[37] Περραιβός, Χριστόφορος, “Πολεμικά Απομνημονεύματα. Μάχες του Σουλίου και της Ανατολικής Ελλάδας 1820 -1829”, εκδ. Βεργίνα, Αθήνα, 2003, σελ. 160.
[38] St Clair, William, “That Greece Might Still be Free: The Philhellenes in the War of Independence”, εκδ. Open Books, Λονδίνο, 2008, σελ. 277.
[39] Κουτσονίκας, Λάμπρος, “Γενική Ιστορία της Ελληνικής Επαναστάσεως”, εκδ. Δ. Καρακατζάνη, Αθήνα, 1863, δ’ τόμος,σελ. 178.
[40] St Clair, William, “That Greece Might Still be Free: The Philhellenes in the War of Independence”, εκδ. Open Books, Λονδίνο, 2008.
[41] Gridley Howe, Samuel, “An Historical Sketch of the Greek Revolution”, εκδ. White, Gallaher & White, Νέα Υόρκη, 1828, σελ.
[42] Fassino, Pier Giorgio, “Andrea Dania”, εκδ. περ.”Accademia Urbense”, Ovada, Σεπτέμβριος 2006, σελ. 188.
[43] Τράιμπερ, Ερρίκος, “Αναμνήσεις από την Ελλάδα 1822- 1828”, επιμ. δρ. Χρήστος Ν. Αποστολίδης, ιδ. εκδ., Αθήνα, 1960, σελ. 136.
[44] Raybaud Maxime, “Mémoires sur la Grèce pour servir à l’histoire de la guerre de l’Indépendance, accompagnés de plans topographiques, avec une introduction historique par Alph. Rabbe”, εκδ. Tournachon-Molin Libraire, Παρίσι, 1824, τόμος 1.
[45] Βλ. στο ίδιο.
[46] Βλ. στο ίδιο.

 

Bibliography – Sources

• Fassino, Pier Giorgio, “Andrea Dania, ovadese: eroe dell’Indipendenza greca”, εκδ. περ. “URBS”, Ovada, Σεπτέμβριος 2006.
• Barbagallo, C., “Storia Universale -Dall’età Napoleonica alla fine della prima Guerra Mondiale (1799 – 1919)”, εκδ. UTET, Τορίνο, 1964.
• Gachot, Édouard, “Les campagnes de 1799. Souvarow en Italie“, εκδ. Perrin et cie., Παρίσι, 1903.
• Furse, George Armand, “Marengo and Hohenlinden“, εκδ. Worley Publications, Newcastle upon Tyne, 1993.
• Benoît, Jérémie, “Marengo: Une victoire politique”, εκδ. Réunion des Musées Nationaux, Παρίσι, 2000.
• Calandra, E., “La bufera“, εκδ. Mondadori, Μιλάνο, 1964.
• Ruggiero, M., ”La Storia dei Briganti Piemontesi“, εκδ. Alzani Editore, Pinerolo, 1998.
• Field, Andrew, “Talavera: Wellington’s First Victory in Spain”, εκδ. Pen & Sword Military, Barnsley, 2006.
• Fletcher, Ian, “Salamanca 1812: Wellington Crushes Marmont“, εκδ. Osprey, Λονδίνο, 1997.
• Fletcher, Ian, “Vittoria 1813: Wellington Sweeps the French from Spain“, εκδ. Praeger Publishers, Νέα Υόρκη, 2005.
• Πρασσά, Αννίτα, “Ο Φιλελληνισμός και η Επανάσταση του 1821”, εκδ. Δημιουργία, Αθήνα, 1999.
• Ξάνθος, Εμμανουήλ, “Απομνημονεύματα περί της Φιλικής Εταιρείας”, εκδ. Βεργίνα, Αθήνα, 1996.
• Persat, Maurice, “Memoires du Commandant Persat, 1806 à 1844”, εκδ. Librairie Plon, Παρίσι, 1910.
• Nada, Narciso, “La Partecipazione degli Italiani alla Guerra di Indipendenza Ellenica. Risorgimento Greco e Filellenismo Italiano: Lotte, cultura, arte”, εκδ. Edizioni del Sole, Ρώμη, 1986.
• Συλλογικό, “Italy on the Rimland. Storia Militare di una Penisola Eurasiatica“, εκδ. Società Italiana di Storia Militare, Ρώμη, 2019, 1^ος τόμος.
• “Τα Αρχεία της Ελληνικής Παλιγγενεσίας”, εκδ. Βουλή των Ελλήνων, Αθήνα, 1857, α’ τόμος.
• Διεύθυνση Ιστορίας Στρατού, “Η ιστορία του Ελληνικού Στρατού”, εκδ. Γενικό Επιτελείο Στρατού, Αθήνα, 1997.
• “Ιστορικόν Αρχείον Αλεξάνδρου Μαυροκορδάτου”, επιμ. Εμμ. Πρωτοψάλτης, Γενικά Αρχεία του Κράτους, Αθήνα, τόμος 1.
• St Clair, William, “That Greece Might Still be Free: The Philhellenes in the War of Independence“, εκδ. Open Books, Λονδίνο, 2008.
• Voutier, Olivier, “Απομνημονεύματα του συνταγματάρχη Olivier Voutier από τον πόλεμο των Ελλήνων“, μετ. Ειρήνη Τζουρά, επιμ. Παναγιώτα Παναρίτη, εκδ. Εθνικό Ιστορικό Μουσείο, Αθήνα, 2019.
• Κολοκοτρώνης, Γενναίος, “Απομνημονεύματα”, εκδ. Βεργίνα, Αθήνα, 2006.
• Περραιβός, Χριστόφορος, “Πολεμικά Απομνημονεύματα. Μάχες του Σουλίου και της Ανατολικής Ελλάδας 1820 -1829”, εκδ. Βεργίνα, Αθήνα, 2003.
• Συλλογικό, “Ιστορία του Ελληνικού Έθνους”, εκδ. Εκδοτική Αθηνών, Αθήνα, 2000, 12^ος τόμος.
• Κουτσονίκας, Λάμπρος, “Γενική Ιστορία της Ελληνικής Επαναστάσεως”, εκδ. Δ. Καρακατζάνη, Αθήνα, 1863, δ’ τόμος.
• Fassino, Pier Giorgio, “Andrea Dania”, εκδ. περ. “Accademia Urbense”, Ovada, Σεπτέμβριος 2006.
• Gridley Howe, Samuel, ”An Historical Sketch of the Greek Revolution“, εκδ. White, Gallaher & White, Νέα Υόρκη, 1828.
• Raybaud Maxime, ”Mémoires sur la Grèce pour servir à l’histoire de la guerre de l’Indépendance, accompagnés de plans topographiques, avec une introduction historique par Alph. Rabbe“, εκδ. Tournachon-Molin Libraire, Παρίσι, 1824, τόμος 1.
• “Ιστορικόν Αρχείον Αλεξάνδρου Μαυροκορδάτου”, επιμ. Εμμ. Πρωτοψάλτης, Γενικά Αρχεία του Κράτους, Αθήνα, τόμος 2.
• Βυζάντιος Χρήστος, “Ιστορία των κατά την Ελληνικήν Επανάστασιν εκστρατειών και μαχών και των μετά ταύτα συμβάντων, ων συμμετέσχεν ο Τακτικός Στρατός, από του 1821 μέχρι του 1833”, εκδ. Κ. Αντωνιάδου, Αθήνα, 1874.
• Φωτιάδης, Δημήτρης, “Η Επανάσταση του ’21“, εκδ. Μέλισσα, Αθήνα, 1971, β’ τόμος.
• Woodhouse, Christopher Montague, “The Philhellenes”, εκδ. Fairleigh Dickinson University Press, Madison 1971.
• Τράιμπερ, Ερρίκος, “Αναμνήσεις από την Ελλάδα 1822- 1828”, επιμ. δρ. Χρήστος Ν. Αποστολίδης, ιδ. εκδ., Αθήνα, 1960.

 

Edward Codrington (1770 – 1851), was a British Admiral and politician, commander of the British Mediterranean Fleet, commander of the Allied fleet in the naval battle of Navarino and an important Philhellene.

He was born in Dodington and was the youngest of four children in his family. His father was the landowner Edward Codrington the Elder (1736 – 1775), and his grandfather was William Codrington, 1st Baronet of Dodington (+1738)^[1]. His mother was Rebecca Lestourgeon (1736 – 1770), who died during childbirth^[2].

