I d like your opinion in a WWII story...

My grandfather's brother fought in the Metaxas Line in Macedonia in 1941 (actually my grandfather and his 3 brothers saw action in different parts of the war Albania, Metaxas Line and Crete) and he told us how the Germans treated the prisoners after the capitulation...
According to his story after the capitulation and the surrender of the greek army a few forts defied the orders to surrender (or they didnt knew about it since communications were down) and kept fighting for 3 more days repulsing German attacks...
However after the Germans used gases to make the defenders emerge from a few forts they surrendered along with them it was my grandfather's brother...
When they were out the German Major in charge asked for the commander of the fort... When the commander of the fort appeared the German saluted him and with the help of a translator he told him that he should be proud to have such brave soldiers under his commands and that all have earned Hitler's admiration... So by order of General Von List
A)all soldiers and officers were free to go except the commanders of the forts
B) Officers from the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and above were to retain their sidearms
C) No War Flags will be taken as spoils
D) German soldiers will present arms as the soldiers of the forts leave the area as a sign of respect to their bravery

I ve cross checked this story with some other veterans some time ago and all said the same thing...
So i d love to hear your opinion on this story... It was genuine admiration of bravery? Von List being a Prussian noble honoured a brave opponenent? Or just a trick to appease the people?
What do you think?
 
I believe it was genuine because:
1. Von List was under no obligation to extend any of those courtesies.
2. Germany in WWII did not have a reputation for pandering to the civilian populations of the countries they conquered.
3. Von List was an old school Prussian who was taught to honor a noble and brave enemy.
 

abc123

Banned
I believe it was genuine because:
1. Von List was under no obligation to extend any of those courtesies.
2. Germany in WWII did not have a reputation for pandering to the civilian populations of the countries they conquered.
3. Von List was an old school Prussian who was taught to honor a noble and brave enemy.

Me too believe it was genuine, after all- the defenders of Metaxas line really have put a hell of fight...
;)
Alle ehre und respekt.
 
Me too believe it was genuine, after all- the defenders of Metaxas line really have put a hell of fight...
;)
Alle ehre und respekt.

I think too that it was the genuine reaction of a Prussian style officer, but what are the chances of Von List just playing a sympathy card towards Greeks? And also in the same time piss off the British?
 
Top