Expert: Mark Smith - 9/2/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello, I have a question you may be able to help me with. I apologize that it is not exactly in your area, but I could find no one else more relevant and thought you might know. I am just wanting some basic information about the first assassination attempt on George I of Greece in 1898. I have seen numerous references to his bravery on the occasion and his move to protect his daughter but no real information. Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

ANSWER: Hello Bill.
I'm sorry to say I haven't any more information on the incident than you've already found for yourself. However there is one source I can consult, but I can't do it until next week. If you're willing to wait I'll send a follow-up answer then. Even if you aren't I'll look it up anyway as I'm curious myself now.
Mark

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the reply; I certainly appreciate it. I will gladly wait, especially as I seem to have no other way of finding out. Thanks again, and I look forward to your follow-up.

Answer
Hello Bill.
Sorry it's rather late, but here's an answer.
The assassination attempt took place on 26 February 1898 as King George, Princess Marie and a groom were being driven in an open carriage from the seaside resort of Phalerum back to Athens. About 10 minutes out of Athens two men at the side of the road ahead of the carriage signalled for it to stop. As it slowed down they opened fire with rifles from about 20 paces distant. The groom was hit in the leg and the two horses were also shot. King George stood up and placed himself between the attackers and his daughter. Both would-be assassins were down on one knee taking aim, but in waving his stick at them the King caused one of the gunmen to falter and fire wide, the other continued to fire as the driver whipped up the horses and sped away. The carriage made it safely to Athens without any injuries to the King or Princess Marie. In all about 8 shots had been fired.
The following day one of the attackers surrendered himself at a police station. He was a 35 year old named Karditza. He refused to give any information on his comrade, but said he was a member of a secret society pledged to kill the King for his role in the disastrous war with Turkey that Greece had fought and lost the previous year. The next day his comrade, named Giorgis was arrested. Both said the plan was to kill the coachman or the horses and finish the job with pistols at close range, but the carriage was able to speed away thus thwarting their plans.
The government announced that a chapel would be erected on the site of the attack. Presumably the two men stood trial, but I can't find any reference to the outcome of any trial.
Mark