SITUATION IN HAND

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 May 1941, Page 5

SITUATION IN HAND

THE GERMAN ATTACK ON CRETE Hard Fighting of Increasing Severity LARGE NUMBERS OF ENEMY TROOPS ACCOUNTED FOR BRITISH BOMBERS HITTING HARD AT NAZI BASES LONDON, May 21. The battle of Crete continued throughout today. The latest reports show that British, New Zealand and Greek troops are still fighting and rounding up’ German forces landed from the air. It is believed that the Germans have been using a full air-borne division of 7,000 men, complete with artillery, macnineguns and motor cycles. Mr Churchill continued his story in the House of Commons today of the German air attack on Crete. Members cheered when the Prime Minister said that the situation was' still well in hand. He stated that further attacks from the air had developed since he spoke yesterday. German dive-bombers and fighters were followed by troops in gliders and parachutes. About 3,000 enemy troops had been landed on the previous day and by 6.30 o’clock in the evening most of them had been accounted for. Many had crashed while attempting to land, Mr Churchill said he was not able to give any details of the fighting, but continued fighting, increasing in severity, could be expected. The Prime Minister confirmed a report that many of the German parachute troops were wearing New Zealand uniforms and another report received later said men had been landed in English battle dress. Asked whether these troops would be dealt with according to international law, Mr Churchill said he had not sufficient information about the exact circumstances and that a certain amount of discretion must be left to those on the spot. A Cairo communique states that the enemy losses in Crete were serious, while the" British losses were comparatively slight. At one point a detachment reached the outskirts of Canea but these men were quickly surrounded and accounted for. The R.A.F. continues to strike at the source of the German attack on Crete. Intense raids on German-occupied aerodromes in Greece were made last night by British heavy bombers.