Operation Washing

Crete (Cretan resistance) World War II in Albania Operation Washing was the successful destruction of the railway bridge over the Asopos River[1] in Central Greece by four British SOE saboteurs.

In 1943, British forces planned a daring mission to destroy the heavily guarded Asopos viaduct in Greece, aiming to disrupt German railway communications.

[3] In 1942, a British sabotage mission targeted the Gorgopotamos viaduct, but Asopos remained a priority for destruction.

The Asopos viaduct was an imposing structure, spanning a sheer gorge and guarded by a heavily fortified position.

While waiting for reinforcements and additional supplies, the team participated in Operation ANIMALS, which was designed to divert German attention ahead of the Allied invasion of Sicily.

They navigated the treacherous gorge, felled a tree to create a makeshift bridge over a waterfall, and fought through freezing waters.

The following morning, Stott confirmed the success of the mission from his vantage point on the northern cliff, where he saw the Germans in disarray.

It wasn’t until five days later, when a rope ladder made of parachute cord was found, that the Germans realized they had been attacked by saboteurs.

In the aftermath of the mission, Captain Edmonds filed detailed reports to ensure the team received recognition for their extraordinary efforts.

The demolition of the Asopos viaduct became one of the most celebrated acts of sabotage during the war, exemplifying the bravery and ingenuity of the soldiers involved.