PANAGIOTIS CHRYSOULIS – GRATUATE OF THE MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY OF HYDRA YEAR 1959

Flag bearer Panagiotis Chrysoulis – Patrol Boat « PHAETHON » - Cyprus

On August 8, 1964, Turkish fighters bombed the patrol ship " Phaethon" in Karavostasi "Xeros", killing six crew members including the Greek Reserve Ensign and first mate of the Patrol ship Panagiotis Chrysoulis.

During the period of tensions that followed the signing of the London-Zurich agreements and until 1967, to strengthen the defence of the Republic of Cyprus against the growing Turkish threat, the government of George Papandreou in 1964 sent Greek troops to Cyprus for strengthening the Cyprus National Army, which was established the same year. On August 7, 1964, bloody clashes broke out in the Tillyria area, when the National Guard tried to neutralize the Mansoura-Kokkinon enclave, which had been set up by the Turks, with the ultimate goal of building a bridgehead for a possible landing in Cyprus.

During the clashes, Turkish planes attacked with Napalm bombs against positions of the National Guard of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as residential areas, with results killing and injuring dozens of people. The two patrol ships, “Phaethon” and “Arion” took part in these battles. The ships secretly arrived on the island and hoisted the Cypriot flag, essentially the only Naval force in Cyprus.

Both ships were constructed in 1935 in Germany and they were in poor condition. They had no identity and their guns were installed in Cyprus, in order to protect the coast.

On August 8, 1964, Turkish troops bombed the patrol ship "Phaethon" in Karavostasi, killing six crew members. In the battle, the crew members who were eventually killed saved the lives of 15 of their colleagues. The governor of the coastal area, Dimitrios Mitsatsos, lost one of his hands, and the flag bearer Chrysoulis died in this battle, who was buried later in the Nicosia’s cemetery.

Many thanks to Mr. Costas Chrysoulis, brother of our flag bearer, for the information and for the photo of his brother.

                                        Source: Greek Forces of Cyprus                                                                                   Photo from the Archive of the Merchant Marine Academy of Hydra