BIGGER ATTACK

Grey River Argus, 22 May 1941, Page 7

BIGGER ATTACK

Launched by' Enemy WITH SEVEN THOUSAND MEN. [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assu ’ LONDON, May 21. The landing of 1,500 German parachute troops in Crete on 'Tuesday morning proves only to have been the forerunner of a bigger attempt to take the island. The first to land were largely accounted for on Tuesday, but to-day further enemy forces renewed the attack. They not only came by air, but landed in Crete also from boats. It is computed that an air-borne division, representing seven thousand men, is engaged in Wednesday operations. It is also believed that about two hundred aircraft are engaged. British reports indicate that the situation remains still in hand, meaning that there yet is no lack of control over a large area of Crete. No doubt in various localities fighting has been proceeding between groups of the enemy and the British and Greek force. It is indicated that the enemy have so far brought no tanks to Crete. On Monday there were signals ’n Greece for automatic forces. The object of the enemy is to capture aerodromes, which is their usual first move in this war. Gliders as well as troop-carrying ’planes have been employed by the Germans. . The German landings have mainly been on the west side of Crete, though there have been a number landed on the north of the island. The air-borne forces include tar more officers, commissioned and other, than ordinary German forces. Those German parachutists who, have been captured are to be dealt | with by the officers on the spot. They; have not been shot out of hand. They will be court martialled. The German attack on Crete has come earlier than expected. British ’planes however, have bombed ’dromes in Greece in anticipation. The German concentrations, were nevertheless, too large to be effectively bombed. The enemy proclaimed recently tne start of a new phase of the war in the Middle East. The Crete attack is believed to be this commencement.

The southern Peloponnessus is very close to Crete, only a short air journey distant, but it is not believed that even were the enemy to take Crete, they could supply their forces with all munitions and defences and supplies needed. They would have little hope of reinforcements though they have a number of vessels at their disposal among neighbouring islands. The British Navy could take part in operations. The first attack of parachuters was but a preliminary. A tremendous issue hangs on the outcome, but if the British are successful they will gain greatly in prestige.

Quick Conquest of Crete

GERMAN PREDICTION.

BATTLE FOR SUEZ BEGINS.

(Received May 22, 12.5 a.m.) BERLIN, May 21.

The German military authorities have made a statement describing the offensive began on Tuesday against Crete as the commencement of a decisive battle for Suez. The Military authorities added: “The German High Command are absolutely sure that Crete will be conquered within the next few hours.” MIDDLE EAST OFFENSIVE. LONDON, May 20. Intense enemy activity is apparent throughout Greece, Syria and tac Dodecanese, in preparation for an offensive against Cyprus, Palestine, and any other obstacle to the onslaught on Alexandria and Suez. An invasion of Crete will, it is now expected, be developed with full_ vigour. German troops are heavily concentrated in the Greek mainland ports, and the Aegean Islands,- eastward to Rhodes. The Luftwaffe □ strength in these areas is reported to b e over 700 planes. German ground staffs are transforming over 20 Syrian airfields to offensive bases. The large aerodrome at Aleppo is now completely in German bands. German technicians are billeted on many other airfields, and equipment is constantly being ferried by plane from the Dodecanese. Large supplies of petrol are arriving by train from Mosul. German experts are also reported to be taking over tne Syrian railways, and establishing large stores at various junctions.

German Denial

USE OF N.Z. UNIFORMS.

LONDON, May 21.

The 8.8. C. to-night broadcast m German: “Every German soldier must know, whoever, in violation oi. international law, fights in enemy uniform, must expect to be shot immediately when prisonered.” The “Telegraph’s” military Correspondent says: The German use w(: New Zealand uniforms raises a difficult question of international law, but it is difficult to see how troops in a foreign uniform differ from franc tireurs, therefore they do not merit treatment as prisoners of war.

Berlin officials said that if it were true that German parachutists had landed in Crete, Mr. Churchill’s assertion they wore New Zealand uiu* 1 forms was absolutely false. They added that German parachutists were recently equipped in khaki uniforms, similar to those for German troops in Africa for use in tropical climates. “So a mistake might have been made.” Malta Damage TUESDAY’S AIR RAID -(Received Mav 21. 10 30 p.m.). VALETTA, May 21. After the Island had had three raidless days, enemy bombers again attacked Malta on Tuesday. Fairly heavy damage was inflicted on civilian property. Some civilians were killed. Others are missing. They are believed to be under debris.