The battle was decided on the 22nd of the month, when the enemy succeeded in gaining control of the airfield at Maleme. German transport planes could then land one after the other, bringing reinforcements and all kinds of supplies to the beleaguered paratroopers. The battles continued with unremitting intensity, but it became obvious that conquest of the island was inevitable.
On 26th May General Freyberg, Commander of the Allied Forces, received authorization from Allied Headquarters to evacuate his forces from the island. The British units abandoned their positions and, covered by a rearguard, moved to evacuation points. At 3.00am on 1st June the last British ships sailed out of Cretan waters, bearing as many soldiers as they could.The Battle of Crete was over.