The Mission of the 34th Squadron

The 34th Commando Squadron constituted one of the elite units participating in Operation “Pincer” during the night of July 20th to 21st, 1974. Under the command of Major Ioannis Loukas, the men of the Squadron received orders to attack and seize the strategically important heights west of the Agyrta pass. Their mission held critical importance for the success of the entire operation.

The Night Advance

The commandos of the 34th Squadron began their movement through absolute darkness, crossing the steep slopes of Pentadaktylos. The night cover allowed them to approach the enemy positions unnoticed. Despite the fatigue from the previous day, the men maintained high morale and complete readiness. They moved with absolute silent discipline, avoiding detection by Turkish outposts.

The Assault and the Clash

During the early morning hours of July 21st, the 34th Squadron launched a surprise assault against the enemy positions. The Turks maintained strong forces in the area, with machine gun nests and heavy weaponry. The battle proved fierce and unequal. The commandos used encircling manoeuvres and neutralized the enemy outposts one by one. Their daring and determination caused confusion in the enemy lines.

The Heroic Sacrifices

The battle exacted a heavy toll on the 34th Squadron. Nine heroic commandos fell fighting, defending their positions to the end. Among them, Sergeant Kyriakos Papaioannou and Corporal Nikos Antoniou, who fell during the assault against an enemy machine gun nest. Many more sustained serious injuries, yet no one abandoned their position. The men continued fighting, vowing to their fallen comrades.

The Achievement of the Objective

Despite the heavy losses, the 34th Commando Squadron achieved its objective. Its men seized the heights and maintained control for many hours, fully accomplishing the mission assigned to them. This success allowed the remaining Squadrons to advance and continue Operation “Pincer,” bringing the Greek forces close to final victory.

The Legacy of the Heroes

The action of the 34th Commando Squadron in Operation “Pincer” remains alive in the collective memory of Hellenism. The fallen of the Squadron receive honours every year with memorial events and memorial services. The 34th Squadron proved that the spirit of Greek commandos remains strong in the face of every adversity.