AT HEAVY COST

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 120, 23 May 1941, Page 7

AT HEAVY COST

SOME ENEMY SUCCESSES

INTENSE FIGHTING

GOOD WISHES TO THE DEFENDERS

(Rec. 12.30 p.m.) RUGBY, May 22. Making his statement on the situation in Crete in the House of Commons, Mr. Churchill said:

"This is a somewhat indeterminate moment in the battle for Crete at which to make a statement, and I can only give a very provisional account. "Fighting is continuing with intensity, and although the situation is in hand, the Germans have gained some local'successes at heavy cost. They are using a large number of air-borne parachute troops, and these are being increased daily.

"The position at Heraclion is that our troops still hold the aerodrome, although the Germans are now in what is called occupation of the town, which probably means that they are ensconced in certain buildings in the town.

"In the Retimo district there is no report of any particular fighting, although an attempt by the enemy to take the aerodrome in the vicinity yesterday morning was successfully held.

"In the Canea-Suda Bay sector heavy air attacks in the early mornins of yesterday were followed by further parachute landings, . which were heavily engaged by our artillery and machine-guns.

"At Malemi aerodrome, it appears that the enemy is now in occupation of the aerodrome and of the area to the west, but the aerodrome is still under our fire.

"Elsewhere the coastline of this sector remains in our hands. Fighting is going on and is deepening in intensity, and it will certainly continue for some time.

"Last night the enemy began to try sea-borne landings, but a convoy making for Crete was intercepted by our naval forces. Two transports and a