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Battle of Crete: The facts behind one of the most important battles of WWII

John Voutos
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Battle of Crete: The facts behind one of the most important battles of WWII

This week marks the 81st anniversary of the Battle of Crete. While the Germans eventually managed to conquer Cete after a 13-day battle, it nearly came at the price of an entire air-borne division. In the face of crippling supply shortages and devastating Axis advancement, the Allied forces fought alongside the Cretan people. The Greek Herald takes a look at the largest air borne invasion ever attempted by Nazi Germany.

1. Who was involved? The Axis powers, Germany, and Italy, faced an army almost twice the size of theirs, consisting of Greece, Britain, Australia, and New Zealand. Just over 23,000 Germans and 2,700 Italians joined forces to take on just over 42,500 Allies.

2. A historic and defining moment of WWII. The largest air borne invasion ever attempted by Nazi Germany and Germany’s worst airborne disaster. The operation was planned by Germany to be the first air-based invasion in history.

Nazi German paratroopers landing in Crete. Photo: German Federal Archives – Sammlung Library of Congress.

3. The Battle of Crete lasted only 13 days. The Battle of Crete was fought during WWII, commencing on the morning of 20 May 1941, and lasting until 1 June 1941.

4. Background. German High Command began considering how to invade Crete. Some wanted to focus on the imminent invasion of the Soviet Union, and let the Allies have the island. But others, including Hitler, were concerned about the danger British forces posed on Axis operations in the eastern Mediterranean. With Crete as a base, the British Royal Air Force could attack naval convoys and their bombers could strike at the vital oil fields in Romania. Playing on these concerns, an aerial invasion of Crete was heavily advocated to bypass the Royal Navy and seize control of the island.

Nazi German paratroopers landing in Crete. Source: Arthur Conry, digitised and edited by Wiki-Ed.

5. Operation Mercury. The initial invasion force consisted of 750 glider troops, 10,0000 paratroopers, and 5,000 mountain infantries. The three groups were given mythical codenames to fit with Operation Mercury. Group West was named Comet, Group Centre was named Mars, and Group East was named Orion. These groups were directed to target Maleme, Souda Bay (Rethymno), and Heraklion, respectively. The capture of Malime, the largest airfield of Crete, would allow the rapid deployment of supplies and reinforcements to secure the island.

6. How it all came to an end. British naval dominance and ANZAC allies kept Crete safe for a month following the invasion of Greece. The Allies faced critical supply shortages. Equipment shortages were so severe that in many places, Allied soldiers were forced to dig defensive positions with their steel helmets. Ammunition was in short supply. While they still outnumbered the invaders by a wide margin, dwindling food and ammunition were taking their toll on the defenders, and enemy air superiority proved devastating. This led many Cretans to evacuate to Egypt and therefore concede defeat.

Two ships at Suda Bay are hit by German bombers. Source: IWM Collections.
 

7. The Cretan resistance was birthed just two weeks after the Battle concluded.

8. The price paid. 6,000 men were killed and nearly 300 aircraft were destroyed. These losses led Hitler to conclude that resources would never again by used in a large-scale airborne invasion. At least one German battalion lost over two thirds of its men within the first few hours of 20 May 1941. The Cretan people took advantage of the invaders’ weaknesses, attacking paratroopers as they landed, and leaving behind a graveyard.

9. The razing of Kandanos. The Battle of Crete led to the razing of Kandanos in western Crete. It was destroyed for atonement of the killing of 25 German soldiers. In retaliation for the murder of a paratrooper platoon by an ambush of armed men and women, Kandanos was destroyed and about 180 Cretans were killed on 3 June 1941. For the brutal murder of German paratroopers, and because men, children, and priests dared to resist to the Great Reich, Kandanos was destroyed so that it will never be built again. Kandanos has been rebuilt, with a local war memorial, since.

Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria partners with Moray and Agnew Lawyers

The Greek Herald
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Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria partners with Moray and Agnew Lawyers

The Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) yesterday announced a new partnership with leading national law firm, Moray & Agnew, who will be providing pro bono legal advice to ECCV to support its work advocating for Victoria’s migrant and refugee communities.

