The DSE's Occupation of Karpenisi in 1949: A Retrospective

In 1949, the Democratic Army of Greece (DSE) occupied Karpenisi, an action led by Charilaos Florakis (Kapetan Giotis), later Secretary-General of the K.K.E. The occupation lasted 18 days, until the counter-attack by the National Army under Thrasyvoulos Tsakalotos.

Prior to the occupation, the city's defense had been assigned to various commanders, including Toliopoulos, Kyriakos Papageorgopoulos, and Alekos Isaakidis. Dimitrios Karapiperis, familiar with the area, implemented aggressive tactics against the rebels.

The DSE invaded Karpenisi on January 21, 1949, targeting supply depots and the recruitment of new members. The battle led to the capture of the Headquarters and the fortress of Ai-Dimitri. During the occupation, a Hellenic Air Force plane was shot down, killing Squadron Leader P. Tsoukas and American Second Lieutenant S. Edner.

After the recapture of Karpenisi, the National Army launched a counter-offensive, driving the DSE out of Roumeli.