Battle of Crete

The Battle of Crete is considered one of the most sensational events os the Second World War . It highlights the final act of the German - Greek war . Because of the occupacion of Crete was considered an unrealistic military obsective , no significand defense preparationshad been made of the island . Hitler himself could not see the expediency of the operation hesitated to undertake an air attack on Crete , the only viable way to achieving its occupation . Kurt Student , commander of XI Air Corps , managed to change Hitler's mind , while the majority of the German militaryleaders had opted for an attack on Malta , not on Crete . Student argued that the occupation of Crete would ba an easy and glorious operation wich would strengthen German air superiority in the Mediterranian and , at the same time , provide other military benefits . Thus , began Operation Mercure on the morning of May 20 , 1941 . It was the largest in scale operation of the troops air transport during the second world War .

The airport of Maleme , the main target of the invaders , was subjected to a merciless bombardment in the earlymorning hours . The Cretan Sky was filled with thousands of German invaders , the finest of German parachutists . In the evening of the same day , Parachutists dropped on Rethymnon and Heraklion , their obsective was to occupy the local airports and sea - ports . From the Greek side , the war-ready V Division wascut off in mailand Greece . The defense forces on the island consisted of British Commonwealth troops and eight , poorly trained and equipped battalations of Greek recruits wich had been transported from Nafplion and Tripolis .The most effevctive force on the island was the gendarmerie and the first class of the Military academy , albeit insufficiently equipped . Add to this the common folk who although unarmed , put up a fierce resistance against the new invaders . The situation on the island was described in the following manner by the Minister of the Interior at that time , Mr Stelios dimitrakakis , of the Tsouderos govermant

No significant defence works had been set up on the island on Crete , in spite of the fact that British forces had landed on the island since November 1940 . The British commander changed every so often and there were no sufficient British forces on the island . Since the beginning of the war , Cretan youth had been fighting on the Albanian mountains . What is more , the previus govermant had demanded the disarmament of the locals . It was common knowledge that each Cretan kept a riffle at home . It was an old Cretan tradition . The Cretans revolted each time the conquerors imposed impossible measures . This reflected the prospect of the relative freedom that slaves occasionally impose on their masters . Atradition very much alive today . The Cretans gladly surrendered their arms to the poorly equipped Greek Army .Thus , in April 1941 , Crete was almost unurmed. Last minute reinforcements came from Peloponnese : 8 battalions of poorly trained Greek recruits armed with riffles but not with sufficient ammunition . Of course , after the fall of Greece , 27000 - 28000 British soldiers arrived on the island , most of them were exhausted after fierce and heroic resistance in mainland Greece . Unfortunately , time had not been exploited properly and the prospects both for Geeks and Britis were rather bleak .

The Cretans often take up arms , mainly obsolete and of historical value only , to engage in flights of dubious or questionable effectiveness . Here , one can not help but wonder why the Cretans had been left unarmed . If this had not been the case , the cretans could have formed a civil guard wich would have participated in the battle in a more effective and dinamic way . The above run contrary to Germans intelligence wich took for granted that the attitude of Cretans towards the Germans would have been neutral , if not friendly . Perhaps this misleadind information was disseminated by the British secrete service .The Battle of Crete was uniquefor three reasons :

Firstly : it was the first battle to be won exclusively by airforces .

Secondly : the commander of the allied forces , General Freyberg had at his disposal a unique and valuable source of information about the enemy : the ULTRA system , wich made possible the decoding of wireless telecommunications concerning Operation Mercury . German telegrams were ciphered by a device called ENIGMA . A copy of this device had been made available to the British by the Polish allies .

Thus on May 6 , the British new not only of the date , but also of the exact time the air attack on the island was going to take place .

Thirdly : nowhere else within the European and African war theatres did the Nazi troops meet civillian resistance as in Crete . What is more , resistance continued even during occupation until the forces of the axis were finally and completely overwhelmed . Apart from the stones ,all else rose against us in Crete . All living things fought to the last moment , giving this Battle its most paradoxical and glorious nature in the history of Battless ......... a German officer noted later .

The British historian Alan Clark , referrring to the resistance of the Cretans noted : How different the route of history would have been , if a year earlier the people of the West had exhibited the same fortitude when their villages were being invaded in the same way by the Germans ....

