DEFINITE CHECK

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 May 1941, Page 5

DEFINITE CHECK

FAILURE OF ORIGINAL ENEMY PLAN ‘ SITUATION WELL IN HAND. HALF OF GERMAN FORCE KILLED OR WOUNDED. (By Telegraph—-Press Association—Copyright) 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 ancillary 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 our positions. The New Zealanders, British, Greeks and Cretan hillsmen, however, have succeeded in keeping the situation well in hand. 'rhe' 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 hall their effectives in killed and wounded. Many Germans were killed before even scenting battle as heavily-laden troopcarriers crashed in attempting to land on the crowded and bomb-pitted aerodrome at Malemi. ATTACK ON POPULOUS AREA. The military spokesman in Cairo today said the German attack is directed against Crete's most populated area, between Candia and Canea, which are connected by a good motor-road through wooded country offering good concealment for the 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 from the east are shielded by high hills, which enable the enemy aircraft to get within striking distance of the objectives before being spotted by the majority of the ground defences. The Germans, the spokesman continued, arc 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 where 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 compartively 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.