by Kojak » 20 Feb 2008, 23:04
The Germans did indeed detonate ammunition before they left Symi. They moved all the explosives up to the Castro church - the highest point of the old town. Before that the ruined castle of the Knights of St John which encircled the Castro was in a much better state of preservation. One of the German soldiers tipped off the inhabitants so they were able to creep away before the explosion, thus saving many lives. The story is that there was only one casualty, an old woman who refused to leave her house. The area around the Castro was devastated by the immense explosion. Much of that area is still in ruins today.
Because of the naturally deep and protected harbour the island was fought over and changed hands several times and British Commandos, together with men from the Greek Sacred Squadron made several raids on the German Garrison. Back issues of the Symi Visitor do contain a relatively detailed account of wartime Symiand the visitor Office will have more information about that. There is a memorial at the monastery of Panormitis to an Abbott who was shot for concealing Allied soldiers who were hiding there.