During the Battle of Crete , the Germans formidable and invincible weapon , the parachutists , the spear-head of the Nazi forces , was completely annihilated . Most of the first wave of paratroopers was annihilated within minutes following their drop . A large number of planes were shot down or crush landed after serious anti-aircraft damage . The German forces perished on Crete could have been deployed for the occupation of Cyprus , Iraq , Syria and possible of Persia .

The parachutists suffered a devastating blow from which they never recovered . In addition , they lost their status as a suprise attack weapon . Even the architect and instigator of this operation , General Student , was obliged to admit : I confees that i recommended this attack based on miscalculations . Unfortunately , Crete succumbed under the weight of a more modern and terrifying German military machine . By the end of the sweep-up operations in May 29, 1941 , the swastika waved all over the island .Unarmed Crete was finaly occupied.

The whole world witnessed in awe and admiration that unequal confrontation . Events in Crete captured the imagination of the world , and the international press devoted lengthy articles and comments on those events . The same month the Time of Tokyo wrote the following : We propose , as a matter of ultimate duty and honour , the establishment of an extraordinary order of Cretans knights to honour with a special medallion each citizen and officer who participated in that epic battle .Cretans must take their place among a special order of superhumans

.

But let the numbers speak , and let us follow the statistics of blood . On May 20, 1941 the Cretan guard numbered 42600 men aproximately - 28164 of British Commonweatlth and 14000 Greeks . Allied aircrafts were not available in the Battle of Crete , for they had flown to Egypt the previous day . Specifically : The British Commonwealth & Greek forces as well as their respective losses were :

British : total 15603 ( Dead or prisoners 7704 -Transported to Egypt 7289 )

Australians : total 6541 ( Dead or prisoners 3332 - Transported to Egypt 3119 )

N.Zealanders : total 7100 ( Dead or prisoners 2541 - Trasported to Egypt 4559 )

Greeks : total 14000 ( dead or prisoners 592 - transported to Egypt -)

The number of Cretans who died in the battle fields or who were captured and shot rose to 8575 . We should note at this point the the German losses on the third day of the Battle were significantly higher then the total losses they had suffered in all war fronts . The distribution of forces per difense sector are the following : 11859 men in Maleme , 14822 at Chania - Souda area , 6100 at Rethymnon and 8000 at Heraklion .

Hitler reinforced paratroopers with a Division of Alpinists . The total of German forces was approximately 23000 men . Their losses were estimate to 5500 men , 4685 of which buried at Maleme Cemetery . This is a testimony to the dramatic epilogue of the German operation . The dead of the allied forces are buried at the cemetery of Souda .

The British Commonwealth fleet in the Mediterranean numbered 54 war vessels , 11 of wich were sunk and 22 suffered severe damages . The air crafts of Luftwaffe wich took part in the Battle of Crete were 1180 , 147 of wich were shot down and 73 crush landed .

The Germans resented the fortitude and fierce resistance of the Cretans . So , after the fall of the island , began a period of brutal reprisals and more bloodshed . Concentration camps , mass executions , village arson and indiscriminate murders complete the devastating effect of bombardments . The number of victims increased , as unsuspected civilians found themselves within mined areas on Crete .

The Cretans bear a glorious inheritance a deep faith in freedom and indepedence , wich forged their will to resist . The Mt. range of Madares at chania , Mt. Psiloritis and the Lasithiotica mountains hosted resistance units wich inflicted severe casualties to the enemy who , many a time , was forced to a standstill . Among the great achievements of the resistance was the abduction of General Kreipe near the Spilia area of Heraklion in August 1944 .

The Chronicle of the Battle of Crete

October 28 , 1940

Declaration of Greek - Italian war .

November 1940

The defence of Crete is taken over by the British . The V Cretan Division is transported in Athens .

April 15 , 1941

After succesive meetings , the Germans decide on the occupation of Crete . The transport of Greek and British Forces from mainland Greece to Crete is sceduled for the second fortnight of April .

April 23 , 1941
The Greek government resort to Crete

April 25 , 1941

Landing in Crete of the New Zealand allies

April 28 , 1941

The Prime minister of Greece , Mr E. Tsouderos , chairs a meeting at Chania with the leaders of the Greek forces and British officers . The meeting concluded with the issue of a reinforcement request to strengthen the defence of the island .

