The resistance action against the Axis

A certain harmonisation of these two organisations' activities (ELAS, EDES) took place during 1942. On the initiative of the British executive committee of military operations, which sent agents to Greece for the planning of sabotage operations against the German forces, the two organisations showed willingness to cooperate in a joint enterprise for the subversion of the Athens-Salonica railway line in autumn 1942. This railway line had been repeatedly used by the German forces for the transfer of reinforcements and equipments to north Africa, and for the support of General Rommel's army there.

The operation, code-named Harling, entailed a joint action by the British agents and the Greek resistance organisations for blowing up the bridge of Gorgopotamos (central Greece). In spite of the initial hesitations of the ELAS leadership for the value of such an operation, the successful execution of the plan on 15 November 1942 caused enthusiasm and ignited hopes for the escalation of joint action by the Greek resistance organisations against the Axis forces.