Proshov Koljo (Gjoro)
Koljo Proshov was born in the village Bahovo, Karadzhovsko in 1921
to a poor village family.
In the years of the German occupation Gjoro and the whole of Bahovo's
youth were organized into EPON. Later he joined the CPG and ELAS and
rose to the rank of leading commander. After the Varkiza agreement,
Gjoro was followed by the monarcho-fascist forces and from the start
of 1946 he was with the groups of escaped fighters in Kajmachkalan mountain.
After the formation of the CPG Gjoro was in all areas of Greece -
in Kajmachkalan, Pajak, Vermion, Vich, Hasja, Olimp, Kozjak, Agrafa
and elsewhere. He was a leading fighter of DAG and everyone respected
him - Greeks and Macedonians.
In the southern areas of Greece he served as company commander. In
this post he joined battles against the enemy where he showed strength,
wisdom, tactical understanding and capabilities as a commander. With
the tests of army, with his constant participation in the military operations,
from the time of ELAS, he became an experienced fighter, capable of
leading into battle and commanding a whole company.
Gjoro was a commander in the southern areas of Greece, where I met
him. He distinguished himself with his modesty and single mindedness,
with the easy way he gained new territory and conditions. He distinguished
himself with the speed and cool headedness with which he operated, his
bravery which he expressed with the greatest military capability of
his unit. For all of that, Gjoro was respected and from the most senior
commanders and by those who fought alongside him. The missions given
to his company were mostly very serious because his capabilities were
trusted.
Gjoro took part in the operations in the area Agrafa-Kardica in the
spring of 1947, in the operations of Smokovo-Bulgara-Furna, in the battles
around Karpenisi. He took part in the attack operations of the Thessaly
headquarters of DAG in the summer of 1947 in the area of Rovaljari-Furna.
His company distinguished itself in operations against the enemy line
in Aj-Lija of Paljohori (region of Kardica). It attacked from the peak
of Maroa and after the terrible battle along with other military units
they took back the point from the enemy unit. They got more than 110
captives and trophies of all of the weapons and other materials.
He took part in many local battles in the region of Agrafa. In the
locality "Tria sinora" on Smokovo, in May 1947 Gjoro's company
launched an attack on an entire enemy battalion. The company not only
held its own position and in doing so completed its mission, but then
also carried out a counter attack and pushed out the enemy military
units. Gjoro's hand was wounded in that battle. But he treated the wound
as a most minor thing. He tied his hand a little and because he could
still walk he continued to lead the battle and to command the company.
It was only at night when the military units were resting that we noticed
that Gjoro had been wounded.
Gjoro's company, which was comprised mostly of Macedonians, during
rest times was often in contact with local Thessaly units. Gjoro by
nature was serious and spoke little and here he was at the head of his
fighters. Often in Vulgara (Agrafa) in the evenings around the fires,
Greek and Macedonian fighters would dance arm in arm; sometimes "Eleno
Mome," other times "Sirto" and later sing Macedonian
and then Greek songs and joke. Even in these moments Gjoro was not found
wanting and played the main role.
During operations in the difficult moments, Gjoro encouraged the fighters
with his optimism and was an endless source of bravery and endurance,
of fighting spirit.
In the face of Gjoro and the other brave and outstanding Macedonian
fighters, the fighters of DAG from southern Greece recognized the heroic
traditions of the Macedonian people. In the flame of general battle
indestructible bonds and a great respect were formed between the Macedonian
and Greek fighters. And Gjoro with his example was one of the first
workers creating those brotherly relationships.
He was promoted to the rank of major because of his military capabilities.
As a major he took part in the battle on Bikovik - Vich in November
1948. He fought bravely as always and died a hero.
Gjoro became a hero in the struggle of the Macedonian and Greek people
for their liberation and he remains forever a sacred example of a military
fighter in the memories of all of his military comrades - Macedonians
and Greeks.
V Venetsanopulos
From: For Sacred National Freedom: Portraits Of Fallen Freedom
Fighters
© 2009
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For Sacred National Freedom: Portraits Of Fallen Freedom Fighters