Do Not Make Bogey of Air-Borne Troops

Northern Advocate, 24 May 1941, Page 5

Do Not Make Bogey of AirBorne Troops

LONDON, May 23. In a broadcast speech Air-Commo-dore R. V. Goddard said: “The Germans are storming Crete and you will have heard the news that once again our air forces have been withdrawn. “I think you will have thought, ‘ls it not curious that we cannot keep our air forces in action because of insufficient aerodromes, whereas the Germans have no such difficulty/ “That is merely a reflection of air superiority. The Germans can operate from relatively secure aerodromes and can fill them up with hundreds of aeroplanes. We cannot disperse to numerous aerodromes because they do not exist. “Now air-borne forces are on their greatest trial, but unopposed by fighters. In spite of that there have been some costly failures. But they have apparently also had some substantial success. For Soldiers, Sailors “Grim it is and grim it must be, but never fear, air-borne forces by themselves, will not capture that island.. There is more to it than that. “Crete so far as we are concerned must be mostly a business of soldiers and sailors. The air force, meanwhile, is building up again in the Middle East and will give all the help it can from there. “Whatever the outcome of the invasion of Crete, instead of Britain, is in truth the measure of Nazi frustration. I will not deny that air-borne forces are a menace to us here, but so is the Fighter Command to them. As the Fighter Command constitutes, as you have reason to know, the most powerful defensive system in the world,

We Are Prepared “Please do not suppose that some new unexpected danger to us has just emerged. The fact is that a great part of the known danger to us here is now lying wrecked in Crete. We are prepared for air-borne forces, so do not let us make too much of a bogey of them.

The reason why the Germans use gliders is that troop-carrying aeroplanes must have an aerodrome or country like an aerodrome to land. If they do not they crash or are stranded, and unable to get away again. .

“Gliders, being low flyers, can get down in a smaller space and, if they escape attack, can land compact forces with their equipment ready for action. “Paratroops are almost sure to get scattered if used in large numbers, and are greatly hampered by their kit. It is their job to secure temporarily at any rate the place where the gliders are to come in, and this they do either by surprise or else immediately following a heavy attack on the place.”

previously dropped from dive bombers to blind the defenders. In spite of this screen many parachute troops were shot dead as they dropped. The Cairo correspondent of “The Times” says it is believed the original German plan for attacking Crete with - parachutists and air-borne troops in order to screen a determined attempt at landing by sea has failed. It is estimated the Germans dropped cn the island have lost about half their effectives killed and wounded.

Many Germans were,killed before even scenting battle, as heavily laden troop carriers crashed in attempting to land on the crowded and bombpitted aerodrome at Melemi. says the miltary spokesman in Cairo. The German attack was directed against Crete’s most populated area, between Candia and Canea, which are connected by a good motor road through wooded country offering good concealment for parachutists.

24 Hour Ferry Service The main body of the air-borne troops landed at Melemi, which is well situated for attack against the naval base at Suda Bay. The approaches to Suda Bay from the north and from the east are shielded by high hills, enabling enemy aircraft to get within striking distance of their objective before being spotted by the majority of the ground defences. The Germans are operating a 24hour ferry service between Greece and Crete, which the Royal Air Force is doing its best to upset by heavily bombing the German air bases. Some sections of the Allied forces have taken up positions in the mountains surrounding the aerodromes, from which they are inflicting casualties as the Germans land. The German attempts to land by sea consisted of sending fairly, small vessels containing landing parties across the comparatively narrow strip of sea without a strong naval escort.

Strangest Battle Ever

The spokesman added that it was impossible to give an accurate estimate of the casualties in the confusion of this, the strangest battle ever fought. An Air Ministry official in London has disclosed that, in view of the pronounced disadvantages unde,r which our fighters were operating in Crete when the German attack was launched, the commanders on the spot decided to withdraw. Otherwise it would have been a waste of air force personnel involved.

The official pointed out that Crete is ill provided with aeroplanes and is situated close to Greek and Italian islands, and also to the Greek mainland, where there is a large concentration of German aeroplanes. The distance of Crete from our aerodromes in Egypt precluded the possibility 01 strong air support by the Royal Air Force. " Experience has already proved that it is impossible to develop satisfactory fighter defence from a comparatively few ill-equipped aerodromes if these are subjected to heavy enemy air attack.

Magnificent Resistance

“The Times,” in a leading article, says: “The most disturbing item of Mr. Churchill’s statement on Crete was that our troops are once again fighting unsupported from the air, for lack of aerodromes. Nevertheless, the defence is undoubtedly putting up a magnificent resistance. “The enemy losses are very heavy, but the Germans can afford considerable losses, and Crete is a prize worth sacrifices. While enemy artillery and tanks can be kept out there is room for hope that the valour of the garrison will prevail in the ferocious struggle.” The German news agency explains the official German silence regarding the attack, which is unique as. the first major military operation < undertaken by the German High Command without an official fan-fare,'and adds: “The general' opinion in Berlin is that the phraseology of the British military reports suggests that Britain is preparing for an eventual military failure in Crete.”