Navy Prevents Any Sea-Borne Invasion Of Crete Island

Northern Advocate, 24 May 1941, Page 5

Navy Prevents Any Sea-Borne Invasion Of Crete Island

Nazis Concentrate On 3 Strategic Centres (Received 10.30 a.m.) Wire ‘“ S ’ RUGBY May 23. as THE BATTLE FOR CRETE CONTINUES AND DEa YELOPS FROM HOUR TO HOUR, NO PRECISE INDICATION OF THE NAVY’S PART IN THE STOUT DEFENCE IS POSSIBLE. Som,e indication of the value of naval contribution can, however, be gathered from the fact that, during three days fighting, there has been no sea-borne invasion of Crete. Convoys which by their size can be taken as evidence oi Germany’s intention to support to the fullest extent the operations by parachute troops and other air-borne troops, havq been dispersed, not unscathed, but it is pointed out that such successes can clearly not be achieved without some damage to the defending forces. though German claims of damage inflicted on our forces are exaggerated. The massive attacks by German dive-bombers which are taking place are necessarily rendered more difficult of interception in confined waters by lack of fighter air support caused in its turn by lack of aerodromes. Though undoubtedly the operation in general constitutes a “tough proposition” for the defending forces, it can be stated that the situation is as satisfactory as it was yesterday afternoon.

Every Crag Manned

Heavy fighting is still going on. There is still no word of the fate of the German convoy of 30 vessels making for the island, which Mr. Churchill told the House of Commons was attacked by British destroyers and light forces. At dusk yesterday the enemy had not succeeded in effecting any landings by sea. So far the Germans have concentrated on three strategic centres —Hereclion, or Candia, Retimo and Melemi. All night long the skies have been lit by flares and searchlights in an endeavour to prevent an increase in parachute landings. Every crag is manned by British or Greek observers, who flash the news of every German landing to headquarters.

Front Line Headquarters British lighter aircraft have been withdrawn from Crete because of the difficulties of operating from illequipped aerodromes heavily attacked by the enemy. British bombers are continuing to attack enemy aerodromes in Greece. Military circles in Cairo point out that an exact estimate of the situation in Crete -is most difficult, because such things as lines of communications and rear and forward positions are practically non-existent. Staff headquarters are in the front line and auxiliary units are fighting equally with the infantry. “Every man for himself” is the order of the day since parachutes have been dropping like confetti from clear skies, sometimes landing in the middle of our positions. The New Zealanders, British and Cretan hillsmen, however, have succeeded in keeping the situation well in hand.

Under Smokescreen The “Daily Telegraph” says many Germans were landed in Crete on Thursday under cover of smoke bombs