Christos F. “Kapetan Kapsalis” Prantounas

In memoriam

Cavalry officer; first Greek officer killed during the Macedonian Struggle while fighting as an irregular (under the nom de guerre "Kapetan Kapsalis") against Bulgar komitadjis. Son of Magistrate Frankiskos Prantounas, from Naxos. Christos was named in memory of the hero of 1821 Greek War of Independence Christos Kapsalis, grandfather of his mother, who was from Messolongi. In 1892 he enrolled in the Medical School of Athens University, but left in 1897, enlisted in the army, fought in the Greco-Turkish war of that year, and was decorated. In 1898 he was inducted in the Military Academy as first entrant. He graduated in 1901 as a cornet (cavalry 2nd lieutenant). Placed in Larissa until 1905, when he was transferred to Athens. Invited by Countess Riencourt to a reception, he met Lieutenant Zymbrakakis, who gave him the idea to set up an armed group to fight against the Bulgarians in Macedonia. He appeared at the region of Giannitsà towards the end of 1905 posing as a doctor and formed a group of Greek volunteers. He became leader of the forces of the region Gevgelija - Dojran. He was named "Captain Kapsalis” honouring his legendary ancestor and began armed action against the komitadji guerrillas. In April 1906 he planned to travel to Athens to visit his relatives. Along with his men he embarked on boats on the lake of Giannitsa to go to the town, and from there to go to Athens. But the Bulgarians, informed of this, ambushed them on the lake and attacked with superior forces. In the battle he lost his life. His funeral took place the next day in a church near the lake of Giannitsa. In 1935 his remains were reinterred in the First Cemetery of Athens.

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