Kozani: Allied paratroopers' sacrifice in 1944

On October 27, 1944, British and New Zealand paratroopers from the 4th Battalion, 2nd Parachute Brigade, were killed near Prophet Elias hill in Kozani, Greece. The soldiers were detected by German forces while attempting to execute a plan to intercept the retreating German rear guard.

The deaths of paratroopers Bowser, Man, Oatt, Phillips, Bowrer, Cresswell, and Teede, along with the subsequent death of Major Dennis of the Allied Commando Mission, had a significant impact on the local area. The German forces, fearing a large-scale attack following these events, abandoned their machine-gun post at Prophet Elias and accelerated their withdrawal. This led to the liberation of Kozani on October 28, 1944.

A commemorative plaque was placed at the Temple of Prophet Elias after the war to honor the sacrifice of the paratroopers.