Moray & Agnew will be offering legal support in the areas of governance, employee relations and contracts as part of the corporate sponsorship agreement with ECCV.

“We look forward to working with Moray & Agnew to strengthen ECCV’s capacity to advocate for and support our members as our organisation evolves,” said ECCV Chairperson Eddie Micallef.

The partnership builds on Moray & Agnew’s induction in March as a Campaign Ambassador for ECCV’s anti-racism campaign, All One Together, a collaborative platform for business, local government, not-for-profit organisations and community groups to innovate and take positive actions to tackle racism.

Moray & Agnew Melbourne Managing Partner, Bill Papastergiadis OAM, said the corporate partnership with ECCV was aligned with the firm’s approach to social responsibility and commitment to social justice.

“We’re proud to be supporting Victoria’s migrant and refugee communities through our partnership with ECCV, which has been advocating for migrants for more than 45 years,” Mr Papastergiadis said.

“We take our responsibility as a strong corporate citizen seriously. A number of our partners are involved with community-based organisations that work with diverse ethnic groups and we are pleased to be broadening that support through ECCV,” he said.

Mr Papastergiadis is also president of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne & Victoria, a core member of the ECCV.

“The Greek Community has a proud and longstanding association with ECCV and as our multicultural community evolves, established and vibrant migrant organisations like the Greek Community can play an important role in mentoring and supporting newly arrived communities,” Mr Micallef said.

“Our partnership with Moray & Agnew is a great example of strong community leadership,” he said.

Moray & Agnew is a signatory to the National Aspirational Pro Bono Target and provides pro bono legal services across the country to assist community organisations and disadvantaged sectors of society.

“Our Melbourne office’s connection with the diverse range of ethnic communities that thrive and those that are developing in Victoria has underpinned our expansion particularly in commercial work,” said Moray & Agnew National Managing partner, Geoff Connellan.

“Bill and his team have deep connections with those communities, so we are excited to give back through this corporate partnership, including an innovative pro bono arrangement which fits neatly into our national pro bono strategy.”

The Battle of Crete told through the brushstrokes of New Zealand’s war painter, Peter McIntyre

The Greek Herald
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The Battle of Crete told through the brushstrokes of New Zealand’s war painter, Peter McIntyre

Peter McIntyre was 31-years-old when he decided to join the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in London, who looked to join the Greek and Australian forces in repelling the German invasion on the Greek island of Crete.

Peter McIntyre quite literally ‘paints a picture’ of what fighting the Germans on Crete was like in his collection of tragically beautiful artworks, which tell a story themselves.

However, in order to understand McIntyre’s journey even deeper, The Greek Herald spoke with the legendary war artist’s daughter, Sara McIntyre.

War through the eyes of a painter

Although born in the New Zealand city of Dunedin, McIntyre studied art at the Slade School of Fine Art in England. In the outbreak of the Second World War, McIntyre was unable to join the British army, instead enlisting in the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (2NZEF) that was being raised in London.

McIntyre was sent to Egypt where his art skills gained the attention of Major General Bernard Freyberg, New Zealand’s seventh Governor General who became a famous WWI and WII war veteran. Recognising his skills with a pencil, Freyberg appointed him New Zealand’s official war artist.

Forward Dressing Station Near Meleme. Photo: Supplied

According to historian Jennifer Haworth, McIntyre remained in Egypt during the Greek campaign, but eventually made his way to Crete following the disastrous result on the mainland. It’s here where McIntyre documents his war journey through sketches, as well as in his book, Peter McIntyre: War Artist.

“At the end of the war on a return visit to Crete I visited this same house and a weeping woman told me how when we retreated, the Germans shot her husband because we had used her home,” McIntyre writes, speaking about a house he once took shelter in after being pinned by German sniper fire.

“In one Cretan village I visited they had lined up all the men, 11 of them, and machine-gunned them down on the suspicion they might have sheltered a New-Zealander.”

Peter McIntyre, General Hospital Crete, 20 May 1941. Photo: Archives New Zealand

McIntyre’s book tells more tales of the disastrous Cretan campaign. The artist notes that he didn’t have much time to create large paintings due to always being on the move, drawing small sketches instead. McIntyre transferred his sketches into larger designs once back in Egypt.

