First Sappers Battalion (First Special Privates Battalion, A ETO)

Military unit created in the First Army Corps after a decision was taken not to remove citizens with “suspect political beliefs” from the army’s ranks but instead to assign them to units comprised of “undesirables”. From the outset, the First Battalion consisted of soldiers who refused to sign a repentance declaration upon arrival at Makronissos. Over time, many of those persisting in their refusal landed in this battalion, which became known as the “red battalion” or the “Democratic Army of Makronissos”. Conditions changed after the massacre of 29 February–1 March 1948. After its operation at Makronissos, the unit was renamed the First Special Privates Battalion (A ETO).