- Navy:
- National Popular Liberation Navy, 1943-45
- Name:
- Εθνικό Λαϊκό Απελευθερωτικό Ναυτικό = Ellinikós Laïkós Apeleftherotikós Naftikós = ELAN
- Career:
The first naval units of the Greek partisans appeared in March-April 1943. After the Italian capitulation in September, the ELAN was set up and the first important stable bases began to appear at various points on the coast. The vessels used by the partisans were small boats armed with captured German guns: caïques, fishing boats and motor launches. They engaged in harrying enemy transport vessels, transporting friendly forces, and escorting and protecting transport vessels. Other craft, not suitable for arming, carried out transport or liaison duties. More than 100 boats with 1,200 men and women served with the Partisan Navy. After a short war against British and Royal Greek forces in December 1944-January 1945, the ELAN was demobilized on 28 February, 1945 and its vessels handed over to the British and Greek naval forces.
