Скачать или смотреть Crete falls to German forces

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During World War II, Crete, the final Allied stronghold in Greece, fell to German forces after intense fighting on both sides. In late 1940, the Greek army, supported by the British air force, successfully repelled an Italian invasion. However, in April 1941, the undefeated German Wehrmacht turned its attention to Greece, resulting in a swift German advance and the cancellation of British reinforcements.

As the German army closed in, the Greek king and his government evacuated to the island of Crete, followed by a general Allied evacuation. Over the course of six days, German bombardment claimed the lives of around 15,000 Allied sailors and troops, while nearly 50,000 others reached the safety of the heavily fortified island.

Shortly thereafter, the German invasion of Crete commenced. Within days, over 20,000 German parachute troops landed on the island, facing strong resistance from the Allied forces. Despite the Allies' best efforts, the Germans gained control of an airfield, allowing them to reinforce their troops via air transport.

On May 26, the Allies began their evacuation from the southern coast of Crete to British-controlled Egypt. By June 1, the last of the approximately 20,000 surviving Allied troops had escaped, leaving Crete to fall under Axis control.

The capture of Crete came at a significant cost to both sides, with heavy casualties suffered by the Allies and the Germans. The battle underscored the German military's determination and highlighted the strategic importance of Crete in the Mediterranean theater of the war.

The events in Crete during World War II serve as a testament to the courage and sacrifices of the Allied forces and as a reminder of the ever-changing dynamics and challenges faced during the conflict.