GIORGI (DZHODZHO) URDOV (1914-1947) - Part 02

Regarding the dispute of where and when TOMO was created, Hristo Andonovski, a NOF activist in Voden region at the time, said the following in a conversation with the author (Tashko Mamurovski) of this book: “... It was around February 20, 1945, after the Varkiza Agreement was signed. I know that because I was invited by Vangel Aianovski and I attended that founding meeting. But when I passed through the village Dolno Pozharsko on February 26 of the same year, I found Pavle Rakovski and Todor Anastasov-Director, by order of the Political Commission of the Macedonians under Greece, had already set up basic organizations of TOMO in Gorno Pozharsko, Dolno Pozharsko, Gorno Rodivo and Dolno Rodivo and were preparing to go to Tresino and Sarakinovo...”

Hristo Andonovski not only gave meaning to the goals and tasks of TOMO but said people were prepared to fight the Greek Monarcho-Fascists and their nationalist gangs with even greater conviction. 53

The first TOMO District Conference was held on June 20, 1945, near Tupcheto located between the villages Kronselovo and

51 For more information on Vangel Shamardanov’s revolutionary activities see Tashko Mamurovski, Vangel Shamardanov-Ilindenski (1921-1948). INI Bulletin. Skopje, 1979, XXIII, 1, pp. 263-269. 52 There are two versions to the story of where and when the organization TOMO was created. According to Vangel Aianovski-Oche, TOMO was created in Voden on January 20, 1945 (Vangel Aianovski - Oche, “Aegean storms, the revolutionary movement in Voden and NOF in Aegean Macedonia), INI, Skopje, 1975, p. 158.) According to Pavle Rakovski, TOMO was created on February 22, 1945, in the village Dolno Pozharsko, Meglen Region. (Pavle Rakovski, “In the deep night dawn is born”, memories, thoughts, knowledge. Memoirs, kept in INI, p. 37.) 53 Vangel Ajanovski-Oche, The Aegean Iovanka Orleanka. Memories... August 7, p. 8. 29 Vlkoianevo, near the city Voden. 54 After analyzing the work done by the local TOMO organizations, the Conference decided to rename TOMO to NOF for Voden Region. 55 But because the Political Commission of the Macedonians under Greece ceased to exist in the beginning of April 1945, Pavle Rakovski was unable to attend. According to Rakovski himself he never attended such a Conference.

From the archived reports filed at the time by both Vangel Aianovski-Oche and Pavle Rakovski, it’s clear that there isn’t enough information to determine if a TOMO District Conference took place on April 28, 1945 in Voden Region. In fact, Aianovski himself in his report dated June 16, 1945, still talked about TOMO. 56

Whenever it took place, it’s clear that the NOF District leadership for Voden Region was appointed during this Conference. The NOF Executive Board was composed of the following members: Vangel Aianovski-Oche, political secretary; Vangel Shamardanov-Ilindenski, organizational secretary; Risto Kordalov, responsible for NOF party affairs; Petre Popov, responsible for propaganda and agitation; Risto Bukovalov, responsible for financial issues; Tashko Hadzhiianev, head of youth; and Mirka Ginova, responsible for women’s issues. 57

From that moment on Mirka Ginova dedicated herself with even greater vigour and drive in the struggle against the Greek

54 As reported by Pavle Rakovski on June 27, 1945 regarding the political situation in Voden Region. Pavle Rakovski was a member of the NOF Main leadership, See “Aegean Macedonia in the National Liberation War, 1945”, Vol. II. Documents on the participation of the Macedonian people from the Aegean part of Macedonia in The Civil War in Greece 1945. Translated and edited by Risto Kiriazovski and Todor Simovski. Macedonian Archives, Skopje, 1973, doc. 47, pp. 91-92. 55 According to Vangel Aianovski-Oche, the TOMO District Conference was held on April 28, 1945, which was attended by representative from the Political Commission of the Macedonians under Greece and Pavle Rakovski was the one who suggested to the Political Commission to change TOMO to NOF for Voden. Aegean storms ..., p. 167-169. 56 “Aegean Macedonia in the National Liberation War, 1945”, T. II, doc. 54, pp. 101-104. 57 Vangel Aianovski-Oche, Aegean Storms..., pp. 169-170. 30 reactionaries and their armed gangs. Together with her comrades, Mirka created NOF, NOMS and AFZH organizations in several Macedonian villages in Voden Region. While attending village gatherings she knew how to ignite the hearts of many young Macedonians prompting them to join the anti-fascist struggle. Thanks to her national feelings as well as activities that she carried out for the Macedonian people’s liberation, she became very popular among the Macedonian masses and became a sweetheart of the Macedonian people in Voden.

Unfortunately, thanks to the Varkiza Agreement, the Greek reactionaries were able to consolidate their power in Greece, and with all their might, attack the democratic movement and, above all, the Macedonian people with aims to physically exterminate them.

