GUERRILLAS IN CRETE

Evening Star, Issue 24296, 10 September 1942, Page 6

GUERRILLAS IN CRETE

WOMEN'S HEROIC ROLE NEW YORK, September 9. The heroic role played by women in the guerrilla fighting in Crete was revealed by Air Laird Archer, a member of the Greek War Relief Committee, who recently returned from Athens, says the ‘ Herald-Tribune.’ Air Archer said that Crete offered Greece an Amazon regiment, but the offer, was refused. Later when Crete was invaded, 10,000 to 15.000 women fought the invaders from rooftops. 'When' their ammunition was exhausted the fiercer women jumped from roofs on to the Germans’ backs, knifing them. The Nazis captured six of the women and carried them to Athens, still wearing their native costume and bandoliers, for inspection- by' the High Command. Field-Marshal List said: “ A r on women deserve to bo shot, but the Fuhrer has decided to honour you as prisoners of war.” He walked forward with his band outstretched, but one woman, acting as spokesman, spurned the offer, shouting: “Hitler cannot honour the women of Crete.” Air Archer said that women later died in prison of battle ■wounds, and the others are still imprisoned.