EACH FOR HIMSELF

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 121, 24 May 1941, Page 9

EACH FOR HIMSELF

DEFENDERS OF CRETE

UNUSUAL BATTLE CONDITIONS

GERMAN PLAN FAILS

LONDON, May 22

Military: circles in Cairo point out that an exact estimate of the situation in Crete is most difficult, because such things as lines of communication and rear and forward positions are practically non-existent. Staff headquarters are in the front line, and the anT ciliary units are fighting equally with the infantry. "Every man for himself" is the order of the day, since the parachutists have been dropping like confetti from the clear skies, sometimes landing in the middle of the defensive positions. The New Zealanders, British; Greeks, and Cretan hillsmen, however, have succeeded in keeping the situation well in hand.

The Cairo correspondent of "The Times" says it is believed that the original German plan for attacking Crete with parachutists and air-borne troops in order to screen a determined attempt at a landing by sea has failed.

It is estimated that the Germans dropped in the island have lost about half their effectives in killed and wounded. Many Germans were killed before even scenting battle, as heavilyladen troop-carriers crashed in attempting to land on the crowded and bombpitted aerodrome at Malemi.

The military spokesman in Cairo said today that the German attack is directed against Crete's most populated areas, between Candia and Canea, which are connected by a good motor road through wooded country which offers good concealment for parachutists.

The main body of air-borne troops landed at Malemi, which is well-suited for an attack against the naval base in Suda Bay. The approaches to Suda Bay from the north and the east are shielded by high hills, which enable the enemy aircraft to get within striking distance of their objectives before being spotted by the majority of the ground defences. The Germans, the spokesman 'continued, are operating a 24-hour air ferry service between Greece and Crete which the R.A.F. is doing its best to upset by heavily bombing the German air bases in Greece. Some sections of the Allied forces have taken up positions in the mountains surrounding the aerodromes. From there they are inflicting heavy casualties as the Germans land.

The German attempts to land by sea consisted of sending fairly small vessels containing landing parties across the comparatively narrow strip of sea without a strong naval escort.

The spokesman added that it was impossible to give an accurate estimate of the casualties in the confusion of this battle, which is the strangest that has ever been fought.

The "Daily Telegraph" says that many Germans landed in Crete today under cover of smoke-bombs, which were previously dropped from divebombers to blind the defenders. In spite of this screen, many of the paratroops were shot dead as they dropped. WHY R.A.F. FIGHTERS WERE WITHDRAWN. An Air Ministry official in London disclosed that in view of the pronounced disadvantages under which the British fighters were operating in Crete when the German attack was launched, the commanders on the spot decided to withdraw the remaining fighters, because otherwise the Air : Force and personnel involved would 'be wasted.

The official pointed out that Crete is not well provided with aerodromes, and is situated close to Greek and Italian islands and also to the Greek mainland, where there is a large concentration of German planes. The distance of Crete from the British aerodromes in Egypt has precluded the possibility of strong air support by the R.A.F.

Previous experience has proved that it is impossible to develop a satisfactory fighter defence from a few comparatively ill-equipped aerodromes if these arc subjected to heavy air attack.

"The Times" says in a leading article: "The most disturbing item in Mr. Churchill's statement was that our troops in Crete are once again fighting unsupported from the air, for lack of aerodromes. Nevertheless, the defence is undoubtedly putting up a magnificent resistance. The enemy losses are very heavy, but the Germans can afford considerable losses and the prize of Crete is worth sacrifices. While enemy artillery and tanks can be kept out, there is room for hope that the valour of the garrison will prevail in the ferocious struggle."— U.P.A.