The Codrington family owned vast land areas. At the same time, however, it had an important military, political, but also cultural tradition. The patriarch of the family, John Codrington, distinguished himself in 1415 in the victorious battle for the English in Agincourt, as the standard-bearer of the English King Henry V^[3]. His descendant Christopher Codrington (1668 – 1710), uncle of Admiral Edward Codrington, was a General, governor of Guadeloupe and the Barbados in 1703 – 1710, and a politician. He was also a benefactor of the Oxford University, where he founded the Codrington Library at All Souls College, which is administratively affiliated with the Oxford University^[4]. Also, Christopher Bethell Codrington, the eldest brother of Admiral Codrington, was a member of the British Parliament^[5].

ΟEdward Codrington never met his mother and was orphaned as a child. Thus, the responsibility for raising him and his brothers, was entrusted to their paternal uncle Christopher Bethell, thanks to whom they received the best possible education. With his older brothers Christopher Bethell Codrington and William John Codrington, Edward Codrington attended Harrow College^[6]. A little later, however, he decided not to continue his education. In 1783, at the age of just 13, he enlisted in the British Royal Navy as a cadet officer, first stationed on the frigate “HMS Augusta’’^[7].

As a young cadet officer, Codrington served in the East Coast Patrol Squadron around the United States, in the British Mediterranean Fleet and on ships of the British Metropolitan Fleet. In 1788 he received the rank of midshipman^[8].

On May 28, 1793, he was promoted to lieutenant and placed as a signal officer in the frigate “HMS Queen Charlotte”, flagship of the English Channel Fleet, with Admiral Richard Howe, 1st Earl of Howe (1726-1799) as commander ^[9]. From this position, on June 1, 1794, he took part in the victorious for the British 4th battle of Ushant against the French^[10]. Codrington’s action in this naval battle was appreciated and led on October 7, 1794, to his promotion to lieutenant commander, to follow on April 6, 1795, his promotion to commander^[11].

Commander Codrington was appointed captain of the ‘’HMS Babet’’ and fought in the victorious British naval battle of Groix on June 23, 1795^[12]. There he was again distinguished for his bravery and commander’s skills, and was rewarded with his appointment as captain of the frigate “HMS Druid” in July 1796^[13].

As captain of the frigate ‘’HMS Druid’’, Codrington undertook patrol missions in the English Channel and the Portuguese coast until January 1797^[14]. On one of these missions, on January 7, 1797, in collaboration with the frigates “HMS Doris” and “HMS Unicorn”, he captured the French frigate “Ville de l’Orient” in the English Channel, carrying 400 hussars who were assigned the mission to join the Irish revolutionaries^[15].

After the successful completion of this mission, he was transferred to land positions of the British Royal Navy, and remained there until May 1802. During this period he sought his transfer to the British Merchant Navy, but to no avail^[16].

Meanwhile, as early as the end of 1797, Codrington and his siblings William John Codrington and Caroline Codrington, inherited the estate of their uncle Christopher Bethell. This estate included a plantation in Antigua^[17].

After the Peace of Amiens on May 27, 1802, Codrington was appointed captain of the ship of the line ‘‘HMS Orion’’^[18]. In December 1802 he married Jane Hall, daughter of a British family in Kingston, Jamaica, with whom he had 3 sons. General William John Codrington (1804 – 1884), Naval Cadet Edward Codrington (1805-1822) and Admiral Henry John Codrington (1808 – 1877)^[19].

In the spring of 1805, the ship of the line “HMS Orion” joined the British Fleet tasked with blocking the port of Cadiz^[20]. The commander of the fleet was the great and emblematic Admiral Horatio Nelson and Codrington was his most direct collaborator^[21].

During the Battle of Trafalgar, which took place on October 21, 1805 and ended victoriously for the British, Codrington captured the French ship “Swiftsure”^[22].He then tried to capture the Spanish flagship “Principe de Asturias”, without success^[23]. Shortly afterwards, he managed to force the French ship “Intrepide”, the only ship of the Northern Squadron of the Franco-Spanish Fleet that had escaped intact, to surrender, further to continuous shelling^[24].

Following the Battle of Trafalgar, the British insurance company Lloyd’s offered as a gift, a commemorative sword to the captains of the ships that took part in it, as well as 10 GB pounds to the junior officers^[25]. Codrington refused to accept the sword, arguing that in addition to officers, ordinary sailors, who fought valiantly, should also receive money^[26].

In 1808, Codrington collaborated with the Spaniards against the French in the Mediterranean. During this period he commanded a squadron, which destroyed French ships and carried out raids on the French coast^[27]. Then, from July to December 1809, he took part in Walcheren’s operation in the Netherlands, which aimed to open another front against the French and to relieve the Austrians fighting against the French army on land^[28]. This operation failed and the British, including Codrington, returned home with significant losses^[29].

From May to June 1811, Codrington took command of a squadron of the British Mediterranean Fleet. During this time he was in charge of reinforcing Tarragona, which was besieged by the army of French General Louis-Gabriel Suchet^[30]. Codrington was convinced that the Marquis of Campo Verde (and military commander of Tarragona), was incapable of defending the area. After studying the situation, Codrington helped British officer Charles William Doyle to plan the support of the besieged^[31].

According to Codrington’s plan and actions, Tarragona was reinforced with 6,300 Spanish infantry and 291 gunners. At the same time, his squadron supported the besieged by carrying troops and ammunition, but also by carrying out night bombardments against French positions^[32].

With the occupation of Tarragona by the French on June 29, 1811, despite heavy enemy fire, Codrington helped save more than 600 people, while he personally took care of the reunification of families who had been separated during the evacuation of the city^[33].

After leaving Tarragona, Codrington undertook a series of political initiatives to prevent the disbandment of the Catalan Militia which was planned by Spanish General Luis Roberto de Lacy^[34].

From 1814 to 1815, Codrington, who had meanwhile been promoted to commodore, served in the North American and West Indian Squadron of the British Royal Navy as captain of the HMS Tonnant, under the command of Admiral Alexander Inglis Cochrane^[35] (uncle of the Philhellene and later commander of the Greek fleet in 1827, Thomas Cochrane). From there, starting in Bermuda^[36], he participated in the American-British War of 1812, and took part in operations against Washington, Baltimore and New Orleans^[37]. His skills as a commander and commendable services, contributed to his promotion to rear admiral on June 4, 1814. Then, in 1815, the British Government honored him with the Medal of the Knight Brigadier General of the Bath^[38].

On July 10, 1821, in recognition of his long tenure and service, the British Government promoted Codrington to Vice Admiral and honored him with the Golden Military Cross^[39], while in February 1822, the Royal Society honored him with the title of Partner^[40].

This period was extremely critical for Codrington. The beginning of the Greek Revolution in 1821 coincided approximately with the tragic loss of Edward Codrington, his son and cadet officer of the frigate “HMS Cambrian”. Young Codrington drowned when his ship encountered bad weather near Hydra in November 1822. Already from this period Codrington develops a strong interest on the evolutions n Greece and progressively, Philhellenic feelings^[41].

From 1822 to 1826 he served in staff services in Great Britain. During this period he was among the subscribers of the Philhellenic Committee of London, founded in 1823, and was one of the contributors of the fundraisers carried out by the Philhellenic Committee of London.Moreover, as of the summer of 1826, he had correspondence with the commander of the Greek Army, General Richard Church, the commander of the Greek Navy, Admiral Thomas Cochrane, 10th Earl of Dundonald and Captain Frank Abney Hastings, commander of the “Karteria” first steam-powered warship in Greece^[42]. This correspondence was crucial for the cultivation of the great Admiral Codrington’s Philhellenism. At the same time, however, he had the opportunity to study and understand what was happening in Greece, the dynamics of developments, the balances of power, the geostrategic parameters of the region, the role of the Turks and the Egyptians and the psychology of the protagonists of the Revolution. This knowledge proved to be particularly useful, both for him as a soldier and for the future of the Greek war for independence

After April 1826, the Exodus of Missolonghi decisively shocked Europe and sparked the most critical and intensive phase of the international Philhellenic movement. Public opinion and the press saw that the Greek Revolution was extinguished and demanded a dynamic intervention in favour of the Greeks.

Under this pressure and a number of other factors, the Great Powers of the time (Great Britain, France and Russia) decided to intervene. This move served Russia, which sought to weaken the Ottoman Empire and reduce its territories, while at the same time establishing an independent Orthodox Christian state in which it could exert influence. The British and the French were under increasing pressure from the pro-Greek movements to help fellow Europeans and liberate the cradle of Western civilization. At the same time, the violence of the Turks, the massacres of the Greek population in Chios, Kassos, Psara, Missolonghi, etc., and finally the policy of “scorched earth”, violent Islamization and mass transfer of the Greek population to Africa, implemented by Ibrahim, could not be ignored by the civilized West. When George Canning, the great Philhellene, became Prime Minister of Great Britain, he led the three Great Powers on his own initiative to the signing of the Treaty of London on July 6, 1827.

