RETAINED BY THE GERMANS IN CRETE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 May 1941, Page 5

RETAINED BY THE GERMANS IN CRETE

Some Additional Forces Landed by Air MALEMI AERODROME UNDER ALLIED GUNFIRE ALL ENEMY ATTEMPTS TO USE SEA TRANSPORT FRUSTRATED

LONDON, -May 23. , Four days have now passed since the German invasion of Crete began and although troops are still being landed by parachutes and troop-carrying planes the Germans have succeeded in holding only one point. Tonight's news from the island states that the Germans had succeeded in gaining an area around the Malemi aerodrome west of Canea sufficient to enable them to land aeroplanes. The aerodrome is under British fire. A British counter-attack in this area was held up by the arrival of fresh German reinforcements. Fierce

fighting continues. Both sides are using Tommy guns, machine guns and mortars. The British forces also have tanks and artillery. The Germans attempted to occupy three vital points. They obtained a temporary hold at Candia and at Retime, but after severe hand-to-hand fighting the situation in both these places was reported to be now satisfactory. In addition to Australians, New Zealanders and British forces, the Greek troops are fighting with great fury and severe losses have been inflicted on the enemy. Many planes crashed on landing and the occupants were killed, and many parachutists were killed or injured through landing in trees. There are good grounds for hoping that the British casualties are not heavy, although the troops are constantly being dive-bombed by the enemy. The formation of the island is not generally suitable for this form of attack. NAVY’S MAGNIFICENT PART A magnificent part is being played by the British Navy, which has held off all German attempts to land forces and supplies by sea. British naval forces have kept the coast of Crete free from invasion, but some naval losses are to be expected. The destruction of enemy convoys and the frustration of the arrival of enemy reinforcements by sea more than justify any losses. German reports of damage inflicted on British warships are greatly exaggerated. The fate of an enemy convoy of 30 vessels, which was attacked by destroyers and other light naval forces is not yet known, but not one reached the coast of Crete. The convoy was driven northward in confusion. Italian destroyers were seen picking up survivors.