The Battle of Crete

On 20^th May 1941, hundreds of German transport planes began dropping thousands of members of the 7^th German Paratroop Division. The operation codenamed "MERKUR" ("HERMES") had begun. Intense fighting broke out at Maleme, Chania, Rethymnon and Heraklion, where the enemy concentrated their efforts. Alongside Greek and Allied forces, hundreds of Cretan civilians - both men and women - clashed with the invaders, armed with anything that could serve as a weapon. Losses among the paratroopers were enormous, particularly on the first day, and very few of their aims were achieved, despite constant mass support from the Luftwaffe.

The battle was decided on the 22^nd 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 26^th 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 1^st June the last British ships sailed out of Cretan waters, bearing as many soldiers as they could.The Battle of Crete was over.