It is recalled that Great Britain had already signed the St. Petersburg Protocol in 1826 with Russia, and that it was now involving the French with the aim of controlling Russia to some extent^[43]. The Treaty demanded an immediate armistice from the Gate and the creation of an autonomous Greece, subject to the Sultan.

At the same time, the three powers agreed to send their fleets to Greece, with a mandate to enforce the Treaty of London.

Admiral Codrington had been appointed commander of the British Mediterranean Fleet since December 1826 and sailed to Malta on 1 February 1827, aboard the flagship “HMS Asia”^[44]. As commander of the British Mediterranean Fleet, his preliminary mission was to follow the policy of his predecessor, Admiral Harry Burrard-Neale, to protect British nationals and the Ionian Islands, which were part of the British Empire^[45].At the same time, he continued to correspond with Church, Cochrane, Hastings, and other Greek dignitaries, acting in some way as a liaison between the Greeks and the British government^[46].

On June 19, 1827, following a memorandum and request from Stratford Canning, British Ambassador to Constantinople and a relative of George Canning, the British Mediterranean Fleet sailed from Malta and arrived in Greece in early July on a mission to enforce the Treaty of London^[47].

This treaty provided for the conclusion of a peace agreement between Greeks and Turks, with the basic condition of the immediate end of hostilities. However, there was also a secret, extremely important, article, according to which, if the Turkish side did not respond or reject mediation, the Great Powers would recognize Greek Independence and take all necessary measures to end the conflict, ideally without taking military action^[48]. Of course, given that the Ottoman Empire was clearly and categorically contrary to the terms of the Treaty, while it was implementing methodically a plan for the systematic extermination of the Greek population, this term essentially provided for the use of military means. That is why the three fleets were concentrated in the area.

More precisely, the secret protocol of the Treaty consisted of three articles, according to which the High Gate was offered a deadline of one month to accept the intervention of the three Powers. After the deadline, the three fleets were authorized to take any action they deemed necessary to enforce peace. According to the press, these actions were aimed to be part of a broad framework of “friendly relations” with the Ottoman Empire. In practice, however, from the moment the intransigence of the Turks and Ibrahim became known, they prescribed a large-scale military intervention.

Actually, the Treaty also instructed France to impose peace on land, essentially providing for the expulsion of Ibrahim’s forces. According to the Treaty of London, the new country that would emerge would be the “classical Greece”, which would include the Peloponnese, the Cyclades, Attica and part of Central Greece and Evia.

The content of the Treaty, including the secret article, were published in the Times of London on July 12, 1827^[49]. The entire Treaty was published in the “Independent Gazette of Greece” on August 6, 1827.

The great British politician and Prime Minister George Canning, to whom Greece owes its independence, had already made his decisions, and had given clear instructions to the great Admiral Codrington.

When George Canning, the main protagonist of the three countries’ reconciliation, passed away on August 8, 1827, Metternich and his allies in Europe celebrated, taking the dissolution of the alliance for granted. The Treaty, however, was firmly established^[50].

At the same time, Ibrahim Pasha in the Peloponnese and the Turks in Central Greece, insisted that the Revolution had been suppressed. They terrorized the inhabitants, destroyed villages and crops, forced the Greeks to submit to the Sultan, while thousands of citizens were arrested and methodically led as slaves to Egypt.

In the circles of the European Philhellenes, and in the European public opinion, it was now clear that the Turks intended to desert the Peloponnese from the Greeks and settle Egyptian Muslims there. At the same time, Sultan Mahmut II and the governor of Egypt, Mehmet Ali, the father of Ibrahim Pasha, planned a final attack against Hydra, which they considered to be the main feeder of the revolted Greeks^[51] and the last stronghold of the struggle. With these data, the descent of the allied fleet in Greece and the conflict with the Turks and the Egyptians, was inevitable.

Thus, on August 5, 1827, the British fleet, led by Codrington, and the French, led by De Rigny, arrived in Nafplio. There, they officially announced the Treaty of London to the Greek government. At the same time, they asked for the transfer of the state capital to Aegina, which was done^[52].

Admiral Codrington arrived in Navarino on September 12, 1827. There he met with Ibrahim Pasha, and explained to him the positions of the Great Powers. He then transferred his fleet to Zakynthos. A frigate remained in Navarino with a mission to patrol and monitor the movements of the Turkish-Egyptians.

The imposing Turkish-Egyptian fleet was deployed in the Gulf of Navarino, consisting of 88 ships with 2,180 cannons. In total there were 3 battleships, 17 frigates, 30 corvettes, 28 brigs, 5 schooners and 5 fireships,and in addition, 41 bulk carriers^[53]. The leader of the Turks was Tahir Bey and the ones of the Egyptians, Mustafa Bey and Moharrem Bey. Ibrahim saw that the Turkish-Egyptian fleet was superior in firepower, and considered that he could set a trap for the allies in Navarino. The Turkish-Egyptian fleet was numerically superior in cannons and at the same time it was supported by coast artillery^[54]. ΤThe fire of their gunners, however, proved in the course of the action, to miss to a large extend the target. On the contrary, the shots of the allies were very well targeted.

The facts, however, prove both the philhellenic sentiments of the great Admiral Codrington, as well as the nature of the mission which was assigned to him by the other great Philhellene George Canning. In theory, Codrington’s mission was to enforce a cease of hostilities, and a ceasefire on both sides. However, Codrington agreed to allow the British admiral and nephew of his former commander, Thomas Cochrane, to continue crucial military operations in the Gulf of Corinth. Thus the great Philhellene Hastings succeeded undisturbed to disband the entire Turkish fleet in the Gulf of Corinth. This victory was necessary for the progress of the operations for the liberation of mainland Greece. Codrington likewise allowed the Greek military to set up revolutionary strongholds in Epirus, and General Church to send an army against Turkish positions in Patras and in western mainland Greece.

Thus, it is clear that the Greeks owe to Admiral Codrington the integration of the territories of mainland Greece into the newly formed Greek state.

At the end of September 1827 the fleets of Great Britain and France, as well as the Russian fleet, which had just arrived, anchored outside Sfaktiria^[55].

When, on October 1 and 4, Ibrahim himself attempted to move with his fleet towards the besieged Patras, Codrington forced him to return to Navarino. The confrontation was now a matter of days.

It is worth noting that Ibrahim ignored the envoys of the Allied fleet, and their request to comply with the Treaty of London and to keep his promises of a cease of hostilities. In fact, Ibrahim was not convinced for the determination of the allies, and so when he was informed that Greek ships were attacking the Turkish coastal forts on the Corinthian Sea, he sent 49 warships to reinforce Patras and pursue the Greek fleet of Hastings.

According to the instructions from Cochrane, Hastings was operating in the area in collaboration with Church on land to liberate areas of mainland Greece. Codrington was outraged because Ibrahim had given his word of honour that he would not move any of his ships from Neokastro until he received instructions.

Then the great British admiral acted decisively and moved against the Turkish-Egyptian fleet. Just 4 British ships with a total of 170 cannons encountered ten times as many enemy ships in Araxos with 1,200 cannons. Codrington’s audacity was incredible. The flagship “Asia” launched a heavy artillery shelling against Ibrahim’s ships. Immediately the 49 enemy ships changed direction and returned to their base.

The 3 admirals held a meeting on October 6. Everyone wanted the action to be hastened, as they did not want the winter to find them in Navarino. During this period they also received a letter from Kolokotronis, informing them that Ibrahim’s men were committing genocide in Messinia of Peloponnese. On this occasion, they sent Colonel Peter Cradock to deliver an ultimatum to Ibrahim, so that to accept a ceasefire and the withdrawal of his troops. Ibrahim avoided meeting Cradock, so the admirals decided to enter the Gulf of Navarino in order to drive out the Turkish-Egyptian fleet that was there^[56]. Ibrahim knew that he could not face the Allied fleet on the high seas, and he had set a trap, aiming arrogantly at a great victory against the Allies. He had ordered his ships to form a semicircle inside the narrow gulf of Navarino, with the aim of establishing a significant firepower, in concert with the important coastal artillery.

