Battle of Crete

German airborne forces begin an operation to seize the island.

The airborne operation enabled German forces to capture the island, although the paratroops suffered exceptionally heavy losses. The battle demonstrated both the possibilities and the dangers of large-scale airborne assaults.

Paratroopers and glider troops landed under intense fire from British, Greek and New Zealand forces. The first days inflicted severe losses on the German airborne units.

The capture of Maleme airfield allowed the Germans to fly in reinforcements and turn the campaign in their favour. Allied forces began evacuating the island.

The victory gave the Axis an important position in the eastern Mediterranean, but the high losses influenced Germany's later use of major airborne operations.

Source: View historical source ↗