Independent Gallery

Revolution of Theriso - The revolutionaries & Venizelos

In 1898, the Great Powers declared Crete as an independent Cretan State, under the rule of the Sultan. Yet, the administration of commander Prince George irritated the Cretans, who in March 1905 revolted - the famous Revolution of Theriso (the participants of which are depicted here), thus forcing Prince George to resign and appoint commandeer, Alexandros Zaimis. The leader of this revolt was Eleftherios Venizelos (1864 - 1936) - pictured in the centre of this group

© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10413545

Speech by Gabriele D'Annunzio - Free State of Fiume

Speech by D'Annunzio on 20th September 1919 at the city of Fiume (now in Croatia and, since the end of World War II, known as Rijeka). The Italian poet Gabriele D'Annunzio (1863-1938), entered the city on 12 September 1919 and began a 15-month period of occupation. A year later after failure of negotiations with the Italian government, D'Annunzio proclaimed the Italian Regency of Carnaro. The Free State of Fiume was an independent free state which existed between 1920 and 1924 following the signing of the Treaty of Rapallo. The constitution made "music" the fundamental principle of the state and was corporatist in nature. Some of the ideas and aesthetics influenced Italian fascism and the style of Benito Mussolini. Date: 1920

© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection

21st Independent Para Coy Memorial, Oosterbeek

The 21st was commanded by Major B. A. B. Boy Wilson who, at the age of 45, was one of the oldest paras in the 1st AB Division. The task of the 21st - Wilson and four officers and 185 men - on 17 September 1944, the first day of Operation Market Garden, was to drop 30 minutes ahead of the main force to mark the three zones DZ X, LZ Z and LZ S with navigational aids (Eureka beacons and smoke signals) so that they could be readily located. It was done impeccably. There is a Memorial to the 21st at the Quatre Bras junction in Oosterbeek and then this one, also in Oosterbeek at No 21 Paasberg. It is in the form of a vase (which always contains fresh flowers) in the garden of the house called Monty'. A platoon of the 21st defended this area in the last four days of the battle. The owner, Han Kardol, was 10 years old and sheltered in the cellar of the house during the fighting. Date: 2000

© Holts Battlefield Collection / Mary Evans