The initial success of the Greek guerrillas against the occupation forces in 1943 were brought to an abrupt halt when the German 1st Mountain Division moved from Serbia into Greece and Albania in June to bolster the Italian effort. The guerrillas, with ample warning, planned a heavy blow against the new enemy before they could establish themselves in an occupation role. The guerrilla’s operation was to be launched as the mountain troops moved south through the village of Leskovic, high in the mountains along the Greek-Albanian frontier. The guerrillas cleared the village of all inhabitants, then placed their own men in position in the buildings along the main street. A large force of guerrillas would then emerge from hiding places in the hills to complete the destruction of the ambushed Germans. But instead of marching blindly into the village, the Germans first enveloped it from either flank and a number of guerrillas opened fire prematurely.
