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Sten Mk III 9 mm sub machine gun used by National Organisation of Cypriot Fighters (EOKA)
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Sten Mk III 9 mm sub machine gun used by National Organisation of Cypriot Fighters (EOKA)
5929116 Sten Mk III 9 mm sub machine gun used by National Organisation of Cypriot Fighters (EOKA), c.1955(sub machine gun, Sten, 9 mm Mk III) by Greek School, (19th century); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: Sten Mk III 9 mm sub machine gun used by National Organisation of Cypriot Fighters (EOKA), Cyprus, 1955 (c).
In the early 1950s the majority Greek-Cypriot population of Cyprus had been demanding Enosis, or union with Greece. In 1954 Britain ruled this out as it planned to transfer its Suez military headquarters to Cyprus. This led Colonel George GrivasAs EOKA (National Organisation of Cypriot Fighters) to begin a guerrilla campaign aimed at driving the British out. By mid-1956 there were 17, 000 British servicemen in Cyprus assisting the police with the maintenance of security.
The Mk 3 Sten was introduced in 1943 but produced in far fewer numbers than the Mk 2. Many Stens were supplied to guerrilla forces in Europe during World War Two (1939-1945), including Greece. This particular weapon used by EOKA insurgents is marked in Greek A LONTSA but its meaning is not clear. It has a bullet hole in the barrel jacket sustained during its capture.); eNational Army Museum; Greek, out of copyright
Media ID 22764806
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
Guerrilla Warfare Tactics Terrorism
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the Sten Mk III 9 mm sub machine gun, a powerful weapon utilized by the National Organisation of Cypriot Fighters (EOKA) during their struggle for independence in Cyprus around 1955. The EOKA was formed as a response to the British denial of Enosis, which sought to unite Cyprus with Greece. With plans underway to transfer military headquarters from Suez to Cyprus, tensions escalated and Colonel George Grivas led EOKA's guerrilla campaign against British forces. The Sten Mk III was introduced in 1943 but produced in limited quantities compared to its predecessor, the Mk II. During World War Two, numerous Stens were supplied to resistance fighters across Europe, including Greece. This particular firearm bears markings in Greek that read "A LONTSA" although its exact significance remains unclear. Notably, it carries a visible bullet hole on its barrel jacket—a testament to the intensity of combat experienced by those who wielded it. By mid-1956, approximately 17,000 British servicemen were stationed in Cyprus alongside local police forces tasked with maintaining security amidst escalating violence. This historic photograph offers us a glimpse into an era defined by political unrest and armed resistance—an enduring symbol of courage and determination exhibited by those fighting for their nation's freedom.
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