On October 4, 1912, Crown Prince Constantine, Commander-in-Chief of the Army of Thessaly, ordered the start of military operations against the Ottoman forces. The Greek army, centered in Thessaly, began its advance towards the regions of Epirus and Western Macedonia in the early hours of October 5. The 1st and 4th Evzones Battalions, under the command of Colonel Stephanos Gennadis’, started from the village of Koniskos in Kalambaka and advanced further north to the village of Foteino, where they captured the Ottoman outposts located there. In accordance with the orders issued by the General Headquarters of the Army of Thessaly, the Gennadis’ Detachment commenced its movement from Foteino to Descati on the morning of October 6. At the same time, the detachment's forces were reinforced by those of the Cavalry Brigade, which included the 1st and 3rd Cavalry Regiments. The Cavalry Brigade commenced its advance towards Descati, departing from the village of Verdikousa.

As the Gennadis’ Detachment advanced towards Descati, they encountered opposition from Ottoman forces that had established a defensive position on Tretimos Height. In the subsequent engagement, the Gennadis’ Evzones Battalion overpowered the Ottoman forces, compelling them to retreat. The Greek casualties in the conflict amounted to 19 dead and wounded. In addition to the actions of Gennadi's Detachment, the Cavalry Brigade, following the Pretori–Sykia–Descati route, conducted reconnaissance operations in the wider area. Following the battle at Tretimos Height, the Gennadis’ Detachment entered Descati, where it was greeted with great enthusiasm by the inhabitants.

In accordance with the latest directives from the General Headquarters of the Army of Thessaly, the Gennadis’ Detachment and the Cavalry Brigade were instructed to maintain their position in Descati until October 8th. During this period, their objective was to undertake a series of supportive operations within the region, including the opening of the Sarandaporo Pass and the provision of assistance to the Army of Thessaly in its endeavour to capture Servia of Kozani.