In response to the unbearable terror waged against the Macedonian villages in Voden Region, the NOF partisan detachments 58 in Kaimakchalan, together with Greek groups and former ELAS members and fighters who were persecuted by the reactionaries, carried out several successful attacks against the Monarcho-Fascist strongholds in the area. First they destroyed the gendarmerie stations in the villages Lukovets, Pozharsko and Sarakinovo, and then they attacked the military watchtowers in Iankulovi kolibi at Kaimakchalan and those in the village Gorno Rodivo. 59 NOF saboteurs also liquidated several traitors and collaborators who worked for the Greek police.

As a member of the NOF District Board and AFZH Secretary for Voden Region, Mirka Ginova worked tirelessly organizing resistance activities against the enraged Monarcho-Fascists and former collaborators of the fascist occupiers. Because of that, the Greek police and gendarmerie tried their best to capture her in order to put an end to her revolutionary activities.

58 In the spring of 1946, a partisan battalion was formed on Mount Kaimakchalan from three NOF partisan Voden Region detachments. It was called the Third Macedonian Battalion. This is according to reports provided to the Voden Region General NOF leadership on April 11, 1946 on the situation and NOF’s activities in the District. (“Aegean Macedonia in the National Liberation War, 1946”, T. III. Macedonian Archives, Skopje, 1976, doc. 114, p. 261.) 59 Vangel Aianovski-Oche, Aegean Iovanka Orleanka. Memories..., August 9, p. 15. 31 On June 28, 1946, while traveling from the village Vlkoianevo to the village Krontselovo (NOF headquarters), Vangel Goglev-Bezandako and Tashko Bobev, NOF couriers and Voden Detachment fighters, suddenly ran into a Greek government unit and a firefight broke out. Unfortunately the scuffle alerted the Greek government forces that NOF partisan groups were circulating around the village Vlkoianevo. Shortly afterwards, the same government unit snatched a couple of goat herders from Vlkoianevo and, under threat of harm, pressuredthem to disclose where the partisans were located. The goat herders told the Monarcho-Fascists that the NOF partisan detachment was stationed near the village Pochep in the Pochep forest. But, as luck would have it, Vani Barev, a NOF leader located in Vlkoianevo, acted quickly and promptly informed the partisans in the forest of the impending danger. 60

On June 30, 1946, Risto Kordalov, NOF Detachment Commander in Voden, together with Captain Adamidis Filotas-Katsonis, CPG Commander of the Voden partisan detachment, were assigned to a group of fighters and ordered to leave for Mount Karakamen to pick up the weapons belonging to the partisan detachments led by Captain Christos Palamas-Mavros and return them to Voden Region.

The partisan group, consisting of about 50 fighters, which was left behind was led by Risto Bukovalov-Zhukov, political commissar of the NOF Third Macedonian Battalion. To better secure the area these fighters were placed around Staro Vlkoianevo and divided into four groups. The first group was placed on the Vladovo -Vlkoianevo road. The second group was placed near the railway bridges. The third group was placed on the Voden - Vlkoianevo road. And the fourth group was placed on the Lukovets – Vlkoianevo road. The fighters were ordered to remain still and hidden during the day. They were told that they would have their

60 This was according to Risto Bukavalov-Zhukov’s memoirs. Risto Bukavalov-Zhukov was from the village Teovo, Voden Region. He was a political commissar serving in the Kaimakchalan Third Macedonian Battalion. He was also a member of the NOF District Board for Voden Region responsible for financial issues and an active participant in the National Liberation War and DAG. 32 food delivered by the NOF organization volunteers from the village Vlkoianevo. 61

On July 4, 1946, Dimitar Limbov from the village Vladovo, member of NOF Regional Board for Ostrovsko, Tashko Sapundzhiev-Kuliman and Vangel Goglev-Bezandako, all NOF members and fighters of NOF, received orders from Risto Bukovalov-Zhukov to set up an ambush in the Dupen Most area, located between the village Vladovo and the city Voden, to liquidate Giorgi Pantsev and Giorgi Bapka-Daskalot, both spies, expected to travel from the village Vladovo to Voden. They, however, didn’t carry out their orders. Dimitar Limbov alone took full responsibility for that and, as he explained, instead of killing them was certain that he could convince them, in a peaceful way, to join the partisans. So the spies were left alive and free to go to Voden. Unfortunately Dimitar Limbov was wrong. As future events will show, his carelessness made him a victim of the Greek Monarcho-Fascists.

The same day after completing their task on Mount Karakamen, the group of fighters, led by Risto Kordalov and Captain Katsonis, returned to Voden Region happy and singing songs as they settled in the “Kusa and Dolga Livada” locality. The next day, Risto Kordalov sent a letter to Risto Bukovalov-Zhukov asking him and his group of fighters to report to the above-mentioned locality. Bukovalov-Zhukov and his fighters arrived at the camp around midnight. Others who arrived earlier were a group of NOF staffers, among whom were Mirka Ginova, Giorgi Atanasov-Blazhe, Vangel Shamardanov-Ilindenski and Lazo Kamchev. Included among the others who arrived at the camp were CPG political cadre Georgios Mustakidis-Aleko, former leader of ELAS reserves in Voden Region during the German occupation, his wife Chrisula, member of the CPG Neighbourhood Committee for Meglen Region (Karadzova), a man called Tarzan from the village Orizartsi and a nurse from Voden named Irina.