“We had little artillery, some French guns without proper sights, and practically no transport,” McIntyre said in his book.

“We had no air cover. It was no way to fight a difficult battle, and yet we very nearly won.”

“That is the tragedy of it.”

McIntyre’s Legacy

Sara McIntyre grew up most of her childhood life never seeing her father’s war paintings, which were kept in archive storage. After her father’s war book published in 1981, an exhibition of his war paintings was shown for the first time since the war in 1995. This was also the year her father passed away.

Sara said she journeyed to Sfakion with her children in 1977, not knowing that her father had been to the same town, which he regards in his book as the “luckiest place on earth”.

“In Sfakion i went to a taverna. The men were all sitting outside in traditional clothing and they nodded and smiled,” Sara said to The Greek Herald.

Machine gunners on alert at dawn, behind their World War One style Vickers machine gun. Photo: Supplied.

“I was traveling with my twin sons who turned four that day. I said, ‘Papa? Nea Zelandia. Kraut’ and did a throat cutting gesture.”

“The men cheered and raised their glasses. It was drinks all round and my boys were fed.” 

“I have certainly felt a connection to Crete ever since.”

Sara McIntyre upholds her father’s artistic legacy through the digital lens of a camera, shooting New Zealand’s picturesque landscape.

“With my own work, my father talked about the landscape, the light, all the time. I took such conversations for granted but now realise how much he influenced how I look at scenes,” Sara said.

“His war paintings and drawings tell a story. My photography is often to tell a story. He gave me an appreciation of landscape and people.”

Life as an early 20th century woman in Castellorizo told through NSW Association’s costume exhibition

The Greek Herald
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Life as an early 20th century woman in Castellorizo told through NSW Association’s costume exhibition

Ever wanted to know what a Castellorizian woman from the early 20th century wore on the night of her wedding?

Guests at the ‘The Castellorizian’ were treated on Monday to a grand tour of the Castellorizian Association of NSW’s new costume exhibition, entitled ‘Castellorizian Women’s Traditional Dress: A costume for all seasons’.

Prior to an exhibition tour, attendees and honourable dignitaries gathered in The Castellorizian’s new function room to hear a message of thanks from the Castellorizian Association’s Secretary coordinator of History and Archives, Victoria Kazaglis Gallagher.

Photo: The Greek Herald/Peter Oglos

“The history and archives committee was re-established in 2014 by two passionate Castellorizians, Nicholas Malaxos and Tasha Vanos… within no time, I jumped aboard the history train and joined these two knowledgeable gentlemen and with no funds, but a great deal of knowledge, we began to host exhibitions in Sydney and other states,” Victoria Kazaglis Gallagher said.

The History and Archives coordinator spoke about the success of the Association’s two-volume migrant book series, which presents over 130 family stories and 700 precious old family photographs produced and self-published by the History and Archives Committee.

Victoria also revealed how invaluable the late Anna Koutsis was in the development of not only the costume exhibition, but the whole History and Archives Committee, pushing for growth until her sad passing in February this year.

  • Photo: The Greek Herald/Peter Oglos
  • Photo: The Greek Herald/Peter Oglos
  • Photo: The Greek Herald/Peter Oglos

“The generosity of the Koutsis family didn’t end there. John Koutsis (husband to the late Anna) then chose to create a lasting memory for Anna by creating glass cabinets, which can be viewed tonight, and allowing us to display items of value that otherwise could not have been displayed,” Victoria said. The son of the late Anna Koutsis’ also said a brief thanks to Victoria and the Castellorizian Association of NSW for recognising Anna’s longstanding contribution.

Victoria went on to individually thank every community member who contributed to the establishment of the large exhibition now on display.

Dignitaries present at the event included Matt Thistlethwaite, Member Kingsford Smith, Konstantinos Giannakodimos, representing the Consul General of Greece in Sydney Christos Karras, and Nia Karteris, Chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney. The exhibit was also sponsored by Randwick City Council through their Creative Community Program.

Photo: The Greek Herald/Peter Oglos

“The history of the Dodecanese, and especially that of Kastellorizo, is strongly connected to the history of Greek migration in Australia,” Giannakodimos said.

