Andreas Demitriou: E.O.K.A. Hero

Early Life and Patriotism

Andreas Demitriou was born in the village of Agios Mamas in the Limassol district, during British colonial rule. He grew up in a time of growing Greek Cypriot nationalism.

Many Cypriots wanted enosis (union with Greece). Demitriou joined E.O.K.A. (National Organization of Cypriot Fighters) as a young man.

Demitriou was distinguished for his hard work, initiative and conscientiousness working at the time as a Secretary of the Porters’ Guild of the Greek Orthodox Church in Famagusta.

A Mind Always Plotting Action

Andreas Demitriou never stopped planning operations. Constantly he devised bold moves to strike against British rule. His most famous mission involved raiding British military supplies.

One of the first to join the EOKA force and acted with the Famagusta groups, expanding his participation to the executive branch.

The Famagusta Arms Heist

In early December 1955, British ships unloaded weapons at Famagusta port. Demitriou led a team to seize the arms before soldiers could store them.

They successfully stole the shipment and distributed the guns to guerrilla units. Until then, most fighters only had old hunting rifles.

The legendary E.O.K.A. leader, Digenis, praised this daring operation.

The Failed Attack on Agent Taylor

Andreas Demitriou later targeted a British intelligence officer named Taylor. He ambushed and shot Taylor but failed to kill him. Armed guards rushed to the scene.

Demitriou aimed at them, but his gun jammed. The soldiers shot him and took him prisoner.

Trial and Execution

A military court sentenced Demitriou to death. On May 10, 1956, the British hanged him alongside fellow fighter Michalakis Karaolis. They were the first E.O.K.A. members executed in the struggle.

A Hero Remembered

Cyprus still honors Demitriou’s fearless spirit. His bold raids and sacrifice fueled the fight for freedom. Demitrious name lives on as a symbol of resistance.

Fighting for Freedom

E.O.K.A. launched a guerrilla war against British forces in 1955 with Demitriou taking part in sabotage operations. He targeted British military bases and government buildings.

The British considered him a terrorist. Cypriots saw him as a freedom fighter.

Arrest and Death Sentence

British forces captured Demitriou in early 1956. A military court quickly tried him. The judges found him guilty of armed rebellion. They sentenced him to death by hanging.

Many protested the verdict, but the British refused to show mercy.

Execution and Martyrdom

On May 10, 1956, British authorities executed Demitriou in Nicosia Prison. At the age of 22 years old Andreas Demitrious death shocked Cyprus. Thousands mourned him as a martyr.

His hanging fueled more resistance against British rule.

Legacy of a National Hero

After Cyprus gained independence in 1960, people honored Demitriou as a hero. Schools, streets, and monuments now carry his name.

His sacrifice symbolizes the struggle for Cypriot freedom.

The hero’s bravery still inspires pride. His story reminds Cyprus of its fight for self-determination. He remains a symbol of courage and defiance.

Andreas Dimitriou last words to his mother, a few hours before his hanging

My only regret is that I will not live to see our Cyprus free ”

His Mom Respoded

Good luck, my son, and have courage until the end”.

The E.O.K.A. Oth

I swear in the name of the Holy Trinity that:

I shall work with all my power for the liberation of Cyprus from the British yoke, sacrificing for this even my life.

I shall perform without question all the instructions of the organisation which may be entrusted to me and I shall not bring any objection, however difficult and dangerous these may be.

I shall not abandon the struggle unless I receive instructions from the leader of the organisation and after our aim has been accomplished.

I shall never reveal to anyone any secret of our organisation neither the names of my chiefs nor those of the other members of the organization even if I am caught and tortured.

I shall not reveal any of the instructions which may be given me even to my fellow combatants.

If I disobey my oath I shall be worthy of every punishment as a traitor and may eternal contempt cover me.

Signed

EOKA