Among other things, the NOF staffers and their Greek comrades met to discuss outstanding organizational issues and the possibility of establishing a partisan hospital on Mount Kaimakchalan. 62

61 Ibid. 33 Unbeknownst to the NOF and CPG attendants, the “Kusa and Dolga Livada” locality was no longer a secret place. It had been discovered by the enemy almost a week before the meeting took place. At the same time no one was the wiser that the Monarcho-Fascists were planning an attack.

On July 6, 1946, Giorgi Mitrev-Gunush, a courier from the village Pochep, arrived at Pochepska forest in the “Kusa and Dolga Livada” locality around 8 o’clock in the morning panting and drenched in sweat from having to run through an enemy ring to get there. 63 According Giorgi Mitrev-Gunush, an enemy unit composed of about 600 well-armed soldiers, together with armed gangs from the village Dragomantsi, was approaching the Pochepska forest. 64

Risto Kordalov, Risto Bukovalov and Captain Katsonis, leading the two partisan detachments, immediately started an investigation. It was determined that precautions needed to be taken. But since no one from the nearby villages of Vlkoianevo, Teovo, Lukovets, or Krontselevo had reported enemy movements on that ground they came to the conclusion that these may have been armed Dragomans who often patrolled that area. However, in any case, the unit leaders decided to take precautionary measures.

The fighters agreed that in case they had to retreat, they should go through “Staro Vlkoianevo”. They also agreed that both units should get involved if a firefight broke out and that Risto Kordalov and his group of fighters should protect the NOF and CPG personnel from the rear. They were still preparing their defense plan when they were suddenly surprised to find the enemy in front of them. The fighters immediately opened fire.

Aside from the 60 armed partisans there were an additional 30 NOF political leaders and staffers in the group. Some of the newly arrived

62 Vangel Aianovski-Oche, Aegean Iovanka Orleanka. Memories..., August 9, p. 15. 63 Giorgi Mitrev-Gunush was sent to the camp by Tashko Mamurovski-Iskrata, also born in the village Pochep; CPG activist in Voden Region. Member of the NOF Regional Board for Ostrovsko, NOF AKE secretary. 64 According to Risto Bukovalov-Zhukov’s recollection... 34 partisans, including several communists from Voden, weren’t yet armed. The firefight was fierce. After a three-hour bloody skirmish the enemy closed the encirclement even more. As a result a dozen or so fighters were forced to withdraw from their defensive position. The enemy took advantage of that and, after regrouping, stormed the camp. During this critical moment some of the NOF and CPG staffers, led by Mirka Ginova, took a different direction instead of following the path to Staro Vlkoianevo, as was previously agreed. For some unknown reason, they went in a completely different direction and fell into the hands of the Monarcho-Fascist gendarmes.

A short time later, Captain Katsonis with his group of fighters left their position and joined Risto Bukovalov and his fighters. After the camp was taken by the enemy and the ring around them kept tightening, the partisans were sure they would be captured alive so they decided to break through and fight their way to the hills located between “Kusa and Dolga Livada”. And so they did. Fortunately, the hills were free of enemy soldiers and they were able to take up new positions. 65 Before dark, Bukovalov and Katsonis sent Toli, one of their fighters, to Vlkoianevo to find out from his fellow villagers what had happened in the area. When he returned he brought tragic news. Toli informed his comrades that the Monarcho-Fascists had captured Mirka Ginova during the battle at Pochepska forest. Along with Mirka they had also captured Tome Mihailov, a NOF regional activist from the village Gugovo; Dimitar Limbov, a NOF regional activist from the village Vladovo; Giorgi Proiov, a NOF regional activist from Voden; Petre Popdimitrov-Direkot, a NOF regional activist from Voden; Risto Stoianov, a NOF regional activist from the village Messimer; Georgios Mustakidis, a CPG activist in Voden Region from the village Karasinantsi, Gumendzhe Region; his wife Chrisula, a member of the CPG District Committee for Meglen Region (Karadzhova) and the nurse Irina from Voden. 66

At this point Risto Bukovalov and Captain Katsonis took the 20 fighters or so that were with them and overnight left Vlkoiansko

65 According to Tashko Mamurovski-Iskrata and Risto Bukavalov-Zhukov’s recollections... 66 List of killed NOF and AFZH activists from Voden Region after the Varkiza Agreement was signed. “Aegean Macedonia in the National Liberation War, 1947”, T. IV. Macedonian Archive, Skopje, 1980, doc. 137, p. 428. 35 locality and moved to Kronzelsko locality, arriving at a place called “Momin Grob” at dawn. They spent the day there hiding and in the evening continued their journey to the NOF main base located at the so-called “Bunarot” (Well) in Rodivsko Place. Here they met up with their comrades Risto Kordalov, Vangel Shamardanov-Ilindenski, Giorgi Atanasov-Blazhe, Lazo Kamchev and about 20 fighters who had managed to break through enemy lines. 67

As for the group of NOF and CPG political leaders and staffers led by Mirka Ginova and Georgios Mustakidis, they withdrew from “Kusa and Dolga Livada” and, instead of following the path recommended by the NOF detachment, took a different direction to avoid the ambush and simply fell into the hands of the Monarcho-Fascists. Of those present only Mirka was armed with a pistol. After firing all her bullets, the Monarcho-Fascists stormed the group and captured everyone in a physical fight. Immediately after that the savage fascists began to harass everyone, especially Mirka.