“The role of Castellorizian women in this history is of high significance, surviving difficult living conditions and meeting the needs of the household as the men were engaged in trade and shipping.”

Following the speeches, half of the attendees were taken downstairs to experience a narrative tour from two of the History and Archives Committee members.

“Ever since clothes were invented, they have been the perfect vehicle to represent society, including our place in society and the rights of passage we all go through,” one of the exhibition hosts said.

  • Photo: The Greek Herald/Peter Oglos
  • Photo: The Greek Herald/Peter Oglos
  • Photo: The Greek Herald/Peter Oglos

“Our exhibition, Nyfes, Kores, Gynes, showcases the phases of a girl’s journey through to womanhood.”

Guests were then introduced to Chrisofina and Evangelia, who were two young women born and raised on Megisti, and were taken through the stages of their lives through the various costumes and photos on display.

Also on display were old pieces of clothing, including shoes and jewellery, that had been handed down through generations and eventually donated to the History and Archives Committee.

SA’s Cypriot pensioners combat loneliness with fortnightly meals

Argyro Vourdoumpa
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SA’s Cypriot pensioners combat loneliness with fortnightly meals

Life is better when we share! 

Last Wednesday, like every fortnight for the last four years, members and friends of South Australia’s Cyprus Community Pensioners Association gathered at the community centre in Welland, Adelaide to socialize and share a meal of ‘Lamb Kleftiko’.

“These meals started with 45 people and we had 130 in our last one held last week” president of the Association, Christos Ioannou, tells The Greek Herald. 

“They are a great chance for the elders of the Cypriot and the wider Greek community to come together. They usually start with Bingo in the morning and end in the afternoon,” Mr Ioannou says, explaining that his goal is to increase the number of people who attend the meals, to at least 200.

“Everyone who is of Cypriot background or interested in the culture is welcome to attend. We also organise day trips around South Australia twice a year to keep things interesting and entertain our members,” concludes the President. 

The Association’s next fortnight meal will be held on Wednesday, May 26th at the Cyprus Community Cultural Centre in Welland, Adelaide.

*An afternoon tea organised by the Ladies Auxiliary will take place on Sunday 23rd of May 2021 – 2pm with a Presentation on the first Greek Cypriots in South Australia and guest speakers Dr Maria Shialis. For Tickets and more information call Thekla on 0417 579 428 or Mirianthi on 0412 308 412.

Cyprus qualifies for Eurovision Grand Final while Australia sees early exit

The Greek Herald
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Cyprus qualifies for Eurovision Grand Final while Australia sees early exit

Cyprus qualified for the grand final of the 65th annual Eurovision Song Contest while Australia’s pre-recorded video performance failed to progress past the first semi-final round.

Representing Cyprus was 26-year-old Elena Tsagkrinou, who performed the song “El Diablo.”

Born in Athens in 1994, at the age of 14 she took part in the talent show ‘Greece Got Talent’, reaching the semifinals. Throughout the years, she has performed on the biggest music shows in Greece and Cyprus, at a number of concerts and she has collaborated with many other famous Greek artists such as Konstantinos Argyros and MELISSES.

Her Eurovision song ‘El Diablo’, which is heavily influenced by Swedish singer and songwriter Zara Larsson’s ‘Love Me Land’, earned great audience reception upon release, clearly gaining the attention of the Eurovision audiences as well.

Producers used visual effects to give a glitchy look to Montaigne’s high-energy “live-on-tape” performance at Eurovision. (AP: Peter Dejong)

Alongside Cyprus, Norway, Israel, Russia, Malta, Azerbaijan, Lithuania, Sweden, Belgium and Ukraine made it through to the Grand Final. Excluded from this list is Australia, who to failed to reach the final since the country’s debut in 2015.

Australia were represented by Montaigne’s song ‘Technicolour’, which was performed via a pre-recorded video.

Although dazzling audiences with technicolour lighting and eye-catching choreography, Montaigne didn’t get a majority vote and was sent out of the competition in the semi-final round.

Greece, who will be taking part in the second semi-final round, are represented by Stefania Liberakakis who will be performing her hit ‘Last Dance’.

