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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)
5929119 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 23265218
© 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 used by the National Organisation of Cypriot Fighters (EOKA) during their struggle for independence in Cyprus in 1955. The image captures the essence of this historic firearm, highlighting its intricate design and formidable presence. During the early 1950s, Cyprus's Greek-Cypriot population fervently sought Enosis, or union with Greece. However, Britain rejected this demand as it planned to relocate its Suez military headquarters to Cyprus. In response, Colonel George Grivas formed EOKA and initiated a guerrilla campaign against British forces occupying the island. By mid-1956, approximately 17,000 British servicemen were stationed in Cyprus to assist local authorities in maintaining security amidst escalating tensions. This particular Sten Mk III sub machine gun played a crucial role during these turbulent times. The Mk III variant of the Sten was introduced in 1943 but produced in limited quantities compared to its predecessor. During World War II, numerous Stens were supplied to resistance movements across Europe, including Greece. The specific weapon featured here bears markings inscribed in Greek as "A LONTSA" although their exact meaning remains unknown. Notably, this particular firearm exhibits a bullet hole on its barrel jacket—a testament to its capture during combat operations. Preserved within London's National Army Museum collection today, this photograph immortalizes an iconic symbol of resistance and liberation that shaped Cyprus's fight for independence over six decades ago.
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