Chapter 396 Battle to Retake Athens  

The operation to retake Athens was set for November 25th, 1821, a mere two weeks away. In the shadow of this looming date, the Greek revolutionaries, bolstered by the ten formidable tanks gifted by the French, plunged into an intense regimen of training.

The air at their camp was thick with determination and the metallic scent of machinery. Each day, from the break of dawn until the stars claimed the sky, the sounds of engines roaring and commands being shouted filled the atmosphere. General Theodoros Kolokotronis, his gaze as sharp as a hawk's, oversaw the preparations.

Under the watchful eyes of their French trainers, the Greek soldiers grappled with the complexities of the tanks. They learned to maneuver these steel beasts through rugged terrains, mimicking the challenging landscapes they would face in their audacious assault on Athens.

Kolokotronis often found himself standing at a vantage point, observing his men adapt to this new era of warfare. The tanks, with their monstrous forms and thunderous power, were unlike anything his forces had ever wielded. Yet, there was a grace in the way his soldiers began to master these machines.

The Greek forces also practiced strategies for integrating the tanks with infantry movements. This was crucial for the success of their operation, as the tanks needed to work in harmony with the rest of the army. Drills were conducted to simulate real battle conditions, with soldiers and tanks maneuvering together to achieve their objectives.

In addition to combat training, there was a focus on maintenance and repair. The soldiers learned to perform basic upkeep and troubleshoot common mechanical issues. This knowledge was essential to ensure the tanks remained operational throughout the upcoming assault.

As the day of the operation drew nearer, a sense of readiness permeated the camp. The soldiers, once uncertain about the new technology, now displayed confidence in their ability to operate the tanks. Kolokotronis, satisfied with the progress, began finalizing the plans for the assault on Athens. "According to our scouts, Athens is surrounded by fortified positions, and the Ottomans have increased their patrols," reported one of Kolokotronis's lieutenants during a strategy meeting. "They seem to be preparing for a possible attack."

Kolokotronis nodded, absorbing the information. "We must adjust our approach accordingly," he said. "We'll use the cover of night for our initial approach. The tanks will lead, breaking through their front lines while the infantry follows to secure the breached areas."

"Rules of engagement?" One of the staff asked.

"Just like how we breach cities, we are going to use artillery," Kolokotronis answered.

"Use artillery? But… General, that's Athens, our capital. Are you seriously considering we bombard our own city?" the staff member expressed his concern.

"Look, it's not easy for me but that's the only way we can retake Athens effectively without losing much on our side. The Ottomans took Athen away from us, we are going to take it back by force, and if the city is destroyed in the process, we Greeks, are going to rebuild it again! We take Athens, and our dreams of an independent Greece come closer to reality," Kolokotronis stated firmly and continued.

"The Ottomans won't give up easily, so we must be prepared for a tough fight. Our advantage lies in the element of surprise and the strength of these tanks. Now, let's wrap this up, we are going to commence the operation at 12 midnight, dismissed."

With the final words from Kolokotronis, the meeting came to an end. The officers dispersed. He had dinner, savoring each bite, knowing well that it could be his last meal in a time of peace.

He reflected on the journey that had brought them to this point, the sacrifices made, and the lives lost in the fight for Greek independence. The weight of command was heavy on his shoulders, but his resolve was unshaken. He was ready to lead his men into one of the most significant battles in their struggle.

After dinner, Kolokotronis rechecked the preparations. He walked through the camp, ensuring that everything was in order. The tanks were lined up, ready to move out; the infantrymen were geared up.

The camp was quiet, save for the occasional sound of metal clanking or a low conversation. The soldiers were focused, mentally preparing themselves for the battle ahead. Kolokotronis gave a few last-minute instructions to his lieutenants, emphasizing the need for discipline and coordination. As midnight approached, the camp's atmosphere turned tense. Soldiers took their positions, and the engines of the tanks started up, breaking the silence of the night. Kolokotronis, positioned where he could oversee the operation, gave the final signal.

The tanks roared to life, and the operation to retake Athens began. The night was pierced by the sound of engines and artillery.

The artillery pieces arced across the sky, glowing against the dark backdrop as they targeted Ottoman fortifications and the night was momentarily lit with an orange flash as the artillery shells exploded upon impact with the Ottoman fortifications. The Greek forces advanced, with the tanks plowing through obstacles and creating a path for the infantry. The element of surprise was clearly working in their favor, as the Ottomans scrambled to respond to the unexpected and well-coordinated attack.

The Ottoman machine gunners targeted the advancing tanks, unleashing a barrage of bullets. However, the bullets seemed ineffective against the armored exterior of the tanks. The metal carriages, despite the onslaught, continued their advance, undeterred.

The Greek tanks, having withstood the machine gun fire, effectively used their own cannons against the Ottoman defenses. Each shot from the tanks caused considerable damage to the enemy's fortifications.

Meanwhile, the Ottoman forces tried using a 75mm cannon against the tanks, hoping to stop their advance. However, the shells bounced off the thick armor of the tanks, causing no significant damage.

"Monster!" The Ottoman soldiers exclaimed in disbelief as they witnessed the resilience of the Greek tanks.

And the moment those tanks got closer, the infantry that was trailing behind fanned out. They moved swiftly to occupy the positions cleared by the tanks. The Greek infantry, now on foot, engaged in close combat with the Ottoman forces, taking advantage of the confusion and disarray caused by the tank assault.

Kolokotronis, observing the battlefield, saw his strategy unfolding as planned. The tanks, proving their worth in both durability and firepower, had created an opening that the infantry was now exploiting. He continued to direct his forces, maintaining a constant flow of communication to ensure coordination.

While watching, he muttered under his breath. "We are going to need more tanks in the future."

As the battle progressed, it became clear that the Greeks were gaining the upper hand. The combination of the tank-led assault and the spirited response of the infantry overwhelmed the Ottoman defenses. The Greek forces methodically took control of key areas in Athens, pushing the Ottoman forces back.

"Remove that flag!" One of the Greek soldiers shouted at his comrades, who quickly obliged, bringing down the Ottoman flag. Amidst the chaos and sounds of battle, a group of Greek soldiers climbed to a prominent position, where the Ottoman flag had been flying. With a sense of triumph and determination, they lowered it, effectively symbolizing the fall of Ottoman control over the area.

In its place, they hoisted the Greek flag. As the blue and white emblem ascended, a cheer erupted among the Greek soldiers.

Kolokotronis, witnessing this moment from his binoculars, felt a surge of pride and relief. At long last, they had retaken the capital that had been held hostage by the Ottomans for so long. But the battle is far from over.