In early October, Russian and French ships joined the British, and an allied fleet was formed, under the command of Admiral Codrington. But again the single fleet was lagging behind that of the enemy. The united allied fleet had 27 ships with 1,258 cannons (10 battleships, 10 frigates, 4 brigs and 3 schooners), with which it had to face the cannons of the enemy ships, but also those of the forts firing from the shore. The Allied Force consisted of 12 British ships, namely: “Asia” (flagship), “Genoa”, “Albion”, “Darmouth”, “Cabrian”, “Glasgow”, “Talbot”, “Rose”, “Mosquito”, “Brisk”, “Philomel” and “Hind”, 8 Russian, the: “Azov” (flagship), “Ezekiel”, “Cangut”, “Aleksandr”, “Provornoy”, “Elena”, “Konstantin” and “Kastor” and 7 French:“Sirene” (flagship), “Scipion”, “Trident”, “Breslaw”, “Armide”, “Daphne” and “Alkyone”^[57]. The commander of the allied forces was Codrington, who held the rank of Admiral, while De Rigny and Heyden were lieutenant admirals.

On October 8, Codrington ordered the fleet to enter Navarino bay and the ships to anchor in specific positions in front of the enemy. The situation was very tense. The ships of the British squadron were stationed in the centre. The French and Russian ships followed. Ibrahim sent an envoy to Codrington and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the allied fleet, recalling that he had not given permission to enter Navarino. The proud and brave Codrington replied that he “came to give orders and not to receive” and made it clear that any aggressive action by the Turkish-Egyptians would immediately lead to a confrontation and the destruction of their fleet.

Ibrahim expected this conflict and considered that he had set a trap in the allied fleet.

On the other hand, Codrington had studied the situation and was very optimistic, despite the overwhelming numerical strength of the opponent. The Allied fleet disposed of “higher” boats, equipped with faster range artillery and highly trained and experienced staff. In addition, due to its position it enjoyed manoeuvrability in contrast to the stacked and anchored Ottoman ships.

When the Allied fleet entered the bay, Codrington sent envoys to Ibrahim to ask for the Ottoman fleets to return to their bases. The Turks in the Dardanelles and the Egyptians in Alexandria. The Greek navigator Petros Mikelis who participated in the delegation, was killed by Turkish sailors^[58].

Moreover, the British captain of the frigate “Dartmouth”, who had entered the bay first with a messenger, raising a white flag, spotted a Turkish fireship that was moving towards him^[59].  He immediately sent a detachment to demand his removal, which received enemy fire, killing Lieutenant Fitzroy^[60], , and to injure some sailors, while the Turks set fire on the fireship. Acting quickly, Captain Fellows, commander of Darmouth, sent immediately another ship, which sank the enemy fireship^[61].

The frigates “Sirene” and “Dartmouth” responded to these provocations with shots. Then the Turkish-Egyptian ships began to shell the “Sirene”, while the “Asia” came under fire from the Turkish flagship and the naval battle of Navarino began. This was the last naval battle in history between sail-ships.

Detailed descriptions of the battle report that the ships were so close to each other that theirs masts entangled, while the sailors were fighting even using their pistols.

Another Turkish fireship attacked the French battleship “Skipion” and almost managed to set it on fire. It was rescued at the last minute after the intervention of the French battleship “Trident”. The “Sirene” sank the Egyptian frigate “Isania” and neutralized the cannons on the left side of the port entrance. The British ship “Albion” and the Russian “Azov” were in danger. The French battleship “Breslaw” then intervened and sank the battleship “Geu Revan”, which was the flagship of Admiral Tahir Pasha, who commanded the fleet, in the place of Ibrahim. “Breslaw” sank four more enemy frigates.

Codrington’s flagship “Asia” neutralized the battleship “Fakhti Bari” and the frigate “Gerrier”, with the help of the Russian “Azov”, which in turn destroyed three enemy frigates and a corvette. In less than two hours, the three battleships and almost all the Ottoman frigates had sunk or been destroyed.

The Allied fleet continued to shell the smaller enemy ships for another two hours. 90% of the huge Turkish-Egyptian fleet was sunk by Allied fire, while many of the surviving ships were destroyed by the Ottomans themselves so that they would not be captured by the Allies.

By 5 o’clock in the afternoon most of the Turkish-Egyptian ships had been destroyed or surrendered.

At least 4,000 Ottomans were killed and more than 2,000 wounded, while the Allies had 181 dead and 480 wounded (272 British, 184 French and 198 Russians killed or wounded). The Allies had suffered heavy damage, but no ships in their fleet had sunk.

Admiral De Rigny said that “there has never been a greater fleet destruction in history“. During the battle, the flagship “Asia” had received more than 170 shots and it was damaged in many places.

The victory was now final and decisive, and Admiral Codrington was the great winner and hero of Navarino.

Codrington completed his mission ten months later, when he forced through intense negotiations the Egyptians to agree to leave Greece. A departure which materialised when an army of 14,000 French arrived in the Peloponnese to oversee it, a year after the naval battle. The Sultan declared a “holy war”, thus offering the Czar an excuse to declare war and force him to accept Greek autonomy with the Treaty of Edirne.

The Greeks took advantage of the Russo-Turkish war and the withdrawal of the Egyptians, to prevail in mainland Greece and achieve their full independence with the establishment of the first Greek state.

The next day of the naval battle, the allies demanded that Ibrahim, who had managed to take refuge in the mountains of Messinia, order a ceasefire, under the threat of a general war. The Ottomans accepted and a cease of hostilities was signed at Codrington’s flagship. The great British Admiral sent a detailed report to the British Admiralty, where he explained in detail the need for a naval battle, both for the protection of the Greek population suffering from the Turkish-Egyptians and for the terms of the Treaty of London to be enforced. In addition, he attached reports of his subordinates, such as Rear Admiral Rowan Hamilton, who confirmed the actions of Ibrahim^[62].

Following the signing of the armistice with the Turkish-Egyptians and the submission of the report to the British Admiralty, Codrington and the British Mediterranean Fleet sailed to Malta to undertake new assignments. They remained there until May 1828, when they returned to the Peloponnese and reunited with the French and Russians, with the aim to ensure the peaceful departure of Ibrahim Pasha, who was constantly obstructing all plans^[63] effectively refusing to leave. Thus, on July 25, 1828, in Alexandria, Codrington came to an agreement after negotiating the treaty of August 6, 1828, according to which Ibrahim’s troops would evacuate the Peloponnese^[64].

In Britain (and throughout the West) the Allied victory was greeted with enthusiasm.

In January 1828 the Government changed in London, and power passed to the Duke of Wellington (Napoleon’s victor at Waterloo). The fear of Russia eventually descending into the Mediterranean, changed the attitude of Great Britain, for the forms. Wellington described the naval battle in Navarino as “unexpected” and “unfortunate”. This move was politically necessary in order to maintain diplomatic relations with the Ottoman Empire.

But the goal had been achieved. Greece would now be a free country.

It is worth mentioning some incidents from the critical hours of the great naval battle in Navarino. The great Admiral Codrington was always standing tall on the deck of the flagship “Asia”, despite being an easy target for enemy snipers, because he was very tall and imposing. The Turk Tahir Pasha had ordered selected snipers, offering huge rewards, to kill him. They only managed to hit his hat, sleeve and watch. The British Admiral did not stop for a moment to lead and fight. Even when his son, cadet officer Henry Codrington, who also served in “Asia”, was seriously injured, the Admiral left his post for a few minutes to see him. Shortly afterwards he returned to his place, where he remained until the end. It is also recalled that for his bravery, his son was honoured with the French medal of the Legion of Honour^[65].

The great British Admiral and his son are also heroic figures of the Greek war of Independence.

In Constantinople, the ambassadors of the three allies asked the Sultan to accept the Treaty of London, otherwise they would leave. Eventually the 3 ambassadors left Constantinople on December 8, 1827, as they had not received a clear answer from the Ottomans.

Upon his return to Great Britain in September 1828, Codrington was placed in reserve. The reason was that he neglected to carry out full checks on the ships of the Turkish-Egyptian fleet that were rescued in Navarino, as a result of which the Ottomans succeeded to transport Greek slaves from the Peloponnese to Alexandria using ships of Ibrahim’s fleet that were leaving. There was a commotion in Parliament and public opinion when in the first months of 1828 the information arrived that 5,500 Greeks from the Peloponnese, mostly women and children, were being sold in the slave markets of Alexandria, which put the British government in a difficult position. Admiral Codrington explained that the conditions prevailing after the naval battle did not allow all ships to be inspected^[66].

This was followed by the Russo-Turkish War of 1828 – 1829, and Britain, fearing a Russian invasion of the Mediterranean, now faced victory in Navarino with the necessary caution, given that the Ottomans were a bulwark against Russia^[67].

In essence, however, the naval battle at Navarino was a well-thought-out plan and strategic choice by George Canning, successfully executed by the great Admiral Edward Codrington. The instruction was to chase Ibrahim out of Greece using the diplomatic language, and if that is not enough with the force of arms.

