70th Anniversary today for the Battle of Crete (1 Viewer)

[airwiggy]

For 12 days from 20 May 1941, New Zealand, British, Australian and Greek troops tried to repel a massive airborne assault by Germans forces. 2,000 Kiwi soldiers were taken prisoner during the battle, and 671 died. Many New Zealanders made it off Crete, but thousands were left behind. Among those evacuated were Charles Upham and Alfred Hulme, both of whom won the Victoria Cross (VC) for their actions on Crete. A few New Zealanders took to the hills, sheltered by the Cretans who, to this day, remember New Zealand's role in this key battle in the Second World War.

The Photo I have attached shows German Junkers Ju 52 transport planes drop paratroops over Heraklion, 20 May 1941. These troops were part of a second wave of German airborne landings on the opening day of the battle. They met strong resistance and suffered heavy casualties.

Thanks for readin gand remembering.

 

[Mitch]

indeed an epic and, costly battle for both sides.
Mitch

 

[trooper]

Charles Upham was the third man to ever win two VCs and was unique in that both were won in the same war. Trooper

 

[UKReb]

Some years back whilst holidaying on Crete I drove to the Commonwealth Cemetery at Suda Bay which is beautifully kept by the War Graves Commission. It's positioned in an olive grove close to the sea and the borders are planted with Australasian trees and shrubs to commemorate the high proportion of NZ and Australian graves within the grounds.

I have visited most of the military cemeteries across Europe and one cannot help but be moved almost to tears when reverently walking through the mass of white headstones. But I vividly remember Suda Bay due to the number of unmarked graves stating "Buried near this spot" or "Believed to be". And then was struck when reading the headstones inscripted with the ages and ranks of literally dozens of young men such as "Cook aged 18"; "Steward aged 17"; Clerk aged 18". Hardly fighting men but all caught up in the invasion and subsequent Allied evacuation of Crete.

I was the only one there that morning and I sat under an olive tree with a light breeze coming in from the sea gently rustling the trees and reflected for quite some time. A very moving visit and very glad I took time out from the hustle of a busy Greek holiday island

Reb

 

[jazzeum]

I've always been impressed by the work the Commonwealth Commission does. I remember in Normandy seeing a beautifully tended cemetery that had about 30 men. It was quite moving.

 

[Louis Badolato]

The men who fought, and in many cases, gave their lives, defending Crete should never be forgotten. Thanks to them all.

 

[The Military Workshop]

Upham also unique as his were both for combat whereas the other two double VC's were for medical related events.