Grim Struggle For Crete

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIX, Issue 21971, 24 May 1941, Page 9

Grim Struggle For Crete

Enemy Casualties Heavy No Landings From The Sea By Telegraph—Pr«M Association—Copyright (Received May 24, 1 a.m.) LONDON, May 23. ri» stated in London that no troops had been landed at Crete from the sea up to dusk last night. According to the latest reports of the fighting, enemy casualties were heavy. German airborne and parachute troops continued to land, and there had been no lull in the heavy fighting. Military circles in Cairo point out that an exact estimate of the situation in Crete is most difficult because such things as lines of communication 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 parachutists have been dropping like confetti from clear skies, sometimes landing in the middle of our positions. The New Zealanders, British, Greeks and Cretan hillsmen have succeeded in keeping the situation well in hand. The “Daily Telegraph” says that many Germans landed in Crete to-day under cover of smoke bombs previously dropped from dive-bombers to blind the defenders. In spite of this screen many paratroops were shot dead as they dropped. The Cairo correspondent of “The Times” says it is believed that the original German plan of attacking Crete with parachutists and airborne troops in order to screen a determined attempt at a landing by sea has failed. It is estimated that the Germans dropped on the island have lost about half their effectives in killed and wounded. Many Germans were killed before even scenting battle as heavily laden troop-carriers crashed in attempting to land on the crowded bomb-pitted aerodrome at Malemi.

A military spokesman in Cairo said that the German attack was directed against Crete’s most populated area between Candia and uanea, which are connected by a good motor-road through wooded country offering good concealment for parachutists. The main body of airborne troops landed at Malemi which is well-suited for an 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 operatin’ e 24hour air ferry service between Greece and Crete which the R.A.F. 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 where they are inflicting heavy 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. 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. Fighters Withdrawn The Air Ministry disclosed that In view of the pronounced disadvantages under which our fighters were operating In Crete when the German attack was launched, the commanders on the spot decided to withdraw the remaining fighters because otherwise a waste of Air Force personnel would be Involved. An official pointed out that Crete was 111-provided with aerodromes and was situated close to Greek and Italian islands, also close to the Greek mainland, where there was a large concentration of German ’planes. The distance of Crete from our aerodromes In Egypt precluded the possibility of strong air support by the R.AF. Experience had already proved that It was impossible to develop a satisfactory fighter defence from a few comparatively 111-equipped aerodromes if these are subjected to heavy air attack. “The Times,” In a leader, says the most disturbing item in Mr Churchill’s statement was that our troops in Crete were once again fighting unsupported from the air for lack of aerodromes, nevertheless the defence was undoubtedly putting up a magnificent resistance. Enemy losses were 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 says there Is official German silence regarding the attack which is unique, as the first major military operation undertaken by the German High Command without an official fanfare. The news agency adds that 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. Heavy Fighting Making a statement on the situation In Crete, Mr Churchill said in the House of Commons: “This is a somewhat indeterminate moment in the battle for Crete at which to make a statement, and I can only give a very provisional account. Fighting is continuing with intensity, and although the situation is In hand, the Germans have gained some local successes, at heavy cost. They are using a large number of airborne parachute troops and these are being increased daily. "The position at Nerakllon is that our troops still hold the aerodrome, although the Germans are now in what is called occupation of the town, which probably means that they are ensconced in certain buildings In the town. “In the Rethymo district there is no report of any particular fighting, although an attempt by the enemy to take the aerodrome in the vicinity yesterday morning was successfully held. In the Canea and Suda Bay sector, heavy air attacks in the early morning of yesterday were followed by further parachute landings which were heavily engaged by our artillery and machineguns. At the Melema aerodrome, ten miles west of Canea, it appears that the enemy is now in occupation of the aerodrome and of an area to the west, but the aerodrome is still under fire. Elsewhere the coastline of this sector remains in our hands. "Fighting is going on and deepening in intensity, and wili certainly continue for some time. “Last night the enemy began to try seaborne landings, but a convoy making for Crete was intercepted by our naval forces. Two transports and a number of caiques (Greek boats) which probably contained troops intended for landing operations were sunk, and an enemy destroyer which was escorting the convoy was also sunk.

"During the course of the day there, much larger attempts were made by the enemy to carry the army Into Crete and a convoy of 30 vessels was discerned this morning by our forces and was presumably attacked, though my Information stops at that point. The convoy turned away toward the islands of the archipelago and was being attacked by our destroyers and light forces, but I have not received any

further Information as to what happened, except that there has been a great deal of fighting during the day. "Enemy air forces attacked our ships which were attacking the convoy, but I am sorry I have no definite information of the result. I feel, however, that it can hardly be other than satisfactory in view of the naval forces which we have disposed in the Mediter-

“Strange and Grim Battle” Replying to a member’s suggestion that an expression of admiration and confidence should be sent to the British troops in Crete, Mr Churchill added: “‘lt is a strange and grim battle that is being fought. Our side has no air force because they have no aerodromes —not because they have no aeroplanes. The other side has very little—or none —artillery or tanks. Neither side has any means of retreat. It is a desperate, grim battle and I certainly will send the good wishes, encouragement and approval of the House to those men who are fighting what is undoubtedly a most important battle which will affect the whole course of the campaign in the Mediterranean."

Troops Infuriated The New Zealand Prune Minister (the Hon. P. Fraser) commenting in Cairo on the report that the Germans were using New Zealand uniforms said: "It will only serve to infuriate our troops and encourage them to fight to the last breath to exterminate the invaders."

It is learned that a Greek fishing boat picked up the German airmen shot down near Crete, who disclosed that an air attack was imminent. The Germans were most surprised when they were taken prisoners, saying that they were under the impression that all Greeks were their friends. The Cairo correspondent of the British United Press states that Britons who have arrived from Crete declare that the German aeroplanes which raided Crete before the parachutist attack outnumbered the Royal Air Force defenders by twenty to one. The Germans adopted their usual tactics of raiding the aerodromes, but the British pilots fought heroically. The German communique does not mention Crete, but repeats the claim that the Luftwaffe attacked enemy naval units in the eastern Mediterranean.

A spokesman in Berlin said that the operations at Crete were not regarded as a dress rehearsal for a possible invasion of Britain. The spokesman challenged the British reports of big German losses, but made no specific refutation.