After it was captured, the group was taken to a local monastery, located above the village Vlkoianevo, and imprisoned. The captives were held there as the Greek gendarmes quickly tried to find their identity. For that purpose they summoned some of their collaborators from the surrounding villages. After they found out they had the famous Mirka Ginova and several NOF leaders in their hands, they began to harass them in the most brutal way. They beat the prisoners with rifle butts and fists and pulled their hair. They wanted them to look pathetic when they paraded them through the streets of Voden. They wanted to convince the people in Voden and the surrounding villages that these people were miserable. Mirka, for example, was stripped of her clothes and dressed in rags. She was dragged by her hair through the streets exposing her to ridicule in front of the crowds. But instead of seeing what they were meant to see, the people saw the vicious Monarcho-Fascists demonstrate their brutality and great hatred. 68

67 According to Mitse Kukulev-Prilep’s recollections. Mitse Kukulev-Prilep was from the village Baovo, Voden Region. He participated in the National Liberation War and DAG. Also according to Risto Bukovalov-Zhukov’s recollections… 68 Hristo Andonovski, “The Rose That did not bloom”. Magazine “Macedonia”, Skopje, 1959, VII, no. 69, p. 16. 36 But that was only the beginning of what the captives were about to experience. Mirka herself was taken several times outside Voden, near the locality “Giavaliotsitsa”, buried in the ground up to her neck and then shot at with blanks. 69 While being tortured for three days and three nights, a motorcycle was continuously buzzing under Mirka’s cell window to block her screams as her tormentors put splinters under her nails, iron hoops around her head, hot eggs under her armpits and other beastly methods of torture that her Greek torturers invented. But no torture could break Mirka. She remained solid as granite until the end. 70

A few days later, on July 23, 1946, the prisoners were taken to Enidzhe Vardar where their trial by a military court was to take place. The court was going to use the newly passed law 509, which called for sentencing to death all those who propagated “secession of part of the homeland or engaging in subversive actions against the state” 71

The Greek reactionaries used the trial to prove to the Greek people and the world public in general that the seven NOF leaders being tried and NOF, the Macedonian National Liberation Movement in the Aegean part of Macedonia, belonged to an autonomous movement with alleged aims to separate Aegean Macedonia from Greece.

The trial took place behind closed doors inside the First Primary School in Enidzhe Vardar. No one except the military and gendarmes were present in the courtroom. We have no minutes or record of what went on inside. The only thing we do know is Mirka’s defense and what she said to the military court. Among other things, this is what she said:

“... I am a NOF leader. During the occupation I fought against the Germans and against the executioners Kalchev and Dimchev who attacked like thugs, especially against us Macedonians, in order to seduce us into the clutches of the fascist “Ohrana”. We fanatically fought against “Ohrana”, as we fought against the German occupier.

69 Vangel Aianovski-Oche, Aegean storms..., p. 220. 70 Ibid. 71 Hristo Andonovski, “Mirka Ginova, 25 years since her death”, July 27, p. 3. 37 NOF is not a military organization. It is a democratic political organization which struggles for equality for our people within the Greek state. We are fighting for freedom and democracy ...” 72

Mirka Ginova, together with her comrades Tome Mihailov, Dimitar Limbov, Giorgi Proiov, Petre Popdimitrov-Direkot, Risto Stoianov and Georgios Mustakidis-Aleko, was sentenced to death by firing squad. 73 Georgios Mustakidis’s wife, Chrisula and nurse Irina were sentenced to long prison terms. Three days after the verdict was reached, Mirka, together with the others, was taken to the Enidzhe Vardar cemetery and placed in front of a Monarcho-Fascist firing squad. Mirka greeted her death by singing the International anthem. 74

Mirka Ginova’s heroic stand and that of the others before the firing squad was even recognized by their opponent. A report written by Supreme Headquarters of the regular Greek army, among other things, said: “...The seven executed people cold-bloodedly interrupted the firing squad by refusing a blindfold. The greatest cold-bloodedness was demonstrated by the teacher Irini Gini (Mirka Ginova), who sang the International anthem and shouted slogans praising the Communist Party...” 75

