ANZAC Boys

During the first part of 1941, Allied forces had been defeated in Greece and many had retreated to Crete. In their haste, the allies had been forced to leave much of their heavy equipment behind, leaving them lightly armed for the inevitable German assault. On the night of …

1941-05-27

AP161

During the first part of 1941, Allied forces had been defeated in Greece and many had retreated to Crete. In their haste, the allies had been forced to leave much of their heavy equipment behind, leaving them lightly armed for the inevitable German assault. On the night of 20 May, the Germans unleashed their ambitious plan, Operation MERCURY, attacking Crete from the air with paratroopers and gliders. Concentrating on four locations, the Germans were largely rebuffed. However, at Maleme the Axis managed to take control of a vital airfield and began to fly in much needed reinforcements. Commonwealth soldiers retreated to the southern part of Crete and the town of Chania became a key position for the men assigned to fight the rearguard action.

Chania, Crete

The Battle of Crete was fought during the Second World War on the Greek island of Crete. It began on the morning of 20 May 1941, when Nazi Germany began an airborne invasion of Crete. Greek and other Allied forces, along with Cretan civilians, defended the island. After one day of fighting, the Germans had suffered heavy casualties and the Allied troops were confident that they would defeat the invasion. The next day, through communication failures, Allied tactical hesitation and German offensive operations, Maleme Airfield in western Crete fell, enabling the Germans to land reinforcements and overwhelm the defensive positions on the north of the island. Allied forces withdrew to the south coast. More than half were evacuated by the British Royal Navy and the remainder surrendered or joined the Cretan resistance. The defence of Crete evolved into a costly naval engagement; by the end of the campaign the Royal Navy's eastern Mediterranean strength had been reduced to only two battleships and three cruisers.

German

ANZAC

Scenario Type = Standard