BATTLE IN MALEMI AREA IN CRETE
Germans Penetrate British Positions UNDER COVER OF INTENSE DIVE-BOMBING IMMEDICATE COUNTER-ATTACK BY NEW ZEALANDERS LONDON, May 26. Yesterday and during the previous night at least 24 enemy planes of all types were destroyed in Crete by bombers and fighters of the R.A.F. and a number of other German aircraft were severely damaged. The principal target of the • was the aerodrome at Malerni and the adjoining fields, which are being used by the Germans as landing grounds for gliders and troop-carriers. Bombs were dropped among laige concentrations of troop-carriers, causing great damage. One was hit on landing, another was set on fire while taxiing and a British bomber shot down a third. Fighters shot down a German troop-carrier into Suda Bay and damaged anotner. Enemy aircraft destroyed on the ground included several fighters. In addition to German machines completely destroyed, damage has been done to many others. All the British planes, including also those engaged in operations in Africa, Iraq and the Mediterranean, have returned. On land it is officially announced today that fighting of the utmost severity has developed in the Malerni area, west of Canea. Here the Germans, under cover of intense dive-bombing,, penetrated the British positions. The New Zealanders immediately counter-attacked and a Cairo message states that the battle round Malerni is still raging. The German High Command shows a complete disregard of the heavy losses inflicted on their troops. In some places hand to hand fighting with bayonets is taking place. The ports of Candia and Retimo are still in British hands, but enemy troops are in the neighbourhood. A later message from Reuter’s correspondent suggests a slackening in the enemy bombing. Although it is possible that the Germans may have landed tanks in Crete, they have not yet made contact with the British forces. No landings of any consequence have been made from the sea. Not all the Greek Ministers have left Crete. King George of the Hellenes has sent a personal letter of thanks and appreciation to the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr Fraser, for the safe passage given to him by a New Zealand bodyguard.
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Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 May 1941, Page 5
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358BATTLE IN MALEMI AREA IN CRETE Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 May 1941, Page 5
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