In 1831 Codrington was appointed commander of the British Royal Navy Training Squadron. In 1832 he was elected member of the Parliament for the liberals in Devonport, and was honoured by the British King William IV with the Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath. At the same time he was invited by the Russian Emperor Nicholas I to St. Petersburg, where he was honoured with the Cross of St. George 2nd Class for his action^[68]. He was accompanied at the same time by his son, Lieutenant Henry Codrington, who was also honoured with the Order of St. Vladimir for his bravery in Navarino^[69].

In 1834, a motion of censure was lodged with the British Parliament against Codrington over Navarino. This move was clearly ostensible. Codrington proved his innocence and even managed to impose a decision to provide 60,000 GB pounds in compensation to the officers and sailors who took part in the naval battle of Navarino^[70].

In 1839, Codrington was promoted to Admiral, honoured with the Naval Medal of General Service, and appointed commander of the British Royal Navy, based in Portsmouth^[71]. The king of Greece Othon honoured him with the Grand Cross of the Order of the Knights of the Redeemer, acknowledging his contribution in favour of Greece^[72]. At the same time, his son, commander Henry Codrington, was again honoured^[73].

In 1847 the British government introduced a medal which was awarded to all sailors who participated in naval battles in 1793 – 1840. The General Naval Service Medal was established to be awarded to survivors of the Napoleonic Wars and to those who participated in naval battles until 1840.

The medal is round, with 36 mm in diameter, made of silver. The front side depicts the head of Queen Victoria and the inscription “VICTORIA REGINA 1848”. It does not bear the head of the king who was in power when the naval battles for which the medal was given took place. The obverse side depicts Britain as a woman holding a trident and sitting on a seahorse. The ribbon of the medal is blue and white, hanging over a horizontal metal bar. It is the work of the British engraver William Wyon. The ribbon bears metal inscriptions bearing the names or dates of naval battles, smaller-scale battles, naval operations or ships served by the honouree. It is noted that 1.142 medals were awarded to the survivors (in 1848) of the Battle of Navarino.

Admiral Edward Codrington died in London in 1851 at the age of 81. He was originally buried in St. Peter’s Basilica in Eaton Square, but in 1954 his bones were reburied in Brookwood Cemetery in Surrey. A memorial plaque was placed at St Paul’s Cathedral in London and an obelisk in Pylos (Navarino) in the Peloponnese in his honour.

At the same time, many streets bear his name in many Greek cities.

Admiral Codrington, was honoured in 1927 by the Hellenic Post, with the issuance of a stamp, which his portrait.

In 2009 a plaque was placed also at the residence of the great Admiral, following the actions of the Greek government, the city of Brighton and British philhellenes.

Greece and SHP honour the brave Philhellene Admiral Edward Codrington, whose contribution, with that of the United Kingdom, was a catalyst for the independence of Greece and the domination of the values ​​and culture that it stands for.

 

References

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^[4] Chisholm, Hugh, ”Codrington, Christopher”, εγκ. ”Encyclopædia Britannica”, εκδ. Cambridge University Press, Λονδίνο, 1911, 6^ος τόμος, σελ. 636.
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^[11] Βλ. στο ίδιο.
^[12] Winfield, Rif,” British Warships in the Age of Sail 1793–1817: Design, Construction, Careers and Fates”, εκδ. Seaforth Publishing, Barnsley, 2008, σελ. 214.
^[13] Βλ. στο ίδιο, σελ. 199.
^[14] Βλ. στο ίδιο.
^[15] Βλ. στο ίδιο, σελ. 200.
^[16] White, Collin, ”The Trafalgar captains. Their lives and memorials”, εκδ. Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, 2005.
^[17] Βλ. στο ίδιο.
^[18] Βλ. στο ίδιο.
^[19] Heathcote, Tony, ”The British Admirals of the Fleet 1734–1995”, εκδ. Pen & Sword, Barnsley, 2002.
^[20] Codrington, Edward, ”Memoir of the Life of Admiral Sir Edward Codrington: With Selections from His Public and Private Correspondence”, εκδ. Longmans, Green & Co., Λονδίνο, 1873, α’ τόμος, σελ. 46.
^[21] Heathcote, Thomas H., ”Nelson’s Trafalgar captains and their battles. A biographical and historical dictionary”, εκδ. Pen & Sword Maritime, Barnsley, 2005.
^[22] Clayton, Tim, Craig, Phil, ”Trafalgar: The Men, The Battle, The Storm”, εκδ. Hodder and Stoughton, Λονδίνο, 2004.
^[23] Martín, Luis Aragón, ”Militares y Navíos Españoles que participaron en Trafalgar”, εκδ. Ministerio de Defensa, Μαδρίτη, 2005, σελ. 3.
^[24] Codrington, Edward, ”Memoir of the Life of Admiral Sir Edward Codrington: With Selections from His Public and Private Correspondence”, εκδ. Longmans, Green & Co., Λονδίνο, 1873, α’ τόμος, σελ. 99.
^[25] Woodhouse, Christopher Montague, ”The Battle of Navarino”, εκδ. Hodder and Stoughton, Λονδίνο, 1965, σελ. 33.
^[26] Βλ. στο ίδιο.
^[27] Heathcote, Tony, ”The British Admirals of the Fleet 1734–1995”, εκδ. Pen & Sword, Barnsley, 2002.
^[28] Howard, Martin R., ”Walcheren 1809: The Scandalous Destruction of a British Army”, εκδ. Pen & Sword, Barnsley, 2012.
^[29] Βλ. στο ίδιο.
^[30] Suchet, Louis Gabriel, ”Memoirs of the War in Spain, from 1808 to 1814”, εκδ. Henry Colburn, Λονδίνο, 1829, α’ τόμος, σελ. 330.
^[31] Codrington, Edward, ”Memoir of the Life of Admiral Sir Edward Codrington: With Selections from His Public and Private Correspondence”, εκδ. Longmans, Green & Co., Λονδίνο, 1873, α’ τόμος, σελ. 211.
^[32] Βλ. στο ίδιο.
^[33] Βλ. στο ίδιο.
^[34] De Lacy-Bellingari, Edward, ”The roll of the house of Lacy: pedigrees, military memoirs and synoptical history of the ancient and illustrious family of De Lacy, from the earliest times, in all its branches, to the present day”, εκδ. Waverly Press, Camden, 1928, 8^ος τόμος.
^[35] Codrington, Edward, ”Memoir of the Life of Admiral Sir Edward Codrington: With Selections from His Public and Private Correspondence”, εκδ. Longmans, Green & Co., Λονδίνο, 1873, α’ τόμος, σελ. 309.
^[36] Βλ. στο ίδιο, σελ. 310.
^[37] Βλ. στο ίδιο, σελ. 329.
^[38] Heathcote, Tony, ”The British Admirals of the Fleet 1734–1995”, εκδ. Pen & Sword, Barnsley, 2002.
^[39] Codrington, Edward, ”Memoir of the Life of Admiral Sir Edward Codrington: With Selections from His Public and Private Correspondence”, εκδ. Longmans, Green & Co., Λονδίνο, 1873, α’ τόμος.
^[40] Βλ. στο ίδιο.
^[41] Heathcote, Tony, ”The British Admirals of the Fleet 1734–1995”, εκδ. Pen & Sword, Barnsley, 2002.
^[42] St Clair, William, ”That Greece Might Still Be Free: The Philhellenes in the War of Independence”, εκδ. Open Books, Λονδίνο, 2008, σελ. 331.
^[43] Βλ. στο ίδιο.
^[44] Heathcote, Tony, ”The British Admirals of the Fleet 1734–1995”, εκδ. Pen & Sword, Barnsley, 2002.
^[45] Cokayne, George Edward, ”Complete Baronetage (1707–1800)”, εκδ. Alan Sutton Publishing, Λονδίνο, 1983, 5^ος τόμος, σελ. 148.
^[46] St Clair, William, ”That Greece Might Still Be Free : The Philhellenes in the War of Independence”, εκδ. Open Books, Λονδίνο, 2008, σελ. 331.
^[47] Woodhouse, Christopher Montague, ”The Battle of Navarino”, εκδ. Hodder and Stoughton, Λονδίνο, 1965.
^[48] Βλ. στο ίδιο.
^[49] Woodhouse, Christopher Montague, ”The Battle of Navarino”, εκδ. Hodder and Stoughton, Λονδίνο, 1965.
^[50] Βλ. στο ίδιο.
^[51] Παπασωτηρίου, Χαράλαμπος, ”Ο αγώνας για την ελληνική ανεξαρτησία. Πολιτική και στρατηγική των Ελλήνων και της οθωμανικής αυτοκρατορίας 1821-1832”, εκδ. Ι. Σιδέρης, Αθήνα, 1996.
^[52] Βλ. στο ίδιο.
^[53] Κουτσονίκας, Λάμπρος, ”Γενική Ιστορία της Ελληνικής Επαναστάσεως”, εκδ. Δ. Καρακατζάνη, Αθήνα, 1863, δ’ τόμος, σελ. 359.
^[54] Κόκκινος, Διονύσιος, ”Η Ελληνική Επανάστασις”, εκδ. Μέλισσα, Αθήνα, 1959, σελ. 263.
^[55] Μελετόπουλος, Μελέτης, ”Ο άρχοντας με τα πολλά πρόσωπα”, εκδ. Καπόν, Αθήνα, 2017.
^[56] Βλ. στο ίδιο.
^[57] Βλ. στο ίδιο.
^[58] Εφ.”Πρωία”, Αθήνα, φύλλο 25^ης Μαρτίου 1882.
^[59] Βλ. στο ίδιο, σελ. 360.
^[60] Βασδραβέλλης, Ι. Κ., ”Η πολιτική των Μεγάλων Δυνάμεων και η ναυμαχία του Ναυαρίνου”, εκδ. Εταιρεία Μακεδονικών Σπουδών, Θεσσαλονίκη, 1973.
^[61] Βλ. στο ίδιο.
^[62] Brewer, David, ”The Greek War of Independence. The Struggle for Freedom from Ottoman Oppression and the Birth of the Modern Greek Nation”, εκδ. The Overlook Press, Νέα Υόρκη, 2001.
^[63] Βλ. στο ίδιο.
^[64] Βλ. στο ίδιο.
^[65] Heathcote, Tony, ”The British Admirals of the Fleet 1734–1995”, εκδ. Pen & Sword, Barnsley, 2002.
^[66] Codrington, Edward, ”Memoir of the Life of Admiral Sir Edward Codrington: With Selections from His Public and Private Correspondence”, εκδ. Longmans, Green & Co., Λονδίνο, 1873, β’ τόμος.
^[67] Λούκος, Χρήστος, ”Ιωάννης Καποδίστριας”, εκδ. εφ.”Τα Νέα”, Αθήνα, 2009, σελ. 74.
^[68] Heathcote, Tony, ”The British Admirals of the Fleet 1734–1995”, εκδ. Pen & Sword, Barnsley, 2002
^[69] O’Byrne, William Richard, ”A Naval Biographical Dictionary”, εκδ. J. Murray, Λονδίνο, 1849, σελ. 17.
^[70] Heathcote, Tony, ”The British Admirals of the Fleet 1734–1995”, εκδ. Pen & Sword, Barnsley, 2002
^[71] Hannay, David, ”Codrington, Sir Edward”, εγκ. ”Encyclopædia Britannica”, εκδ. Cambridge University Press, Λονδίνο, 1911, 6ος τόμος, σελ. 636.
^[72] Βλ. στο ίδιο.
^[73] O’Byrne, William Richard, ”A Naval Biographical Dictionary”, εκδ. J. Murray, Λονδίνο, 1849, σελ. 17.

