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George GrivasHead of the EOKA organization, General of the Greek Army
Country:
 Greece |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- World War II and Resistance
- EOKA and the Struggle for Independence
- Cyprus Independence
- Post-Independence
- EOKA-B and Attempted Coup
- Death and Legacy
Early Life and Education
In May 1897 (or 1898 according to some sources), Georgios Grivas was born in Trikomo to a large family. After graduating from Pancyprian Gymnasium in Nicosia in 1915, he moved to Athens to attend the military academy.
World War II and Resistance
During World War II, Grivas participated in underground resistance efforts, leading the Organization Hi.
EOKA and the Struggle for Independence
In November 1954, Grivas returned to Cyprus under the alias "Digenis" and established the nationalist organization EOKA in 1955. EOKA fought for the island's independence from Great Britain and its reunification with Greece.
Cyprus Independence
In 1959, Great Britain granted independence to Cyprus as of 1960, though it retained military bases at Akrotiri and Dekelia. However, efforts to achieve unification with Greece remained unsuccessful.
Post-Independence
Grivas left Cyprus again for Greece. In the 1960s, he returned briefly several times, leading his units against Turkish Cypriot groups.
EOKA-B and Attempted Coup
In 1971, Grivas returned to Cyprus and headed the EOKA-B organization, which aimed to overthrow President Archbishop Makarios, a former ally against British rule but a supporter of an independent Cyprus.
Death and Legacy
Georgios Grivas died on January 27, 1974, at his home in Limassol. Six months after his death, Archbishop Makarios was overthrown with the aid of the Greek military junta. However, Makarios III later returned to office. The coup also led to a partial occupation of Cyprus by Turkey and the division of the island, resulting in the forced displacement of both Turkish and Greek Cypriots.