April 29 , 1941

The Commander of New Zealand Division , General Freyberg , arrives in Crete .
April 30 , 1941

Fryberg resumes command of allied forces on the island

May 14 , 1941

Military targets on Crete are systematically bombrded , thus commerces the great assault on the island .

May 18 - 19 , 1941

German aircraft land on airfields in Athens and northern Greece to prepare for the attack .

May 20 , 1941

German attack on the island begins at 6.30 a.m. TheGermans subject the towns of Chania , Rethymnon and Heraklion to severe bombardment prior to dropping their ellite parachutists . Local confrontations take place between German paratroopers and allied forces reinforced by the local population .

May 21 , 1941

The German concentrate their attack on Maleme airport . German aircrafts land at Maleme in the evening , carrying significant forces and material for the attack . The British fleet in the Mediterranean strikes a German convoy heading for Crete . Fifteen requisitionned vessels , their losses are unknown .

May 22 , 1941

The Germans manage to finally occupy Maleme Airport . Allied efforts to retake it are fruitless.

May 23 , 1941

Greek political leadership abandons Crete on destroyer , Decoy . Churchhill sends the following message to the headquarters : The Battle of Crete must be won .

May 24 , 1941

The bombardment of Cretan towns goes on . At Chania , the Germans gained the movement initiative , Tthe allied forces at Rethymnon an Heraklion are determined : to fight to the end

May 25 , 1941

The Germans occupy Candanos . The resolute and unexpeted resistamce of the defenders infuriates the Germans who resort to brutal reprisals - mass executions arson and other serius destruction .

May 26 , 1941

Galatas is occupied . Allied forces are desperate trying to defend Chania . General Freyberg notes the dire circumstances the allied forces

May 27 , 1941

The Commander -in - chief of the Midle East , Wavell , orders the allied forces to evacuate the island . Vessels of the British fleet take over the mission of safe evacuation of the allies . Chania falls in the hands of the invaders .

May 28 , 1941

Evacuation and retreat of the allies to Sfakia commences . The British , without notifying the Greek authorities , evacuate Heraklion at night to embark on vessels which had called in to the local port for that purpose . italian troops from dodecanese land in Sitia and occupy the prefecture of Lasithi

May 29 , 1941

Rethymnon , and Heraklion are occupied by the Germans

May 30 , 1941

General Freyberg departs from Crete

May 31 , 1941

The last British vessel picks up only part of the allied forces . Approximately 5500 allies miss final embarkation on the vessels . Later , they were either capture , surrendered or sought refuge to the Cretan mountains . The German swastika is now waving on the island . Occupation is a harsh reality but the resolute resistance of the Cretan people is destined to become

one of the most glorius in the modern history .

 Biography: George I, Panagiotakis

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Old City - Venetian Harbour (in Chania) with its Venetian, Turkish and Neoclassical buildings has been scheduled for preservation, although a large part of it has already fallen into decay. Along the whole length of the warerfront there are fish-sellers, tavernas, ouzo, "tsikoudia " (raki) and drinks bars. There are also streets of knife-sellers, "stivanadika" (Cretan boot and shoemakers) and every type of traditional small trader. All around the Venetian harbour with numerous picturesque narrow streets and architecture showing the influence of decades of foreign domination. The pretty Venetian Harbour and the Venetian lighthouse at the entrance of the Harbor are very interesting sights to visit.The Venetian Harbour comes into its own at night, when the lights from bars and restaurants eflect in the water and the animated crowds - locals as much as tourists - parade in a ritualistic volta of apparently perpetual motion.

The modern City (Chania). Which is where the day to day business of the Chania goes on, with its shops, offices, the post offices and the Street Markets every Thursdays and Saturdays. Inside the town, there are Venetian, Turkish and neoclassic buildings. The public market (Agora) holds a master place in the center of the city, a brilliant cross-shaped building that was completed in 1913, and in proportion with the one in Marseilles. Near the city center the Public Garden awaits you next to the "Peace and Friendship of the people" park. The gardens are the prettiest in Crete.

