(Greece 1956)

International Operation Name:  Not applicable

International Operation Dates: Not applicable

Mandating Organization: Government of Canada        

Region Name: Europe                      

Location: Greece 

Canadian Operation Name: (Greece 1956)

Canadian Operation Dates:   1956/07/25 – 1956/07/28

Mission Mandate: To deliver humanitarian aid to Greece 

Mission Notes:

On 9 July 1956, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Greece, with its epicentre near the island of Amorgos (situated north of Crete between that island and the Peloponnese). The resulting tsunami swept across the Aegean, with waves of up to 20 metres reported on the east coast of Amorgos and 8 metres on the north coast of the island of Astypalaea. The coast of Turkey was hit with a 1 metre tsunami.

In the effort to aid survivors, a 436 Squadron North Star on a routine flight to Europe was redirected to London, England. Here the crew picked up 10,800 lbs of tents and Red Cross supplies, departing London on 25 July and arriving in Athens on the 26th. The aircraft and crew then returned to their normal schedule.