WOMEN OF CRETE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 September 1942, Page 3

WOMEN OF CRETE

HEROIC PART IN DEFENCE

OF ISLAND.

HITLER'S “HONOUR” SPURNED.

(By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) NEW YORK, September 9.

The heroic role played by women in the guerilla fighting in Crete is revealed by Mr Laird Archer, a member of the Greek war relief organisation, who recently returned from Athens. Mr Archer said that Crete offered Greece an Amazon regiment, but the offer was refused. Later, when Crete was invaded, between 10,000 and 15,000 women fought the invaders from the rooftops. When their ammunition was exhausted the fiercer of the women jumped from the roofs on to the Germans’ backs, knifing them. The Nazis captured six women and carried them to Athens, still wearing their native costumes and bandoliers, for inspection by the High Command. Field Marshal von List said: “You women deserve to be shot, but the Fuehrer has decided to honour you as prisoners of war.” He walked forward with his hand outstretched, but one woman, acting as spokesman, spurned the offer, shouting: “Hitler cannot honour the women of Crete.” Mr Archer said that the woman later died in prison of battle wounds. The others are still in prison,