Battle of Crete

The Battle of Crete began on the morning of 20 May 1941, when Nazi Germany executed an airborne invasion in Crete. Cretan civilians fought side by side with the Greek and Allied Troops and managed to inflict heavy casualties to the enemy. For the Germans, it was the largest airborn operation in World War II. For the Greeks, it was a story of bravery. In the first three days of the assault, Germans suffered nearly 4000 losses and 1500 wounded troops. It was the first time in the history of World War II that Germans encounered heavy resistance from civilians, the Cretan men, women and children, all fighting for their freedom. Follow the historical battles around the Island of Crete, visiting places, monuments and learn about the common people and their heroic feats battling not only with weapons, but with their spirit as well.