The Eagle of Pentadaktylos
Georgios Katsanis stands as one of the most revered figures of the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus. A commander of rare courage, he fell in battle but remained missing for 46 years, his fate unknown until the repatriation of his remains in 2020. His story is one of unwavering duty, sacrifice, and a legacy that now endures in both Greece and Cyprus.
Early Life and Military Career
Born in Sidirokastro, Serres, in 1934 to refugee parents from Eastern Thrace, Georgios Katsanis exhibited discipline and excellence from a young age. He joined the athletics department of GS Iraklis in Thessaloniki, distinguishing himself in sprints and the long jump . In 1952, he entered the Hellenic Military Academy (Evelpidon), and by 1956, he had joined the elite Commando Corps, training as a parachutist, climber, and skier . This rigorous background forged him into a natural leader.
The 1974 Invasion and the Battle for Kyrenia
In 1973, with the rank of Major, Katsanis transferred to Cyprus to take command of the 33rd Commando Battalion . When Turkey launched its invasion on July 20, 1974, his unit moved to confront the enemy in the Kyrenia Mountains. The critical battle occurred on the night of July 20th at Kotza Kaya hill, near Saint Hilarion Castle. Katsanis led his men in a fierce assault against Turkish paratroopers, successfully capturing the strategic position .
However, by the morning of July 21, facing relentless counterattacks and a critical shortage of ammunition, the Greek forces had to withdraw. During this retreat, a Turkish sniper fatally struck Major Katsanis . His soldiers could not recover his body under the heavy enemy fire, and he was subsequently listed as missing in action.
Legacy: The Eagle of Pentadaktylos
For 46 years, his fate remained a painful mystery for his family and nation. Finally, in 2020, authorities identified his remains from a mass grave in the occupied territories and repatriated them to Greece with full honours . The state posthumously promoted him to Lieutenant General.
Today, monuments honour his memory across Greece and Cyprus. A bust stands in his hometown of Sidirokastro, and the “Katsaneio” indoor gym in Thessaloniki bears his name . The Municipality of Strovolos in Nicosia also dedicated a park to him . Known to his men as the “eagle of Pentadaktylos,” a nickname reflecting the majestic mountain range where he fought, his sacrifice remains a timeless symbol of the bond between Greece and Cyprus .
