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September 1922 -- Smyrna (Greek Refugees)


NH 85298: Refugees on board USS Edsall (DD-219) during the evacuation of Smyrna after its capture by the Turkish Army. NHHC Photograph Collection.
Caption: NH 85298: Refugees on board USS Edsall (DD-219) during the evacuation of Smyrna after its capture by the Turkish Army. NHHC Photograph Collection.

LC-M33-2213: Smyrna from the sea, possibly 1922 to 1930. Matson Photograph Collection. Courtesy of the Library of Congress.
Caption: LC-M33-2213: Smyrna from the sea, possibly 1922 to 1930. Matson Photograph Collection. Courtesy of the Library of Congress.

On September 16, 1922, USS Edsall (DD-219) became the flagship for the U.S. Naval Detachment in Turkish Waters during the evacuation of Greek refugees from Smyrna, who were expelled by Turkey.  This designation came two days after the Great Fire of Smyrna.   Along with six other destroyers, she helped in the evacuation of approximately 250,000 refugees.   Commander Halsey Powell was the senior officer and directed the evacuation.  Previously, Edsall, along with the six other destroyers, departed in May to protect United States citizens during the unrest.  The deployment in the region for the destroyer lasted nearly two years until her return to Boston, Massachusetts, in July 1924.  


NH 69331: USS Edsall (DD-219) at San Diego, California, circa early 1920s. NHHC Photograph Collection.
Caption: NH 69331: USS Edsall (DD-219) at San Diego, California, circa early 1920s. NHHC Photograph Collection.

NH 1708: Captain Halsey Powell, USN. NHHC Photograph Collection.
Caption: NH 1708: Captain Halsey Powell, USN. NHHC Photograph Collection.
Published: Thu Apr 23 13:11:13 EDT 2020