WOMEN OF CRETE

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 62, 10 September 1942, Page 5

WOMEN OF CRETE

HEROIC ROLE IN GUERRILLA

FIGHTING

(Rec. 9 a.m.) NEW YORK, Sept. 9

The heroic role flayed by women in the guerrilla fighting in Crete is revealed by Mr. Laird Archer, a member of the Greek war relief organisation. who recently returned from Athens. Mr. Archer said that Crete offered Greece an Amazon regiment, but the offer was refused. Later, when Crete was invaded, between 10,000 and 15,000 women fought the invaders from the roof-tops. When their ammunition was exhausted the fiercer of the women jumped from the roofs on to the Germans' backs, knifing them. The Nazis captured six women and carried them to Athens, still wearing their native costumes and bandoliers, for inspection by the High Command. Field Marshal List said: "You women deserve to be shot, but the Fuhrer has decided to honour you as prisoners of war." He walked forward with his hand outstretched, but one woman, acting as spokesman, spurned the oiler, shouting: "Hitler cannot honour the women of Crete." Mr. Archer said that the woman later died in prison of battle wounds. The others are still in prison.