Nikos Karantonis

He was born in the town of Trikomo¹, in the province of Famagusta, in 1934.

He was killed on October 24, 1958 in his hometown, by a mine explosion.

Nikos Karantonis finished elementary school and studied for two years at Trikomo High School. He was forced to interrupt his studies and worked as an oil painter, to help his mother financially, because his father died. He joined EOKA on the same day as his friend Giannis Styllis. He took part in various ambushes against the English. He made mines, grenades and accompanied rebels.

On October 20, 1958, together with Giannis Styllis and other fellow fighters, they had placed a mine on the road between the police station, which was located in Perivolia of Trikomou², where there was an army. Their target was the police car transporting Englishmen from one station to another. For three consecutive days they placed the mine on the road, without achieving their goal. It was a pressure mine, very strong, manufactured on site. They lifted it every time and the next day they put it back.

On October 24, 1958, she was installed again. His competitor Giannis Styllis thought of placing a large stone on the opposite side of the road, to force the military vehicle they were expecting to swerve and pass over the mine. In his attempt, however, she stepped on the mine, which exploded, killing him instantly and critically injuring Nikos. Nikos, according to his fellow competitors, realized the danger Giannis was running to step on the mine and reached out his hand to pull him back. He died the next day in the Famagusta Hospital from a land mine projectile that pierced his heart.