CRETE CAMPAIGN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 July 1941, Page 2

CRETE CAMPAIGN

NEW ZEALAND OFFICER’S STORY GREAT COURAGE OF GREEKS. MEMORABLE BATTLE OF WAR. (N.Z.E.F. Official News Service.) CAIRO. June 12. A high tribute to the courage of the Greeks —both those in the army and the civilians on Crete —was paid by a New Zealand staff officer who was attached to them during the brief but fierce campaign which ended in the withdrawal of the Imperial and Greek troops after they had withstood the concentrated force of the onslaught of the German Luftwaffe in what will bo one of the memorable battles of the war. Not long before the Battle for Crete began the Greek Army on' the island had been organised on modern lines, and New Zealand officers attached for liaison work. Part of their duties consisted of guiding the training along the lines adopted by the Imperial Forces. The soldiers were for the most part recruits of under a month’s training, but before the German invasion many excellent seasoned N.C.O.’s and officers reported for duty. They were veterans of the campaign in Albania, and their keenness and soldiering ability were exceptional. Nobody, however, realised that within a short time they would be plunged into one of the bloodiest and most relentless fights so far experienced in this war. On the very day that the Nazis arrived by air the Greek regiments were due to draw modern fighting equipment and take their place in the new Greek Army. Such an event following so closely upon their being driven from the mainland might have disheartened even the most courageous, but not so the Greeks. The air was full of planes; men stood amazed, bewildered; there came the order to “stand to.” Paratroops were landing in the vicinity of Perivolia and Galatos. A few rounds were loosed off, but it was obvious that the range was too great. Then came the order to send out patrols to round up the invaders. East of Perivolia they were quickly despatched. One Greek captain, regardless of personal risk, ran forward until he encountered a group of Germans. He killed their leader and in turn was mortally wounded. As the regiment to which this particular officer was attached had only enough ammunition for training purposes, a truck was sent immediately through an area patrolled by the enemy, and it returned safely through a heavy aerial blitz loaded with grenades. These were distributed and a company was ordered to retake Perivolia and account for all parachute troops in that area. Arms and equipment poured in during the next couple of days and offensive action followed. All German patrols in the hilly area were killed, and* the nearby villages were raided. Much enemy equipment was captured, and at least 200 enemy were killed. No reprisals beyond machine-gunning and bombing were possible on the part of the enemy, who were unfamiliar with the mountainous country where operations were taking place. Two hills at Pyrgos, south of Galatos, were used by the Germans as strong points, so the Greeks decided to raid them and, if possible, effect their capture. Commencing before daylight, the attack achieved a complete surprise, many of the Germans being killed at the point of the bayonet and with grenades, which were used with devastating effect in very fierce fighting that continued till about 5 o’clock in the afternoon. An intense aerial bombardment. which might have been the prelude to the landing of more enemy troops, meant that the operations had to be concluded, but one incident shows the mettle of those gallant Greeks who took part. Fifteen of the wounded refused to go to the hospital when ordered to do so—they returned to the front as soon as their wounds had been dressed.

One Greek lieutenant who is now in Egypt, stood ten paces from the final enemy post on the first hill and hurled grenades until he fell wounded by one thrown by the enemy. His courage was magnificent. Later, despite his wounds, he crossed a mountainous part of Crete to escape and continue the fight here. In the meantime contact was gained with the Greek regiments on the left flank, and reports were received indicating that they had accounted for many hundreds of the enemy, mainly parachute troops, in the hilly parts oi the island, and there was a feeling of certainty that there were none left there. Indicative of the high standard of morale of the Greek fighting men was the way they constantly expressed a desire to attack, but without adequate support from the air it was felt tha needless losses would have been caused. so they had to content themselves with raiding the enemy, who showed no disposition for this kind of warfare. No story of the campaign would be complete without reference to the outstanding courage and cheerfulness of the civilians on the island of Crete who sought refuge in caves near positions occupied by friendly troops. They were practically without food cut there was little in the way of complaint and they cheered on the Greek mldiers day after day. Throe hundred people lived in one ue'e cave lit only by the feeble beam' from a lamp burning lowly before wucifi”. Their uncomplaining and 'mroic attitude in the face of the blitz w n the admiration of the officers, wh; collected all the milk and sugar rations f the soldiers and handed them ove■<;r the babies and little ones who werej n,t off from supplies. “Tt was only when this happened the ■ saw tears.” said the New Zealand of-; fleer, “but. they were not the product' >.' suffering or weakness but a sponte- ; 'r.ns expression of gratitude.” I