Charalambos Katsimitros

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Charalambos Katsimitros (Greek: Χαράλαμπος Κατσιμήτρος, 1886 in Kleitsos, Evrytania - 1962 in Athens) was a Greek general who distinguished himself during the Italian invasion of Greece.

[edit] Early life and career

He entered the Army in 1904, participated in the Balkan Wars and fought in the Macedonian Front during the First World War. He took part and was wounded in the Asia Minor Campaign. During the following years he was promoted to senior staff positions within the Army Ministry. In 1937 he was promoted to Major General and in 1938 put in command of the 8th Infantry Division of Epirus. After Albania was occupied by Italy in the spring of 1939, he made great efforts to prepare for a possible Italian invasion via Albania, by constructing fortifications and familiarizing his men with the harsh local terrain.

[edit] Greco-Italian war

On the outbreak of the war, his unit was fully mobilized, reinforced with an additional regiment, and deployed to meet the Italians. He took the decision to organize forward defense and hold the Elaia (Kalpaki) position, despite opposite instructions from the General Staff, and succeeded in defending it against repeated attacks until November 9. In this way he managed to contain the Italian offensive in the Epirus sector, and bought valuable time for the Greek reinforcements to arrive. When the Greek counter-offensive began, he led his division into Albania, after forcing the pass of Kakavia. After the German attack on Greece began, he retreated with the rest of the Army of Epirus, and the capitulation found him in Ioannina.

[edit] Collaboration and post-war career

Along with other prominent 'Albanian' generals, he became a member of the first collaboration government of General Georgios Tsolakoglou. In 1946 he was promoted to Lieutenant General. General Katsimitros died in Athens in February 1962.