About This File
THE ELGIN MARBLES - RECLAIMED by Connaugh
SITUATION:
The Elgin Marbles are a collection of Classical Greek marble sculptures made under the supervision of the architect and sculptor Phidias and his assistants. They were originally part of the temple of the Parthenon and other buildings on the Acropolis of Athens.
In 1801, Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin obtained a firman, which was an official decree,] from the Sublime Porte, the central government of the Ottoman Empire which were then the rulers of Greece, which allowed for the shipping of the marbles from Greece. From 1801 to 1812, the Earl's agents removed about half of the surviving sculptures of the Parthenon, as well as sculptures from the Propylaea and Erechtheum. The Marbles were transported by sea to Britain. In Britain, the acquisition of the collection was supported by some while some others, such as Lord Byron, likened the Earl's actions to vandalism or looting.
Following a public debate in Parliament and the subsequent exoneration of Elgin, he sold the Marbles to the British government in 1816. They were then passed to the British Museum, where they are now on display in the purpose-built Duveen Gallery.
After gaining its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1832, Greece began a series of projects to restore its monuments. It has expressed its disapproval of Elgin's removal of the Marbles from the Acropolis and the Parthenon, which is regarded as one of the world's greatest cultural monuments. Greece continues to urge the return of the marbles to Greece for their unification by diplomatic and political means.
MISSION:
Failing to have Britain return the Elgin Marbles, Greece has planned an amphibious assault and Greek Armored Forces will land in London and take back the Elgin Marbles.
EXECUTION:
Greek Armored Forces will move amphibious PT-76 tanks and M113 APC's up the Thames River and land at the Blackfriars Bridge. Heavy Transport will bring in a platoon of 1A5 Leopard tanks. This force will advance quickly to The British Museum and secure the objective while trucks disembarked from another transport will be loaded with the marbles. The force will then make its way back to Blackfriars Bridge and embark for Greece.
Britain will counter with the Scots Guards, who are stationed at The Wellington Barracks, London. The Scots Guards are comprised of Scimitars, Scorpions, and Warriors and infantry with anti-tank weapons. The Scots Guards will attempt to block the return of the force with the Marbles on its way back to Blackfriars Bridge.
No artillery support will be available. The area of operations is in the City of London and there is to be no collateral damage. Rules of Engagement preclude the harming of any citizens.
Mission Completion:
Platoon 6A (Trucks) must spend 15 minutes at the British Museum (loading the marbles) and then move to Blackfriars Bridge for extraction.