European Troops on Crete

In order to guarantee peace and order on the one hand, and to maintain the delicate balances in European diplomacy on the other, European military missions were stationed by prefecture. The Italians assumed responsibility for Chania, the Russians for Rethymnon, the British for Heraklion and the French for Lassithi.

In the town of Heraklion, British troops were barracked on and around the Venetian walls. A military hospital was set up, and the soldiers often organized sports activities, initiating the locals into popular European sports such as football. The officers mingled with the town's elite, and regimental bands frequently entertained the local population in Prince's Square (the present-day Eleftherias Square).

The presence of foreign troops was considered superfluous following the establishment of the Cretan Civil Guard. Large numbers of forces departed in 1907, and in July 1909 the last European soldiers left Crete.