Ioannis Metaxa rejects the Italian ultimatum – After "Ohi" the Epos of '40 (Greco-Italian War 1940)

Greece tried to stay away from WWII, but the Italian fascist regime had other plans. A few months after the torpedoing of the submarine "Ellie" in the harbor of Tinos by Italian forces, Benito Mussolini sent Metaxas an ultimatum for submission to the Italian army.  The "No" (Ohi) that Metaxas replied was a reflection of the desire of the Greek people.  In a rare historical instant, a singing nation marched towards war. During the following months, the Greek army advanced and captured major cities and strategic points in Albania. Wehrmacht finally defeated the Greek defense, and the Occupation of Greece by the Germans cast its shadow on the land.