 

Bibliography – Sources:

• Cokayne, George Edward, ”Complete Baronetage (1707–1800)”, εκδ. William Pollard and Co, Exeter, 1906, 5ος τόμος.
• Λούκος, Χρήστος “Ιωάννης Καποδίστριας”, εκδ. εφ.”Τα Νέα”, Αθήνα, 2009.
• O’Byrne, William Richard, ”A Naval Biographical Dictionary”, εκδ. J. Murray, Λονδίνο, 1849.
• Hannay, David, ”Codrington, Sir Edward”, εγκ.”Encyclopædia Britannica”, εκδ. Cambridge University Press, Λονδίνο, 1911, 6ος τόμος.
• Brewer, David, ”The Greek War of Independence. The Struggle for Freedom from Ottoman Oppression and the Birth of the Modern Greek Nation”, εκδ. The Overlook Press, Νέα Υόρκη, 2001.
• Codrington, Edward, ”Memoir of the Life of Admiral Sir Edward Codrington: With Selections from His Public and Private Correspondence”, εκδ. Longmans, Green & Co., Λονδίνο, 1873, β’ τόμος.
• Heathcote, Tony, ”The British Admirals of the Fleet 1734–1995”, εκδ. Pen & Sword, Barnsley, 2002.
• Κουτσονίκας, Λάμπρος, ”Γενική Ιστορία της Ελληνικής Επαναστάσεως”, εκδ. Δ. Καρακατζάνη, Αθήνα, 1863, δ’ τόμος.
• Κόκκινος, Διονύσιος, ”Η Ελληνική Επανάστασις”, εκδ. Μέλισσα, Αθήνα, 1959, σελ. 263.
• Βασδραβέλλης, Ι. Κ., ”Η πολιτική των Μεγάλων Δυνάμεων και η ναυμαχία του Ναυαρίνου”, εκδ. Εταιρεία Μακεδονικών Σπουδών, Θεσσαλονίκη, 1973.
• Εφ.”Πρωία”, Αθήνα, φύλλο 25ης Μαρτίου 1882.
• Μελετόπουλος, Μελέτης, ”Ο άρχοντας με τα πολλά πρόσωπα”, εκδ. Καπόν, Αθήνα, 2017.
• Παπασωτηρίου, Χαράλαμπος, ”Ο αγώνας για την ελληνική ανεξαρτησία. Πολιτική και στρατηγική των Ελλήνων και της οθωμανικής αυτοκρατορίας 1821-1832”, εκδ. Ι. Σιδέρης, Αθήνα, 1996.
• Woodhouse, Christopher Montague, ”The Battle of Navarino”, εκδ. Hodder and Stoughton, Λονδίνο, 1965.
• St Clair, William, ”That Greece Might Still Be Free : The Philhellenes in the War of Independence”, εκδ. Open Books, Λονδίνο, 2008.
• Anderson, M.S., ”The Eastern Question, 1774-1923: A Study in International Relations”, εκδ. Macmillan, Νέα Υόρκη, 1966.
• Codrington, Edward, ”Memoir of the Life of Admiral Sir Edward Codrington: With Selections from His Public and Private Correspondence”, εκδ. Longmans, Green & Co., Λονδίνο, 1873, α’ τόμος.
• De Lacy-Bellingari, Edward, ”The roll of the house of Lacy: pedigrees, military memoirs and synoptical history of the ancient and illustrious family of De Lacy, from the earliest times, in all its branches, to the present day”, εκδ. Waverly Press, Camden, 1928, 8ος τόμος.
• Suchet, Louis Gabriel, ”Memoirs of the War in Spain, from 1808 to 1814”, εκδ. Henry Colburn, Λονδίνο, 1829, α’ τόμος.
• Martín, Luis Aragón, ”Militares y Navíos Españoles que participaron en Trafalgar”, εκδ. Ministerio de Defensa, Μαδρίτη, 2005.
• Howard, Martin R., ”Walcheren 1809: The Scandalous Destruction of a British Army”, εκδ. Pen & Sword, Barnsley, 2012.
• Clayton, Tim, Craig, Phil, ”Trafalgar: The Men, The Battle, The Storm”, εκδ. Hodder and Stoughton, Λονδίνο, 2004.
• Burke, John, ”A General and Heraldic Dictionary of the Peerage and Baronetage of the British Empire”, εκδ. H. Colburn and R. Bentley, Λονδίνο, 1832, α’ τόμος.
• Winfield, Rif,” British Warships in the Age of Sail 1793–1817: Design, Construction, Careers and Fates”, εκδ. Seaforth Publishing, Barnsley, 2008.
• Heathcote, Thomas H., ”Nelson’s Trafalgar captains and their battles. A biographical and historical dictionary”, εκδ. Pen & Sword Maritime, Barnsley, 2005.
• White, Collin, ”The Trafalgar captains. Their lives and memorials”, εκδ. Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, 2005.
• Williams, M. J., Fisher, David R., Thorne, R., ”The History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1790-1820”, εκδ. Boydell and Brewer, Suffolk, 1986.
• Chisholm, Hugh, ”Codrington, Christopher”, εγκ.”Encyclopædia Britannica”, εκδ. Cambridge University Press, Λονδίνο, 1911, 6ος τόμος.

 

 

Richard Church (1784-1873), was a British officer, an important Philhellene, as well as one of the first organizers of the regular Greek Army.

He was the second son of Matthew Church, a merchant from Cork, Ireland, and Anne Dearman^[1].

