In 1914 he proclaimed the Autonomy of his native town, Himarra, and joined the autonomist struggle of Northern Epirus against its inclusion within the newly established Principality of Albania.

Spyromilios had been a member of the Ethniki Etaireia nationalist organization prior to the war and upon its outbreak, was placed as the head of its volunteer corps.

Spyromilios, who had now held the rank of Lieutenant, entered the service of the Hellenic Macedonian Committee and began his work with the Greek Consulate General of Thessaloniki in 1904.

He and the group of Cretans which he had recruited, began operation in the Kilkis regional unit, however, in the early days of 1905 he would return to Greece with other officers to reorganize their armed bands.

He was forced to go to Thessaloniki to be treated and remained there for 4 months while the majority of his men joined the band of Emmanuel Katsigaris [bg].

By December, he was able to maintain command of local volunteer detachments and repulsed various Albanian attacks to consolidate Greek rule.

He asked for the permission of Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos to move north and recapture Avlona, however, his request was denied to prevent strained relations with the Kingdom of Italy.

Himarra would become part of the Autonomous Republic of Northern Epirus, proclaimed on February 28 in Argyrokastro, and recognized on May 17 by the Protocol of Corfu.