72 V. Giorcevska, “Mirka Ginova died bravely”. Bright figures, our revolutionaries. Nova Makedonija, Skopje, 1970, July 26, XXVI, 8445, p. 14. Also see Vesnik, Ellinikos Voras, July 27, 1946. 73 Memorandum from the EAM District Committee to the UN, on the terror committed by the Monarcho-Fascist right in the Voden Region, Annex No. 4. List of Democratic Citizens Sentenced to Death and Executed by a Military Court in Enidzhe Vardar, Applying Extraordinary Security Measures in the Same District. “Aegean Macedonia in NOB, 1947 “, T. IV, Skopje, 1980, doc. 25, pp. 120-121. 74 On the occasion of the two-year anniversary of heroic Mirka Ginova’s death. Evdokia Baliova-Nikolova (Vera), AFZH Main Board Secretary for Aegean Macedonia, said the following in one of her articles: “...The immortal and celebrated Irina Ginova (Mirka) fearlessly raised her voice before her executioners and delivered a slap, the first slap on the face of Monarcho-Fascism.” “Down with fascism!”...” Vera Balova, “A stage for new and great victories over Monarcho-Fascism. They did not die; they will live among us forever.” “Nova Makedonka”, 1948, No. II, p. 7. AFZH Main Board for Aegean Macedonia Magazine. 75 Mirka Ginova. From the book “For the Holy People’s Freedom”. Bright figures, fallen national fighters. Political and literary publications. 1962, pp. 16-17. Also see Vesnik Ellinikos Voras, July 26, 1946. With their heroic stand before the Enidzhe Vardar military court, the NOF cadres, led by Mirka Ginova, and the CPG cadres, led by Georgios Mustakidis-Aleko, not only gave emphasis to the principles of the joint struggle against the Greek Monarcho-Fascists but also, with their common spilled blood, cemented the joint brotherhood and unity struggle of the Greek and Macedonian people.

Mirka Ginova’s death sentence, and that of the others, aroused great interest in the world public and received wide publicity in the world press.

The Associated Press reported the following the same day: “July 26. Solun. Early this morning, Irini Gini and her six comrades convicted of committing political crimes by the military court in Enidzhe Vardar were executed by firing squad. She is the first woman shot in Greece for political reasons. 76

Outraged by the brutal Monarcho-Fascist actions, many people from around the world wrote Free Greece Radio to express their thoughts, calling Mirka Ginova’s execution “Hitleric barbarism.” 77

But the most glittering testimony of Mirka’s heroic death came from an anonymous letter sent to her father by a military reporter from a Greek newspaper.

The anonymous author with the initial “M” wrote:

“Enidzhe Vardar July 26, 1946

Mr. Kosta,

At six o’clock this morning, sadly, Irini lost her life. My respects for your daughter who faced her end with a smile on her face singing courageously to the astonishment of everyone present. She was amazingly heroic and showed no fear in the face of death. It was the same for the other six but mostly for her. I’m not writing you to

76 Vangel Aianovski-Oche, “The Aegean Iovanka Orleanka”. Memories... August 5, p. 8. Also see Vesnik Ellinikos Voras, July 27, 1946. 77 Ibid. compliment your daughter but to tell you the truth as I witnessed it…” 78

Mirka Ginova gave her life for Macedonia’s and for the Macedonian people’s freedom. She suffered immensely but died a hero and that is why she will forever be remembered as a fighter and a legend and will remain in the hearts and minds of all Macedonians.

With her shed blood for Macedonia’s freedom Mirka Ginova became synonymous with a deserving national fighter and legend who crossed the borders of her homeland and even reached the United Nations. 79

In recognition of Mirka Ginova’s heroic death, Spilios, a Greek writer, wrote the following verses:

“For you, a laurel wreath has been knitted for centuries, and your modest songs invite to struggle! In cities, villages, their strength echoes... At your grave our fury will shine like a candle. You were a modest teacher in a school of harrow. But all of Greece today is learning from your teaching.” 80

Macedonian folk singers sang this song:

Gently Mirka fell asleep In the middle of the night they arrived at the Pochepski Mountains, the second company of commissars. at the Pochepski Mountains, their voices Mirka heard, down there in the meadows. Mirka woke up suddenly.

They arrived at dawn, alive Mirka they caught, wretched fascist spies, to Voden they took her, they fenced the place well, deeply Mirka they tortured, alive Mirka they caught. alive in the grave they put her. 81

78 As quoted by Hristo Andonovski, Mirka Ginova in Greek literature. Reviews, magazines on art, culture and social issues. Skopje, January 1959, I No. 5, p. 589. 79 Hristo Andonovski, Mirka Ginova. 25 years since her death. July 29, p. 3. 80 Hristo Andonovski, Mirka Ginova in Greek Literature... p. 589. 81 “The eagle flies high”. A collection of original revolutionary and lyrical folk songs from Aegean Macedonia. Collected and prepared for publication by Giorgi Mirka Ginova’s courage and heroism will serve many Macedonian generations in the future as a shining example of how the Macedonian people fought and died for their freedom.

Donevski. Cultural and Artistic Association “Gotse Delchev” - Skopje. Skopje, 1978, p. 66. ATANAS KOROVESHOV (1918-1945)

Atanas Koroveshov was one of NOF’s most prominent Macedonian fighters and activists from the Aegean part of Macedonia who gave up his life in the struggle for the Macedonian people’s national and social liberation. Atanas was born in 1918, in the village Smrdesh, Kostur Region. After completing his primary education in his native village, Atanas, or Naso as his friends used to call him, went into farming following in his father’s (Filip) footsteps.

