Early Life and Background

Nikos Karantonis was born in 1934 in the town of Trikomo, part of the Famagusta province. He completed his elementary education and pursued studies at Trikomo High School for two years. The death of his father, however, forced him to abandon his academics. To help his mother financially, he began working as an oil painter.

Commitment to the EOKA Cause

Karantonis demonstrated his dedication to the liberation movement by joining EOKA on the very same day as his friend, Giannis Styllis. As an active member, he took part in numerous ambushes against the English forces. His contributions to the resistance extended beyond combat. He applied his skills to manufacturing mines and grenades and frequently accompanied rebel fighters on their missions.

The Final Operation

On October 20, 1958, Karantonis, Giannis Styllis, and other fighters initiated a critical operation. Their mission was to target a police car that regularly transported English personnel. The team placed a powerful, handmade mine on the road between Trikomo police station and its auxiliary post in Perivolia.

This operation stretched over several days. For three consecutive days, the team laid the mine on the road. Each time it failed to strike the intended target. Each evening, they carefully retrieved the device, only to return and position it again the next day.

A Tragic Accident

On October 24, the team returned to the road between the Trikomo police station and its auxiliary post to install the pressure mine for what would be the final time. As they prepared, his comrade, Giannis Styllis, noticed a large stone and formulated a new plan to ensure their success.

A Fatal Misstep

Styllis decided to move the stone to the opposite side of the road. His intention was to create an obstruction that would force any oncoming military vehicle to swerve and pass directly over the concealed explosive. However, in the process of positioning the stone, Styllis accidentally stepped on the mine himself.

The Aftermath and a Hero’s Death

The mine detonated instantly, killing Giannis Styllis and critically injuring Nikos Karantonis, who was standing nearby. According to the accounts of fellow fighters, Karantonis had perceived the danger at the very last moment and had reached out his hand in a desperate, futile attempt to pull Styllis away from the mine. Severely wounded by a mine projectile that pierced his heart, Nikos Karantonis was transported to Famagusta Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries the following day.