The balkan Wars of 1912-1913 were unobjectionably the most glorious battle period for the armored battle cruiser “GEORGE AVEROF”. In October 1912, when the hostilities started, the Hellenic fleet was called upon to achieve a particularly difficult combination of multiple goals, to prevent the entrance of the Ottoman fleet in the Aegean, to acquire the control of the Northeastern islands in the Aegean, to prevent the transport of the Ottoman troops and supplies towards the mainland fronts in the balkans, as well as to protect the sea transportations of Greece and its allies.
       The successful outcome of the Greek strategic plans resulted as a consequence of mainly three factors: the increased operational capabilities of the newly acquired battle cruiser, the unquestionable leadership capability and boldness of Admiral P. KOUNDOURIOTIS, as well as the supreme moral of the Greek crews of the Hellenic Fleet.
       The successful occupation of the Northeastern islands in the Aegean and the predominance of the Greek arms during the naval battles of ELLI and LEMNOS resulted in “G. AVEROF” becoming a symbol in the people's memories, a legend had been born.