On July 3, 1800, at the age of 16, he enlisted in the British Army as a non-commissioned officer, placed in the 13th Somerset Infantry Regiment^[2]. He fought against the French at the Battle of Ferrol in northern Spain in 1800 and during the campaign in Egypt under General Sir Ralph Abercromby in 1801^[3]. After the withdrawal of the French army from Egypt, he returned to Great Britain, and in 1802 he was placed in the 37th Infantry Regiment with the rank of lieutenant^[4].

During the Napoleonic Wars, in 1805 Church’s unit was sent to defend Sicily, while on January 7, 1806, Church himself, holding the rank of captain, was placed in the Royal Corsican Hunters Regiment. There he was for the first time in charge of commanding foreign troops, recruited among the local population. In October 1808 he became Assistant Quartermaster General in Sicily. In 1809 he was promoted to Quartermaster General and placed officer in the mission which occupied the Ionian Islands under General Sir John Oswald^[5]. . On September 9, 1809, he was promoted to major in the Greek Light Infantry of the British Army, while on November 19, 1812 he was promoted to lieutenant colonel in the 1st Greek Light Infantry Regiment of the Duke of York^[6].

Church was already particularly experienced in commanding foreign troops and he used his experience to effectively command troops recruited among the Greeks. In fact, this experience contributed to the creation of the 2nd Greek Light Infantry Regiment of the Duke of York, which was used in 1813 to occupy the Paxos island^[7]. In the ranks of these units commanded by the Church, participated soldiers and officers, who came from fugitives from mainland Greece, such as Theodoros Kolokotronis. Church had developed a friendly relationship with the future military leader of the Greek Revolution, and maintained regular correspondence with him, which contributed to him remaining constantly up-to-date on the evolutions and to the cultivation of his Philhellenism^[8].

After the end of the Napoleonic Wars, following complaints from the Ottoman administration, the Greek troops organized by the Church with the cooperation of other British officers were disbanded. However, their members had already gained valuable experience from the operation, organization and training of a regular army. This experience was used by Kolokotronis, but also by other fighters who took part later in the Greek Revolution of 1821.

During this period, before and after the Revolution of 1821, Church served in Malta, Naples, Sicily, Calabria. He was present at the battle of Maida, in the defense of Capri, where he was wounded in the head, in the occupation of Ischia, in the mission to the Ionian Islands, in the occupation of Zakynthos and Kefalonia. In the battle of Agia Mavra he was seriously injured in his left hand, which was hit by a bullet^[9].

After his service in the Ionian Islands, Church was placed on a British government mission in the allied armies of Austria and Prussia and then he served as a liaison between the British and Austrian Armed Forces, which used Italy as their base, in 1814 -1815^[10]. At the same time, he took part as a military expert in the Congress of Vienna, where he supported the stay of the Ionian Islands under British rule, but also of Parga and other former Venetian cities, which were then occupied by Ali Pasha^[11]. For his work in the Ionian Islands, Italy and Vienna, he received in 1815 from the British government the title of the Knight of the Order of the Bath^[12].

Church returned to Italy in 1817, at the suggestion of the government of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. With the permission of the British government, he took over in Italy the position of major General in the Sicilian Army, as well as the position of inspector of foreign troops, in the service of King Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies. He served in Puglia, based in Lecce, where he managed to stop the attacks of local bandits who had been operating uncontrollably until then. His successful service also earned him the titles of Knight of the Order of St. Ferdinand of Naples and the Grand Cross of the Noblest Military Battalion of St. George of the Two Sicilies^[13].

The end of Church’s career in Italy was dictated by the political turbulences that broke out there. After his successful tenure in Puglia, Church was offered the command of the 9th Battalion in Sicily, based in Palermo, in early July 1820. When Church went to Palermo, he was not allowed to take with him the army of foreigners, despite his desire, as he trusted them for being faithful to him. So when the revolution started locally, the Carbonari revolutionaries wanted to capture him. Church escaped arrest and returned to Naples on July 23, 1820, where he was arrested by the rebels, who had seized power there as well. He was imprisoned for some time and was released after a trial in which he was found not guilty. So in 1821 he returned to Great Britain, where he was honored with the title of Knight Commander of the Royal Hanoverian Guelphic Order^[14].

Church married Marie-Anne Wilmot, daughter of Robert Wilmot, 2nd Baronet of Osmaston ^[15] , on August 17, 1826 in Worthing. At the same time he published his memoirs from the revolution in Palermo^[16].

In parallel, all this time he maintained correspondence with Kolokotronis, with whom he had a relationship based on mutual respect. In fact, during the preparatory work of the Third National Assembly, which began in Epidaurus on April 6, 1826, Kolokotronis proposed Church to take over as commander-in-chief of the Greek Army. The continuation of the preparatory work of the National Assembly, which was scheduled for August 1826, was delayed due to the unfavorable situation of the country. The final date for the official opening of the Third National Assembly was decided after consultations of Church with Kolokotronis (whom he met in Kastri, Kynouria^[17]), the British Admiral Thomas Cochrane (who took over as commander of the Greek Navy^[18]) and the British admiral Rowan Hamilton. Finally, the Third National Assembly was formally convened in Troizina, on March 19, 1827^[19], and took place there, from March to April 1827^[20].

Kolokotronis’ proposal in favor of Church was voted during the Third National Assembly. It is worth noting that this proposal was supported by the other great military leader of the Greek Revolution, G. Karaiskakis. This is confirmed by a letter bearing his signature (“Karaiskakis”), sent to the Third National Assembly from Keratsini, on April 2, 1827. G. Karaiskakis proposes in his letter to the Third National Assembly, to assign the general command to Richard Church: «… For this I put in view of the Respectful Assembly, the person of the most eminent general Rikardou Zorzi (Richard Church), for whom we have valid information that he is indeed worth of such an assignment, and knowing the attitude of the army, I have all the certainty that he wants to direct the troops, he wants to unite them, and he wants to gather them to counter the common enemy, and therefore he wants to cause the liberation of the Athenians and the whole homeland … ».

The first mission of Cochrane and Church, was the reinforcement of Karaiskakis who was fighting in Faliro and Keratsini, to end the siege of the Acropolis. At this stage, the Turkish forces had superior armament, while they were also favored by the morphology of the ground which had the form of an open battlefield. Thus, this mission was particularly difficult, resulting in the Greek forces ^[21] suffering significant losses.After the death of Karaiskakis and the disbandment of the Greek army, Church showed courage and utmost prudence. He managed to save the men who were scattered on the shores, he took care of their boarding ships and their concentration in Faliro and Piraeus, and then he organized their transfer to the island of Salamis, where after a while most of the troops were gathered^[22].

The Anti-Government Committee then entrusted Church with the administration of the military in Nafplio. After a few months, Church was placed in the fortress of Corinth. From there he was transferred to Diakopto in Vostitsa (today Aigio) and then to Eastern Greece mainland, where he remained until the arrival of Governor Ioannis Kapodistrias in Greece^[23].

When Kapodistrias arrived, Church was sent to Western Greece mainland. His mission was to liberate the largest possible part of the wider region, in order to facilitate Kapodistrias’ efforts during the negotiation of the borders of the free Greek state. In the period 1828 – 1829, Church coordinated many operations of the troops of Western Greece in collaboration and with the help of the Greek fleet, in which the great Philhellene Hastings participated with the steam-powered “Karteria” and five other boats^[24]. With these moves, the blockade of the Amvrakikos Gulf was achieved, and finally, Vonitsa, Aetoliko and Messolonghi were conquered. These operations were the last acts of the war for the liberation of Greece, which defined the borders of the newly formed Greek state in the mainland of Greece.

With the arrival of King Othon in Greece, the government of Spyridon Trikoupis offered to Church the position of ambassador to Russia, something that was not accepted by the Russian Czar^[25].

Greece honored Church in 1833 with the Grand Cross of the Order of the Knights of the Redeemer^[26]. Church was then appointed Councilor of the State and in 1836, he was appointed Inspector General of the Greek Army. In February 1843, he was in charge of the honorary procession at the funeral of Theodoros Kolokotronis^[27].

In the Revolution of September 3, 1843, Church was chosen from among the Councilors of the State who were revolutionaries, as a mediator between them and Othon. In fact, the next day he co-signed the proclamation of the Council of State thanking the people and the guard of Athens for their behavior, and declaring September 3 as a national holiday. He was the fourth signatory after Mavromichalis, Koundouriotis and Notaras^[28].

One month later, in October 1843, he was elected plenipotentiary of Zygos, Aetolia to the National Assembly of the Greeks on September 3, representing an area of Western Greece that he liberated in 1828-1829 and was elected a member of the Senate^[29].