The Eurovision entryis written by a team of Eurovision veterans including Dimitris Kontopoulos (You Are The Only One and Shady Lady), Greek production team Arcade and Sharon Vaughn (Scream and Waterline).

“Our whole team believes a lot in our song that we have this year. A prediction does not make sense. We put all our efforts to have an excellent stage presentation and we want Greece and the Greeks wherever they are to feel proud of the result they will see,” Stefania told local media.

Anna Ntountounaki becomes first female Greek swimmer to win gold at European Championships

The Greek Herald
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Anna Ntountounaki becomes first female Greek swimmer to win gold at European Championships

Anna Ntountounaki has made history in the women’s 100-metre butterfly in Budapest, becoming the first Greek woman to win a gold medal in swimming at a European Championships.

Ntountounaki claimed a joint-gold with France’s Marie Wattel, who both hit a 57.37. Louise Hansson from Sweden rounded out the podium with a 57.56.

Ntountounaki drastically improved upon her 5th place finish back in 2018 when she swam a 57.77 national record in the event. Her 2021 victory of 57.37 allowed her to further lower the record.

Nery Mantey Niangkouara is the only other Greek woman who has ever pulled off a podium finish, taking bronze in the 100-metre freestyle both in 2004 and 2006, as well as bronze in the 50-metre freestyle in 2012.

Ntountounaki competed in the women’s 100-metre butterfly event at the 2016 Summer Olympics, finishing 17th in the heats but still claiming a time of 58.27 seconds, which was a new national record at the time. She has also taken part in the past three World Swimming Championships for Greece in 2015, 2017, and 2019.

Thus far, Ntountounaki is the only Greek woman to have qualified for the Tokyo Olympics for swimming and is slated to race the 100 butterfly this summer.

PETA spokesperson Aleesha Naxakis blasted for telling farmers not to kill rodents

The Greek Herald
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PETA spokesperson Aleesha Naxakis blasted for telling farmers not to kill rodents

An animal rights organisation known as the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has suffered severe backlash for demanding farmers not kill the mice plaguing their properties in regional Australia.

PETA Media Officer Aleesha Naxakis came under fire after telling farmers to avoid using poison to kill the animals, instead to use humane traps to allow them to be “caught gently and released unharmed.”

“These bright, curious animals are just looking for food to survive,” Naxakis told NCA NewsWire.

“They shouldn’t be robbed of that right because of the dangerous notion of human supremacy.”

The mouse plague is costing farmers up to $150,000, a NSW Farmers’ survey has found. Photo: NSW Farmers

Naxakis’ comments have sparked an angry backlash from farmers and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, who lashed PETA as “idiots who have never been outside the city”.

“The real rats in this whole plague are the people who come out with bloody stupid ideas like this,” he said, according to news.com.au.

“Their thinking around this is reprehensible, when you have farmers struggling.

“You have these people who have never left the city and wouldn’t know if their backside was on fire, then all of a sudden they’re telling farmers what to do?

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack Photo: ABC

“The only good mouse is a dead mouse.”

Last week the NSW government announced a $50m rescue package, free poison for farmers and mice bait rebates of $1000 for small businesses and $500 for households.

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro slammed the PETA spokeswoman’s comments as “ridiculous” and an “insult” to farmers doing it tough.

“I would laugh if this wasn’t so serious,” he said.

Greek island welcomes first cruise ship of new season

The Greek Herald
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Greek island welcomes first cruise ship of new season

The Greek island of Corfu welcomed its first cruise ship of the new season on Tuesday, hoping much awaited tourists will help salvage losses incurred during 2020 due to the coronavirus.

Corfu port authorities said some 600 tourists from countries including Italy, France and Germany were on board the Costa Luminosa, operated by Italy’s Costa Cruises, and all safety measures were being adhered to in the port.

Some of the passengers expressed their delight at being able to travel again.

“It’s freedom, enjoying life, you really feel much better. You’re not in prison anymore, you’re free and that really does you good,” said French tourist Robert Maran from Lyon.