In 1939 Naso was drafted into the Greek military and deployed to serve in a border unit.

So when the German-Italian and Bulgarian occupiers invaded Greece and Aegean Macedonia, Naso was prepared to fight them off. The moment the fascists occupied his homeland he joined a CPG resistance group that operated in Smrdesh. This group, consisting of Lambro Cholakov, Giorgi and Socrates Papaianov, Lambro Mitanov and others, was created before the Second World War started. Their aim was to develop a wide range of activities to fight against the occupiers. 82

In June 1941 the above-mentioned group of resistance fighters, from Atanas Koroveshov’s native village Smrdesh, together with other similar groups from nearby villages such as Dmbeni, Gabresh, Kosinets, Breznitsa, etc. organized a gathering to celebrate the 38th anniversary of the glorious 1903 Lokvata and Viniari battle. This battle took place during the Ilinden Uprising in 1903 where an unequal fight between the Macedonian insurgents and Ottoman army took place, during which 13 fighters from the village

82 This was according to Lambro Cholakov’s recollection. Lambro was from the village Smrdesh, Kostur Region. During the National Liberation War Lambro was Party leader of the “Lazo Trpovski” detachment, and later served as a member of the Political Committee of the Macedonians under Greece. From 1945 he served as secretary in the NOF District Board for the Kostur and Prespa Districts. From May 1947, he served in the NOF Main and Executive Boards. From January 1948 he served as a member of the NOF Central and Executive Council for Aegean Macedonia. From February 1949, he served as Chairman of the NOF District Board for Kostur Region. From March 1949, he served as a member of the Main Board and the Executive Council of NOF for Aegean Macedonia. He was also imprisoned by the Greeks and served in Greek prisons for more than 10 years. detachments died in battle. Some of these fighters were from the village Smrdesh. Speeches and wreaths were laid at the site where the insurgents were killed. 83

On July 1, 1941, the same resistance group from Smrdesh used another traditional village gathering to promote its resistance against the occupiers in the Kostur Region. This gathering was held every year at a place called “St. Vrach. Atanas took front stage during this occasion. 84

In the fall of 1941, Atanas accompanied his father’s flock of sheep and spent the winter in the vicinity of Larissa. The Koroveshov family owned property here and every year brought their flock to winter in this area.

Towards the end of 1941 and the beginning of 1942, the CPG began to intensify its activities in Larissa and the surrounding region and formed the first partisan groups. The Koroveshov family dairy farm facilities located at the foot of Mount Olympus served as basic strongholds to feed and accommodate the partisan groups. Atanas Koroveshov, together with Perikli Koroveshov, Todor Koroveshov, Micho Koroveshov and the other young people who stayed in the facilities that winter, regularly supplied the partisan groups with food, information, courier services, etc.

In the summer of 1942, Atanas returned to his native village and immediately joined the Smrdesh CPG village committee. 85 His main responsibility was to deal with military issues but at the same

83 “Lokvata” Viniari” and Lazo Poptraikov. From our historical past. Voice of the Aegeans, Skopje, June 2, 1951, II, No. 10, p. 2. Also according to Vasko Makrievski’s recollections. Vasko was from the village Smrdesh. He was a fighter and served in the “Lazo Trpovski” detachment. Later he served as secretary of the CPM Committee in the Macedonians from Greece First Strike Brigade and deputy political commissar in the same brigade. 84 According to Micho Karandzhovski’s recollections. Micho was from the village Smrdesh. He served as secretary of the EPON Youth Regional Committee in Korestata, Kostur Region. Later he served as Deputy Political Commissar of a detachment belonging to the Karaorman Battalion. 85 Naso Koroveshov. Our fallen fighters. Voice of the Aegeans, Skopje 1951, September 4, II, no. 14, p. 4. Also according to Lambro Cholakov and Vasko Makrievski’s recollections... time worked tirelessly to popularize the CPG village party organization and, together with the other members of the village committee, established close ties with the surrounding villages and the CPG District Organization. 86

In mid 1943, Atanas’s village organization began preparations to create an armed partisan detachment which was to include fighters from Smrdesh as well as from the surrounding villages.

In the second half of August 1942, Atanas Koroveshov, Lambro Cholakov, Risto Shamandurov, Vasil Makrievski, Pando Shiperkov, Todor Koroveshov, Micho Koroveshov, Perikli Koroveshov, Perikli Kovachevski, Miltiadi Kovachevski and Micho Galiovski joined the partisans. 87

In the fall of 1943, the “Lazo Trpovski” Detachment was created from the above-mentioned group of partisans and the other fighters from the surrounding villages who had also joined the partisans. Atanas Koroveshov participated in all the combat actions the “Lazo Trpovski” Detachment was involved in until it was disbanded. 88

