Crete, Battle of

In World War II, costly but successful German operation to capture the island of Crete from the Allies May 1941. Both sides suffered massive casualties, in particular the German airborne forces which sustained a casualty rate of over 50%. Hitler was so appalled at this that he forbade any further major airborne operations.

After the evacuation of Greece, the island held about 32,000 British and Commonwealth troops and about 10,000 Greek infantry, with little artillery or transport. The Germans had complete air superiority and were able to bomb the island at will as a prelude to an airborne attack 20 May. German paratroops landed in several areas and severe fighting ensued; an attempt at landing seaborne reinforcements was thwarted by the Royal Navy. The Germans managed to capture Maleme airfield and were then able to reinforce by air, and by 28 May it was decided that the island could no longer be held and evacuation of Allied troops began.