Title: Imerologi o 1941-1945. Apo tin Athina sto Londino me tin exoristi kivernisi: enas ipallilos tis Trapezas tis Ellados afigite [Diary 1941-1945. From Athens to London with the government- in-exile: an Bank of Greece employee narrates] in Greek Series: TEKMIRIA apo to Istoriko Archeio [DOCUMENTS from the Historical Archives] Author: Socrates Kosmidis Introduction-tra nscription-notes: Angela Karapanou Publisher: Bank of Greece (Centre for Culture, Research and Documentati on) Year of publication: 2019 Number of pages: 272 Dimension: 24 x 15 cm Book type: History ISBN: 978-960-703 2-94-2
Central Distribution a. National Bank of Greece Cultural Foundation (ΜΙΕΤ) in Athens (13 Amerikis Str., tel.: +30 210 3614143) and Thessaloniki (11 Tsimiski Str., tel.: +30 2310 288036) b. Ι. Nikolopoulos & Co. SA – Ekdoseis tou Eikostou Protou (9 Ζaloggou Str., Athens, tel.: +30 210 3800520).
About the book
Socrates Kosmidis was one of the three Bank of Greece employees who, in April 1941, were called upon to take part in the evacuation of the Bank’s gold reserve from Greece, as it was about to fall in enemy hands. From Athens to Crete and from there to Egypt and South Africa, Kosmidis ended up in London, where he remained until the end of the war. Whilst in London, he also served as secretary to the Prime Minister, Emm. Tsouderos, and as an employee of the Ministry of Finance, charged with settling all financial obligations of the Greek government-in-exile. He returned to Greece in January 1945 and continued to work at the Bank until his retirement. For his
21 El. Venizelou Str., 102 50 Athens e-mail: sec.repub@bankof greece.gr Τel. 210 320-3558, Fax. 210 320-2253 S.W.I.F.T.: BNGRGRAA
“unconditional and unhesitant” decision to participate in this “difficult, perilous and risky mission”, he was honoured with the Silver Cross of the Order of the Saviour.
In his diary, which he begins on April 17, 1941 – just few days after the German attack on Greece – and keeps till January 26, 1945, Kosmidis records this long adventure, along with all major military, political and social developments, as he experiences them in the milieu of the Greek government- in-exile. Many of the diary’s entries are filled with descriptions of the author’s own experiences and the various key developments he witnesses or participates in: the evacuation of the country’s gold reserves, the government’s efforts to tackle famine in occupied Greece, diplomatic contacts and maneuvers in preparation for the a post-war government. Meanwhile, the war unfolds accurately on the pages, as Kosmidis keeps track and records – almost daily – the course of events on all fronts. This being a completely personal testimony, however, the narrative is intertwined with personal thoughts and emotions that grant the prose a more private, inner tone. Apprehension towards the future, concern about friends and relatives back home, nostalgia, fears and hopes, disappointment and optimism, delivered with honesty and directness, succeed one another, casting a clear light on the experience of war.
About the series “Documents from the Historical Archives” of the Bank of Greece
Unpublished documents, confidential reports, business letters and personal testimonies co-exist in the new publication series of the Bank of Greece, which showcases the richness of its Historical Archives. Each book focuses on a historical event, a critical period or an important person, which are illuminated by unpublished archival documents. Specialised scientists select, combine and comment on the archival material, helping the reader to navigate through the sources and to experience his own, unmediated contact with the raw matter of history.
21 El. Venizelou Str., 102 50 Athens e-mail: sec.repub@bankof greece.gr Τel. 210 320-3558, Fax. 210 320-2253 S.W.I.F.T.: BNGRGRAA