Operation Hermes

On 25^th April, before the occupation of mainland Greece was even complete, the German High Command issued orders for the taking of Crete. The chosen targets were the three largest towns on the island - Chania, Rethymnon and Heraklion - and the airfield at Maleme. The first phase of the operation anticipated the taking of an airfield, where aeroplanes bearing reinforcements could then land. Spearheading the attack was the 7^th Paratroop Division, which was to be backed up by the 5^th Alpine Division so as to ensure that aeroplanes could land on the island. The enemy forces stood at about 23,000 men in total.

Transport and backup for these forces was secured by approximately 700 transporters and 600 warplanes - bombers, fighters and reconnaissance aircraft.