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Heraklion, Crete 1941-05-21 (9 others)

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Overview:

Heraklion was the largest city on Crete, and one of the few places with an airfield. Therefore, it was a key objective of the German Airborne invasion. The reinforced Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 1 was tasked with the capture of the city, its harbor, and airfield. German planners had underestimated Allied forces in and around the city. Instead of just a motley assortment of raw Greek and weary Commonwealth troops, the garrison also contained a fresh British infantry brigade. After a disastrous landing the previous day virtually on top of these troops that resulted in over 1,000 German casualties, the Fallschirmjäger organized themselves for action. The group west of Heraklion, commanded by Major Schultz, would attack into the ancient part of the city, capture the harbor, and relieve the beleaguered comrades who were surrounded at the airfield east of the city. The German force was divided into two groups, one under Lt. Karl-Heinz Becker, entered via the ancient North Gate, the other, under Lt. Reinhard Egger, entered through the West Gate.

Defender: British/Greek ((British) 2nd Battalion, York & Lancaster Regiment and (Greek) 3rd Recruit Battalion and City Garrison)  

Errata (source)