A meeting of the 1844 National Assembly, attended by Church, marked his history and the one of the Parliament. This meeting was marked by the conflict between the indigenous residents of the new Greek state and the Greeks who came from other parts of the Ottoman empire, which were still occupied. The former claimed that only those who came from the liberated areas of Greece could be appointed as civil servants. Supporters of the Greeks from abroad demanded that the rights apply to all Greeks. Church sided with the non-natives, being consistent with the spirit of philhellenism and not that of expediency. His speech on the issue remains legendary, as it contained only one word: “Gaiduria!” (“donkeys!”), expressing his indignation for the attitude of the deputies in favour of the indigenous – natives.

Church retired from military service in 1844 at the age of 60. However, he remained a senator until the abolition of the Senate in 1864^[30].

In 1854, he was promoted to honorary general of the Greek Army, in order to be honored for his services during the Struggle and in the first years of the existence of the new Greek state.

General Richard Church enjoyed the appreciation of the Greek and British societies of his time and he was regularly visited by King George I during the last years of his life^[32]. Church died of an illness on Thursday, March 8, 1873, and was buried in the First Cemetery of Athens at public expense on March 15, 1873^[33]. The funeral was delayed in anticipation of his nephew, who was expected from England. The funeral procession took place in the Protestant church on Filellinon Street in the presence of the king and a crowd of officials. The tomb monument, opposite to the sanctuary of St. Lazarus, bears an English inscription on the front and the corresponding Greek one on the back: “Richard Church, General, who having given himself and all he had, to rescue a Christian race from oppression, and to make Greece a nation, lived for her service, and died among her people, rests here in peace and faith “. An epitaph speech was delivered on March 15, 1873, by the Minister of Justice Panagiotis Chalkiopoulos^[34] and then in English, the later National Benefactor and then diplomat, Ioannis Gennadios^[35].

SHP and Greece honor the memory of General Richard Church, a remarkable and noble British Philhellene, who fought for the Greek rights and who was honored for this action with high positions of responsibility in the new Greek state, while enjoying the appreciation and respect of the Greek society.

 

References

^[1] Jewers, Arthur John, “Wells Cathedral: its monumental inscriptions and heraldry: together with the heraldry of the palace, deanery, and vicar’s close: with annotations from wills, registers, etc., and illustrations of arms”, εκδ.  Nichel and Hughes, Λονδίνο, 1892.
^[2] Philipart, John, “The Royal Military Calendar”, εκδ. A.J. Valpy, Λονδίνο, 1820, δ’ τόμος, σελ. 436 -437.
^[3]  Βλ. στο ίδιο.
^[4] Jewers, Arthur John, “Wells Cathedral: its monumental inscriptions and heraldry: together with the heraldry of the palace, deanery, and vicar’s close: with annotations from wills, registers, etc., and illustrations of arms”, εκδ.  Nichel and Hughes, Λονδίνο, 1892.
^[5] Dakin, Douglas, “The Greek struggle for independence, 1821-1833”, εκδ. University of California Press, Berkley, 1973, σελ. 33.
^[6]  Βλ. στο ίδιο.
^[7]  Chartrand, Rene, Courcelle, Patrice, “Émigré & Foreign Troops in British Service 1803 – 1815”, εκδ. Osprey, Λονδίνο, 2000, σελ. 20.
^[8] “Εγκυκλοπαιδικό Λεξικό Ελευθερουδάκη”, εκδ. Ελευθερουδάκη, Αθήνα,  1931, 12^ος τόμος.
^[9] Philipart, John, ‘’The Royal Military Calendar’’, εκδ. A.J. Valpy, Λονδίνο, 1820, δ’ τόμος, σελ. 436 -437.
^[10] Church, R. W., “Occasional Papers selected from the ‘’Guardian’’, the ‘’Times’’ and the ‘’Saturday Review’’ 1846-1890”, εκδ. Macmillan, Λονδίνο, 1897.
^[11] Church, E.M., “Chapters in an Adventurous Life: Sir Richard Church in Italy and Greece”, εκδ. William Blackwood & Sons, Λονδίνο, 1895.
^[12] Εγκυκλοπαίδεια ’Brittanica’, εκδ. Cambridge University Press, Λονδίνο, 1911, 6^ος τόμος, σελ. 325.
^[13] Jewers, Arthur John, “Wells Cathedral: its monumental inscriptions and heraldry: together with the heraldry of the palace, deanery, and vicar’s close: with annotations from wills, registers, etc., and illustrations of arms”, εκδ.  Nichel and Hughes, Λονδίνο, 1892.
^[14] –
^[15] Περ. ‘’The Gentleman’s Magazine’’, φύλλο Αυγούστου 1826, Λονδίνο, 1826.
^[16] Church, Richard, “Lieutenant General Sir Richard Church’s personal narrative of the revolution at Palermo, in the year 1820”, εκδ. περ. ‘’Monthly Magazine’’, Λονδίνο, 1826.
^[17] St Clair, William, “That Greece Might Still Be Free. The Philhellenes in the War of Independence”, εκδ. Open Book Publishers, Λονδίνο, 2008, σελ. 326.
^[18] ‘’Αρχεία της Ελληνικής Παλιγγενεσίας’’, εκδ. Βιβλιοθήκη της Βουλής των Ελλήνων, Αθήνα, 1971, γ’ τόμος, σελ. 421.
^[19] Μάμουκας, Ανδρέας, “Τα κατά την αναγέννησιν της Ελλάδος. Ήτοι, συλλογή των περί την αναγεννώμενην Ελλάδα συνταχθέντων πολιτευμάτων, νόμων και άλλων επισήμων πράξεων από του 1821 μέχρι του 1832”, εκδ. Τυπογραφίας Ηλίου Χριστοφίδου ‘’Η αγαθή τύχη’’, Πειραιάς, 1839, τόμος 7^ος.
^[20] ‘’Αρχεία της Ελληνικής Παλιγγενεσίας’’, εκδ. Βιβλιοθήκη της Βουλής των Ελλήνων, Αθήνα, 1971, γ’ τόμος, σελ. 410.
^[21] Κουτσονίκας, Λάμπρος, “Γενική ιστορία της ελληνικής επαναστάσεως”, εκδ. Δ. Καρακατζάνη, Αθήνα, 1863, δ’ τόμος, σελ. 331.
^[22] Χρυσανθόπουλος, Φώτιος  (Φωτάκος), “Βίοι Πελοποννησίων ανδρών και των εξώθεν εις την Πελοπόννησον ελθόντων κληρικών, στρατιωτικών και πολιτικών των αγωνισαμένων τον αγώνα της επαναστάσεως”, εκδ. Π. Δ. Σακελλαρίου, Αθήνα, 1888, σελ. 260.
^[23] Βλ. στο ίδιο.
^[24]  Αλληλογραφία Church – Υψηλάντη, Συλλογή Βλαχογιάννη, Γενικά Αρχεία του Κράτους, Αθήνα, Φάκελος 290.
^[25] Church, E.M., ‘’Chapters in an Adventurous Life: Sir Richard Church in Italy and Greece’’, εκδ. William Blackwood & Sons, Λονδίνο, 1895.
^[26] Κλάδης, Α. Ι., ‘’Επετηρίς του Βασιλείου της Ελλάδος’’, εκδ. Βασιλική Τυπογραφία & Λιθογραφία, Αθήνα, 1837.
^[27]  Εφ. ‘’Η Ταχύπτερος Φήμη’’, φύλλο 3^ης Φεβρουαρίου 1843, Αθήνα, 1843.
^[28] Church, E.M., ‘’Chapters in an Adventurous Life: Sir Richard Church in Italy and Greece’’, εκδ. William Blackwood & Sons, Λονδίνο, 1895.
^[29]  Βλ. στο ίδιο.
^[30]  Γράψας, Κ.Μ. , ‘’Ελληνική Πολιτική Εγκυκλοπαίδεια’’, εκδ. Βουλή των Ελλήνων, Αθήνα, 1948, β’ τόμος, σελ. 12.
^[31] ‘’Εφημερίς της Κυβερνήσεως του Βασιλείου της Ελλάδος’’ , ΦΕΚ 10^ης Φεβρουαρίου 1854, Αθήνα, 1854 , Β.Δ. 6/1854.
^[32] Εφ. ‘’Αιών’’, φύλλο 5^ης Μαρτίου 1873, Αθήνα, 1873.
^[33] Εφ. ‘’Αλήθεια’’, φύλλο 9^ης Μαρτίου 1873, Αθήνα, 1873.
^[34] Εφ. ‘’Αιών’’, φύλλο 21^ης  Μαρτίου 1873, Αθήνα, 1873.
^[35] Εφ. ‘’Εφημερίς των Συζητήσεων ‘’, φύλλο 15^ης Μαρτίου 1873, Αθήνα, 1873.

 

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