Therisos: (16 kms from Chania) is a historical mountain village in a rugged but verdant landscape at the foot of the White Mountains. It is a point of departure for the ascent of the highest peak in the range, Pances (2,452m).

Aptera - Ayioi Apostoli: (2.5 kms West from Chania): A seaside community where the bathing is wonderful and there are caves which have been used as refuges during successive wars.

Kato Daratsos - Glaros - Kalamaki: They are among the most frequented beaches in the summer and are modern centres of tourism comprehensive facilities.

Thodorou: is the little island opposite the shore. The island today has been designated a natural reserve and Cretan wild goats (Agrimi or Kri-Kri) are taken there to breed.

Platanias: (10.5 kms West from Chania) Is a beautiful holiday resort where you can find a lot of pleasant bars, clubs, Restaurants, Shops and above all the most attractive 4 kilometres long sandy beach. Across Platanias there is a small island (Thodorou) that is a protected area and where the famous wild ibexes "KRI - KRI" live on.is a picturesque seaside village and tourist center. The sandy beach, 3 kms in length, is clear and organized.

Maleme: (16 kms West from Chania): is a seaside village in the district of Kidonia. The beaches with their sand, pebbles and clean - clear water are inviting places for a swim. Famous also for the heroic battle fight there against the German paratroopers in May 1941(Battle of Crete). There is a German Cemetery up on the hill side facing the plain of Maleme where 4464 German soldiers who died during the battle of Crete and the years of occupation are buried here. North of the village, at a place called Kafkalos, a vaulted late Minoan tomb, which had been plundered and only contained some potsherds and two seal-stones, was discovered. Also in the village you will find a Byzantine Church.

Palaiohora: (73.5 kms WestSouth from Chania): This is a very picturesque large seaside village on the Libyan Sea. It is situated on the plain and the houses descend to the water's edge. Also known as Kastelli Selinou - from the Venetian fort - it is considerd to be the second " nymph of the Libyan Sea " after Ierapetra. The geographical location of the area, the climate, the excellenet nature of the beaches, the sunshine and also the wealth of Greek, Roman, medieval and Byzantine monuments in its hinterland have resultedin its rapid development into a tourist resort. The sand and pebble beaches around it, whether crowed or empty, offer an opurtunity to relax, even the most demanding.

Sougia: (67.10 kms South from Chania): is a modern coastal fishing village with a protected harbour and pine-covered slopes around it. There is a pebble beach in front of the village, 1.5 kms in length, with deep crystal water. For those visitors who enjoy rambling, nature and antiquities, there is a surprise.

Kolimbari: (23.7 kms West from Chania) is a seaside fishing village. To the the right from the crossroads at Kolimvari, and 1 km down the road is the Stavropygic Monastery of Gonia, an important national and religious center.

Kastelli - Kissamos: (42 kms West from Chania) is the capital of the district of Kissamos and takes its name from the old Venetian castle there. Its fine beaches are of sand or pebbles, and the climate and sunshine make the area suitable for tourism.

Falasarna: (58 kms West from Chania) is an area of superb natural beauty and an archaeological site where many people gather during the summer.
Sfinari: (61 kms West from Chania) with a rocky though not precipitous coastline and very clean sea . Also you 'll find many fish restaurants.

Mony Chrisoskalitisa: (72 kms South West from Chania). A white church and a number of cells lenddiversification to the scenic beauty of this quite, aesthetic area of Crete. According to tradition, the name owes itself to the fact that one of the 90 steps which lead to the nunnery is made of gold but cannot be seen by sinners.

Elafonisi: (78.5 kms South West from Chania). Far away from the crowds and the reality of today, amidst the unsurpassed azure blue of the Mediterranean. The island with its fine reddish sand is connected to the shore by a shallow channel 0.50 - 0.80 m. deep and 800 m. long.

Gramvousa - Balos lagoon: Gramvoussa with its wonderful sandy beaches, shallowwater, tamarisks and springs with drinking water. Above the island there are the ruins of a Venetian castle, which was build in 1597. Out on the is horizon the little island of Agria Gramvousa, inaccessible at times of rough seas. Opposite is the little harbour of Cape Gramvousa, Balos Lagoon, with a small café and a wonderful beaches.