Passengers of the Costa Luminosa cruise ship wearing protective face masks make their way at the port of the island of Corfu, Greece, May 18, 2021. REUTERS/Adonis Skordilis

Greece opened its doors on Saturday to tourists from the EU and other key markets such as the United States, Israel and Britain, lifting the need for people to quarantine as long as they have been vaccinated or tested negative for COVID-19.

Costa’s first ship to resume cruises in Greece and the second to restart operations overall, is one of four scheduled to resume cruises this summer in the Mediterranean.

It set sail from the port of Trieste on May 16, and besides Corfu, will also stop in Athens, Mykonos, the port of Katakolon near Olympia in Greece, and Bari in Italy. It will operate until mid-November for some 27 cruises.

The Costa Luminosa cruise ship prepares to moor at the port of the island of Corfu, Greece, May 18, 2021. REUTERS/Adonis Skordilis

According to the company website, safety measures due to the coronavirus include a reduced number of passengers, social distancing, testing before embarking and midway through the cruise, as well as daily temperature checks when passengers disembark and re-enter the ship, as well as during excursions.

Masks will be required when necessary. The crew will also undergo frequent tests.

Another cruiseship, Mein Schiff 5 with about 1,000 passengers, was the first to dock at Piraeus Port this summer holiday season, Piraeus Port Authority said.

Tourists visited the local sites on the island wearing masks and underwent temperature checks at the museums.

“At last we’re coming back on track to freedom and work,” said tour guide Wafaa Spirou. “Safety and hygiene measures are being respected both by us and by our clients.”

Sourced By: Reuters

Bill Papastergiadis discusses potential Greece-Australia travel with Health Minister Greg Hunt

The Greek Herald
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Bill Papastergiadis discusses potential Greece-Australia travel with Health Minister Greg Hunt

Bill Papastergiadis, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCOM), and Professor Pirpiris, Treasurer of the GCOM, met with Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt to discuss the country’s vaccine progression and the Greek Australian community.

Bill Papastergiadis congratulated the Morrison Government and Minister Hunt for their exemplary work in maintaining Australia as one of the few countries globally to be largely covid free. 

“Not enough could be said about the freedoms we have enjoyed in Australia considering the difficulties experienced in most parts of the world. This achievement in Australia cannot be understated,” Bill Papastergiadis said.

Papastergiadis raised a number of issues that were relevant to not only Greek Australians, but everyone in the country.

The President asked to what extent the uncertainty of opening international borders impacted the uptake of the vaccine. Papastergiadis said that “many people in the community had expressed a view to me that they would delay taking the vaccine given the protracted timeline for when borders were opening internationally”. Clearly, this presented a “catch 22” situation for the Federal Government.

Minister Hunt acknowledged this issue and said in clear terms that “the quicker people got vaccinated the quicker the Government would consider the opening of international borders.

“It’s up to all of us to get vaccinated. I speak regularly with the Prime Minister on this issue and when can’t emphasise how important it is that people get vaccinated”.

Minister Hunt made the point that “the issue of opening of the international borders is a matter that is constantly being considered by the Federal Government. A key factor to this is vaccination”.

Papastergiadis also asked about whether a travel bubble could be opened between Greece and Australia, providing Greece proceeds quickly with vaccinating its citizens so that it is a safe place to visit. 

Minister Hunt thanked the President, saying “this is an issue we will look into. No doubt the Federal Government will consider the possibility of travel bubbles with countries other than New Zealand. It is something the Federal Government can consider in due course”.

Minister Hunt was effusive in his praise of Greece in its initial dealings with covid. He noted that it was initially one of the world’s success stories.

Minister Hunt noted he had planned a family trip to Greece which unfortunately had to be abandoned because of covid. It was a country he certainly wanted to visit once borders were opened.

Bill Papastergiadis also raised the issue of vaccine passports and whether home quarantine for those vaccinated was being considered. Minister Hunt said those are factors the Government are constantly examining.

Minister Hunt concluded the discussion by enquiring into Bill Papastergiadis’ role as Chairman of South Melbourne FC. 

Minister Hunt asked “is it still called Hellas? It is one of the wonderful clubs of Australia and it will certainly be an exciting time when the B League is set up. Promotion/relegation would add another dimension to football in this country”.

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