In November-December 1943 when SNOF, the Macedonian anti-fascist organization for Kostur Region, was formed, members of the Greek CPG leadership appeared in Kostur Region and used their influence to systematically limit SNOF’s activities, believing that the Macedonian organization was a problem for them. This so-called problem was even discussed by the CPG leadership that led the SNOF organization in the village Smrdesh. Even though the SNOF village organization was an all Macedonian organization, the Greek CPG leadership and some SNOF leaders insisted that a Greek by nationality be appointed to lead the village organization. 89

86 Ibid. 87 According to the recollections of Micho Karandzhovski, Lambro Cholakov and Vasko Makrievski... 88 This was according to the recollections of Miltiadi Kovachevski, from the village Smrdesh who was an active participant in the National Liberation War and in DAG. Also according to the recollections of Vasko Makrievski, Lambro Cholakov and Micho Karandzhovski... 89 Ibid. It is worth mentioning at this point that the SNOF Macedonian village organizations in Kostur Region nearly replaced all EAM organizations. That was one of the main reasons why the CPG District leadership restricted SNOF’s growth. Also, the CPG leadership never missed an opportunity to belittle the SNOF Macedonian leaders, intimidating them (especially the most active members) and so on. 90

A resistance activist meeting was held in the village Smrdesh at the end of November 1943, amidst these political tensions. Included among the resistance activists who attended were Atanas Koroveshov, Lambro Cholakov, Pando Shiperkov, Vasil Makrievski (partisans from the “Lazo Trpovski” Detachment), Lambro Mitanov, Giorgi Papaianov, Socrati Paparonov, Vanketo Shamandurov and Micho Karandzhovski (CPG Regional Committee members). The meeting’s discussion focused mainly on the bad attitude the CPG senior leadership had taken towards the Macedonian CPG and SNOF activists and condemned the SNOF proposal to appoint a Greek as the head of the SNOF village organization in Smrdesh. Antonis Andonopoulos-Periklis, CPG District Committee secretary for Kostur District, was immediately alerted about the meeting which he deemed to be illegal even though he had been officially informed about it. In connection with that, the “Lazo Trpovski” Detachment fighters located at ELAS 28th Regiment Headquarters, members of the Smrdesh CPG Regional Committee, meeting participants, party members and so on who attended the meeting were reprimanded for participating in so-called illegal activities (not approved by the CPG leadership). 91 What happened here at this time was later used by the CPG District Committee secretary for Kostur District to “prove” that the Macedonians in Kostur Region weren’t reliable CPG allies.

In the spring of 1944, the “Lazo Trpovski” Detachment fighters were included in the “Vicho” Battalion, which was part of the 28th ELAS Regiment. Atanas Koroveshov was appointed commander of the first platoon of the second company in this battalion. 92 He took

90 Ibid. 91 Ibid. 92 Tanas Vrazhanski and Micho Karandzhovski, Smrdesh. Organizing Committee of the “First Meeting in Smrdesh”. Skopje, 1976, p. 13. Also according to the part in all the battles led by the “Vicho” Battalion on the fields and hills of Vicho. The most important activities that Atanas participated in, however, were the battles to disarm the counter bands, the attacks on German positions on the Bigla and Vicho mountains and the surrender and disarming of the Armenian units armed by the Germans and deployed along the Lerin - Korcha line. Atanas was well praised by his battalion commanders for his courage and determination. 93

But despite the sincere effort the ELAS Macedonian partisans demonstrated, by fighting jointly alongside the Greeks against the occupiers and domestic traitors, to prove that they desired the same common goals and equality with the Greeks in this part of Macedonia, the CPG and ELAS leaderships in Kostur Region continued to pursue a policy of suspicion and distrust. Greek disdain for the Macedonian people was felt in the daily life of the SNOF Macedonian fighters and in SNOF organizations. The Greeks particularly disliked the Macedonian partisans in ELAS for harbouring Macedonian patriotism, especially after it was encouraged by the Republic of Macedonia’s Macedonian units and parts of the Macedonian General Staff present in Koreshtata in April 1944. The desire for creating special Macedonian units in the Aegean part of Macedonia were inflamed during contacts with the Macedonian partisans from the Republic of Macedonia. Also, many Macedonian partisans in ELAS frequently inquired about the possibility of moving to the Republic of Macedonia’s partisan units, which later did take place. This happened during the time when the Republic of Macedonia’s partisan units made their way to Prespa and Karaorman. Several young people from the Vicho villages joined them. 94

recollections of Mincho Fotev, from Rupishta. From November 1944, Mincho was secretary of SKOJ in the First Strike Brigade of the Macedonians from Greece, and from April 1945 he was member of the organizational leadership, i.e. the immediate NOF leadership (Main Board) responsible for NOMS for Aegean Macedonia. After the Macedonian and Greek partisan units were unified, he was appointed member of the EPON Provincial Committee for Aegean Macedonia and Thrace Secretariat. At the Second NOF Congress, held in March 1949, he was appointed member of the NOF Executive Board and President of the NOMS Main Board for Aegean Macedonia. 93 Ibid. 94 Ibid. At the beginning of May 1944, in protest of the negative attitude of the CPG and ELAS towards the Macedonian national question, Atanas Koroveshov, along with a group of Macedonian partisans from the “Vicho” battalion, left ELAS and joined the Republic of Macedonia’s First Macedonian-Kosovo Strike Brigade stationed on Mount Karaorman. 95

