Wings of the Great War
Season 1
During the Great War at the Macedonian front (Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey) catalytic events took place and faded into obscurity. Each one shaped the progress of the Great War and changed the tides of history forever. Tales of boldness and courage were recorded as legends among the first aviators of the warring parties . It is no coincidence that veterans that became adept in flying over the Greek skies and the theater of operations over the Aegean, were later called to back up the efforts of science in order to reach and expand the limits of technology and human physiology even further. Aerial reconnaissance and observations, bombardments, "dog-fighting" and anti-naval warfare were few of the different roles that the competing aviators had to manage at the Macedonian front. Fearless men, strangers - taken from the ends of the world, from one side: British, French, Australians, New Zealanders, Canadians, Serbs and Greeks, and on the other side: Germans, Turks, Bulgarians, Austro-Hungarians. They conquered the fear of the unknown - defying death, they flew with primitive flying machines made of cloth and wood. They fought over the skies of Macedonia and the Aegean. Some of them never to return home.
Where to Watch Season 1
5 Episodes
- Airport GenesisE1
Airport GenesisIn the first episode, “Airfield Genesis (1916),” we delve into the dynamic geopolitical landscape at the close of 1915, setting the stage for a pivotal chapter in World War I aviation. With a concise report on the Dardanelles and Gallipoli operations, the air force’s crucial role emerges. January 1916 witnesses the strategic installation of an aircraft carrier base on Lemnos Greece, a move aimed at safeguarding vital sea routes. Simultaneously, German air forces gain prominence in the Bulgarian-occupied Xanthi Greece. The threat to Allied sovereignty in the Northeast Aegean becomes palpable. - The War ExpandsE2
The War ExpandsAs the conflict unfolds, “The War Expands” unveils the metamorphosis of Lemnos Greece into a crucial air support center. Amidst the aerial theater, the episode delves into the stark realities of living in the Greek countryside, where the true invisible enemy—Malaria—adds a layer of complexity to the daily lives of those embroiled in the war. - Involvement of Greek aviatorsE3
Involvement of Greek aviatorsIn this pivotal episode, “The Involvement of the Greek Air Force (1916-1917),” the narrative shifts to the poignant moment of Greek pilots from the Navy Air Force joining the National Defense movement. A tableau of portraits emerges, introducing to the formidable personalities shaping the aerial theater. Their stories weave into the broader tapestry of Lemnos, becoming the crucible for the evolution of Greek aviation prowess. - Escalation of air warfare on all frontsE4
Escalation of air warfare on all frontsIn this gripping episode, “Air Warfare Escalation on All Fronts (1917),” the narrative unfurls the birth of the (legendary) Greek Squadron Z, laying the foundation for a squadron that would become synonymous with valor and determination. The episode unfolds with a poignant exploration into the training of young Greek aviators, witnessing the emergence of a new generation poised for aerial warfare. - Famous in war and afterE5
Famous in war and afterThe concluding episode, “Famous People During and After the War,” unfolds with a momentous event in January 1918, as Lemnos and Imvros serve as the base for the largest airborne operation of the First World War—an operation aimed at sinking warships. A testament to the indomitable spirit of the era, this operation marks another extraordinary achievement of Moraitinis, yet it is marred by the tragic death of Lieutenant Commander (I) Spyridon Hambas.