ANZAC Boys MTO (id:#65399)

(ASL Action Pack #16 From The Land Down Under ID: AP161)   [next]   [previous]

Chania, Crete 1941-05-27 (4 others)

Overview:

During the first part of 1941, Allied forces had been defeated in Greece and many had retreated to Crete. In their haste, the allies had been forced to leave much of their heavy equipment behind, leaving them lightly armed for the inevitable German assault. On the night of 20 May, the Germans unleashed their ambitious plan, Operation MERCURY, attacking Crete from the air with paratroopers and gliders. Concentrating on four locations, the Germans were largely rebuffed. However, at Maleme the Axis managed to take control of a vital airfield and began to fly in much needed reinforcements. Commonwealth soldiers retreated to the southern part of Crete and the town of Chania became a key position for the men assigned to fight the rearguard action. Australian and New Zealand forces lined up along Tsikalarion Road, awaiting the advancing elite German Infantry. This road had been christened "42nd Street" by British engineers earlier in the week.

Defender: ANZAC (28th (Maori) Battalion, 5th Brigade and 2/7th Battalion, 19th Brigade)  

Errata (source)