The group of Macedonian partisans from Kostur Region which left ELAS was initially deployed in the first battalion of the First Macedonian-Kosovo Strike Brigade. Later, a special detachment was created with Atanas Koroveshov appointed as its commander. 96

In June 1944, another group of Macedonian partisans from Kostur Region joined the First Macedonian Strike Brigade. At the end of June 1944, a special battalion was created from the fighters from Kostur Region who were part of the First Macedonian Strike Brigade. Atanas Koroveshov was appointed commander of this battalion. This was the first large Macedonian partisan battalion exclusively composed of Macedonian fighters from Greek occupied Macedonia. 97 This battalion operated as part of the First Macedonian Assault Brigade until mid July 1944.

After an agreement was reached, in the second half of July 1944, between the CPG and CPM for the Macedonian battalion to go back to Greek occupied Macedonia, the fully armed battalion returned to

95 “Aegean Macedonia in the National Liberation War, 1944-1945”, TI Macedonian Archives, Skopje, 1971, doc. 108, pp. 122-123. Also according to Vasko Makrievski’s recollections... 96 According to the recollections of Evdokia Baliova (Foteva) - Vera, from the village D’mbeni, Kostur Region. Vera was appointed member of the SNOF District Committee for the Kostur Region and served as secretary of the Macedonian women in Kostur Region. From May 1944 she was appointed deputy political commissar of the First Macedonian-Kosovo Strike Brigade. From November of the same year she was appointed Deputy Political Commissioner of the Second Company in the IV Battalion of the First Strike Brigade of the Macedonians from Greece. From July 1945 she was appointed Secretary of the NOF District Board for Sorovich-Kailari District. She was appointed AFZH secretary for Lerin Region for a year, and from November of that year she was appointed AFZH secretary for Aegean Macedonia. From 1949 she was appointed vice-president of the Greek Women’s Union of Greece. 97 According to Vasko Makrievski and Evdokia Baliova-Vera’s recollections. 47 the ranks of ELAS. 98 After the fighters arrived at Vicho, the Macedonian population gave them an enthusiastic welcome and many young people voluntarily began to join them.

The Macedonian battalion was reorganized on August 2, 1944, in the village Pozdivishta, Kostur Region, and was named “Gotse”. A battalion headquarters was created and leaders and staff were appointed. The leading composition consisted of Atanas Koroveshov appointed Commander, Ilia Dimovski-Gotse 99 appointed Capetanios 100 and Risto Kolentsev-Kokinos appointed political commissar. However, this composition didn’t last long. A few days later a new composition was created. Dimitar Tupurkovski was appointed Battalion Chief, Ilia Dimovski-Gotse was appointed Commander, Risto Kolentsev-Kokinos was appointed Political Commissar and Atanas Koroveshov remained a member of the Staff. 101

Despite the agreement reached between the CPG and CPM to return the Macedonian battalion (later named Gotse) to active duty back in

98 This was according to a letter, dated July 30, 1944, from Blagoia Taleski, Secretary of the CPM Second Regional Committee, sent to the CPM Central Committee’s power of attorney in Skopje. Sources for the liberation war and the revolution in Macedonia 1941-1944. T. I, book 5. INI, Skopje, 1975, doc. 26, p. 102. 99 Ilia Dimovski-Gotse was born in the village Statitsa, Kostur Region. During the National Liberation War he was among the first to join the partisans and lead the resistance movement. In October 1944, he was appointed leader of the Lerin-Kostur battalion “Gotse”. After the disagreement with the CPG and ELAS, he moved to the Republic of Macedonia where he was appointed commander of the First Strike Brigade of the Macedonians from Greece after it was created. He was also commander of a large DAG unit in the Greek Civil War. He died in Skopje in June 1961. 100 Capetanios is a Greek word which in the Greek ELAS military structure meant political commissar of a given unit. 101 According to the recollections of Urania Iurukova-Pirovska, from the village Izglibe, Kostur Region. During the National Liberation War Urania served as regional activist of EPON, the youth organization for Popole, Kostur Region, and then served as a fighter in the battalion “Gotse” and the First Strike Brigade of the Macedonians from Greece. She joined NOF-AFZH in August 1945 and worked as a regional and district activist, i.e. member of the AFZH Main Board for Aegean Macedonia. Later she served as a member of the Organizing Committee and in the leadership of KOEM. Also according to the recollections of Evdokia Baliova-Vera, Vasko Makrievski and Mincho Fotev... Greek occupied Macedonia, the CPG and ELAS leaderships in Kostur and Lerin Regions sought to disband it at all costs. At first the CPG and ELAS leaderships demanded that all fighters who had left and returned, sign a document that:

1. Condemns all Macedonian partisans who left Greek occupied Macedonia and joined the units that belonged to the Republic of Macedonia.

2. Prohibits all Macedonian fighters from wearing scarves with the five-pointed red star around their necks.