Omalos: (39 kms from Chania) is the high plateau of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori), 1080 metres. From there begins the Samaria Gorge.

Samaria Gorge: one of the most beautiful places in Europe, it is 18 kms long and betwin 3 and 300 metres in width. It was proclaimed a nature reserve in 962 in order to protect the vegetation, birds and animals there, in particular the Cretan wild goat (Kri-Kri). In 1980 it was awarded a prize by the Council of Europe as one of the most beautiful places on the continent .Passage through the gorge is permitted from the beginning of May to the End of October. The route through to the exit - the Gates - takes 6 - 8 hours.
Loutro: a beautiful seaside village with particular colour. One of few places on Crete where you won't see vehicles.

Hora Sfakion - Sfakia: (72 kms South from Chania) is a histiric village built like an amphitheatre by the beach. Sfakia is a wild, mountainous area, dominated by the mountain massif of the White Mountains. Full of Gorges, ravines, wild mountain peaks and difficult passes. The people of Sfakia never allowed the Turks to get near their wild mountain are.

Frangokastello: (80 kms South East from Chania) the beach of Frangokastello is one of the best spots in Crete, with fine sand, crystal - clear water (with good snorkelling oppurtunities). Next to the beach is the Castle.

Imbros Gorge: The road climbs upwards, narrow and full of bends and then runs parallel with the Imbros Gorge. One of the narrowest, deepest and most imposing gorges on Crete, it is 7 kms long, 2-3 metres wide and 300 metres deep.

Akrotiri Peninsula: (6 kms North East of Chania) interposes it self between the Gulf of Chania and the Gulf of Souda. There you will find also ( in Profitis Ilias ) the tomps of Elefterios Venizelos, A simple memorial recalls the first revolutionary movement which took place in 1897. You have to visit this place because the View out over Chania Gulf and towards the White Mountains is unique. 16 kms from Chania you will find the monastery of Agia Triada. One of the few onasteries in Crete where monastic life is practised. In a another 4 km from Agia Triada you will find the monastery of Gouverneto, which has beautiful embossed decorations in Venetian style. The liturgies of Holy Week are atmospheric. Older than the monastery of Agia Triada, with old murals, it gives a feeling of seclusion and isolation.

Stavros: (16.1 kms from Chania) a picturesque little harbour on Akrotiri with its sandy beach, ideal for swimming. Famous from the film "Zorba The Greek".

Kalathas: is a small natural bay on the edge of a ravine, with a quiet, sandy beach. Also visitors can swim to the islet which is very close by. The beach can be crowded in summer and at weekends. Very shallow and ideal for children.

Marathi:discovered a few years ago by the inhabitants of Chania. It gets very crowded at weekends. Nice sandy beach with quite warm shallow water.

Souda: (7 kms from Chania) is the natural harbour of the prefecture in one of the largest and safest bays of the Mediterranean. There also you will find the British War Cemetery ("From The Battle of Crete").

Kalami: (14 kms from Chania) is a small village opposite the island of Souda.

Kalives: (17.5 kms east of Chania) is a seaside and riveside village smothered in greenery and extending along a sandy beach.

Almirida: (22 kms east from Chania) is a seaside fishing village.

Vamos: (25.1 kms east from Chania) is a picturesque place with traditional houses.

Yeoryioupolis: (38.5 kms east from Chania) is a coastal village with moderate tourist facilities, built on the mouth of the river Almirou which flows down from Lake Kournas.

Lake Kournas: Lake Kournas (48 kms East from Chania). This is the village and the Lake Kournas. This is the Only lake on Crete, which collect water from the mountains around it.

Rethymnon: (66 kms East from Chania), rich in history and well worth a visit, is the smaller of the four historic prefectures of Crete. The little Venetian harbour is the jewel of Rethymnon.

Plakias: (36 kms South of Rethymnon) is a seaside settlement and much-frequentedtourist resort, built along the gulf of the same name which is enclosed by Cape Krios and Cape Kako Mouri.

Knossos Palace: The archeological site of Knossos. By far the Largest of the Minoan Palaces, it thrived over three-and-a-half thousands years ago at the heart of a highly sophisticatedisland-wide civilization. Here it was in legend that King Minos ruled and that his wife Pasiphae bore the Minotaur-half-bull and half-man.

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