::Timeline of the fall of Crete::

Timeline of the fall of Crete

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History Learning Site > World War Two > Timeline of the fall of Crete

The fall of Crete took place in May 1941. It was the largest German paratrooper assault of World War Two.

April 25th	Hitler issued Führer Directive 28 - this ordered 'Operation Merkur' - the attack on Crete.
April 29th	Main evacuations from Greece ended.
April 30th	General Wavell visited Crete and General Freyberg was appointed commander of the defence force in Crete.
May 16th	The last British reinforcements arrived in Crete.
May 19th	Freyberg ordered the last airworthy aircraft to be flown out of Crete.
May 20th	'Operation Merker' began. In the initial phase of the attack, the Germans did not do well and only gained a foothold at Máleme.
May 21st	The Germans gained control of Máleme as a British counter-attack was too light-weight and also the attack was delayed.
May 22nd	The British withdrew from Máleme and the Germans had free access to land reinforcements and supplies.
May 24th	The Germans prepared for their main attack across the island.
May 25th	The Germans failed to break the British line at Galatas.
May 26th	The Germans were successful at Galaria and Perivolia.
May 27th	Freyberg received authorisation for a withdrawal from the island.
May 28th	Evacuation began.
May 29th	Rearguard British units surrendered to the Germans
May 31st	The last British men in Crete are evacuated and the Germans controlled the island.

History Learning Site > World War Two > Timeline of the fall of Crete

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