World War II: Two hundred Communist prisoners are shot by the Germans at Kaisariani, Athens in reprisal for the killing of General Franz Krech by partisans at Molaoi.

On a somber spring morning, the first of May 1944, a tragic event unfolded in occupied Athens that etched itself into the collective memory of Greece. At the historic Kaisariani firing range, a site already steeped in the grim history of wartime executions, 200 Greek communists were summarily executed by the Nazi occupation forces. This brutal act, often remembered as “The 200 of Kaisariani” (Greek: Οι 200 της Καισαριανής), was a stark reprisal for a significant blow dealt to the occupying power: the killing of a German general by Greek Resistance fighters.

During World War II, Greece endured a harsh and often brutal occupation by Axis powers, primarily Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. This period saw widespread suffering, famine, and intense resistance movements. Among these, the Greek Resistance forces, particularly the National Liberation Front (EAM) and its military arm, the Greek People's Liberation Army (ELAS), were highly active, employing guerrilla tactics to disrupt the occupation and inflict casualties on the German forces. Their actions, while vital for the national spirit and the Allied war effort, often came at a terrible cost to the civilian population, as the Nazis frequently resorted to collective punishment and mass reprisals.

The Act of Reprisal

The immediate catalyst for the Kaisariani execution was the audacious killing of German General Franz Krech. General Krech, commander of the 41st Fortress Division, was ambushed and killed by ELAS guerrillas on April 27, 1944, near Molaoi in Laconia, Peloponnese. His death, a high-profile target for the Resistance, deeply incensed the Nazi authorities in Athens. In line with their ruthless policy of collective punishment, and specifically the "Kommandobefehl" (Commando Order) which prescribed severe reprisals for attacks on German personnel, they swiftly decided upon a retaliatory measure designed to instill terror and deter further Resistance actions. The standing order stipulated that for every German soldier killed, a predetermined number of Greek hostages, often communists or political prisoners, were to be executed.

The Victims and the Location

The 200 individuals selected for execution were primarily political prisoners, most of whom had been incarcerated at the notorious Haidari concentration camp on the outskirts of Athens. Many had been active members of the Greek Communist Party (KKE) or other left-wing organizations, and had been imprisoned by the collaborationist Greek government even before the German occupation, later handed over to the Nazis. Their identities were well-known to the occupation authorities, making them easy targets for such a reprisal. Kaisariani firing range itself was not a random choice; it had already become a grim symbol of resistance and sacrifice, witnessing numerous executions of patriots and anti-occupation fighters throughout the war. Its proximity to Athens also ensured that the brutality of the occupation was brought home to the civilian population.

A Symbolic Date: May Day

The choice of May 1st for the execution was likely not coincidental. May Day, traditionally a day of international workers' solidarity and often associated with socialist and communist movements, carried significant symbolic weight. Executing prominent communists on this particular day served as a deliberate and stark message from the occupying power, aiming to demoralize the Resistance and its supporters, particularly those on the political left, who formed a substantial part of the anti-Axis movement in Greece.

Lasting Impact and Legacy

The execution of "The 200 of Kaisariani" stands as one of the most poignant and tragic episodes of the German occupation of Greece. It became a powerful symbol of Nazi brutality, the unwavering spirit of the Greek Resistance, and the immense sacrifices made for freedom. After the war, the Kaisariani firing range was transformed into a national memorial, a place of remembrance and pilgrimage where subsequent generations could pay tribute to those who perished. This event continues to be commemorated annually, serving as a solemn reminder of the dark chapters of World War II and the enduring human cost of conflict and tyranny.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who were "The 200 of Kaisariani"?
They were 200 Greek political prisoners, predominantly communists, who were executed by Nazi occupation forces in Athens, Greece, on May 1, 1944.
Why were they executed?
Their execution was a reprisal for the killing of German General Franz Krech by Greek Resistance forces (specifically ELAS guerrillas) near Molaoi, Laconia, just days earlier, on April 27, 1944.
Where did the execution take place?
The execution occurred at the Kaisariani firing range, an Athens suburb that became a notorious site for mass executions during the Nazi occupation.
When did this event happen?
The execution took place on May 1, 1944.
What was the significance of the date?
May 1st, or May Day, is an international workers' day often associated with socialist and communist movements. The choice of this date for the execution of communists was likely a deliberate act of psychological warfare and intimidation by the Nazi authorities.
Where were the victims held before their execution?
Most of the victims were held at the Haidari concentration camp, on the outskirts of Athens, before being transported to Kaisariani for execution.
What was the broader context of the execution?
The execution took place during the brutal German occupation of Greece in World War II, amidst a strong and active Greek Resistance movement. It exemplifies the Nazi policy of collective punishment and terror against civilian populations in occupied territories.