To these were later added two battalions of Cretans, as well as the volunteer "Garibaldini" legion. On , these forces formed the Epirus Division (Μεραρχία Ηπείρου), renamed in February 1913 as the 8th Infantry Division (VIII Μεραρχία). In early December, the Army of Epirus was reinforced with the 2nd Infantry Division, followed on 27 December by the 4th Division, by mid-January by the 6th Division and the 7th Infantry Regiment. In preparation for the Battle of Bizani, the Crown Prince brought in additional troops and artillery, while a Mixed Brigade was formed to attack the fortifications of Ioannina from the northeastern flank.