Commemoration of Battle of Crete

The 72nd anniversary of the World War II battle that had Greek, British, Australian and New Zealand land forces fighting off German and Italian paratroopers and forces will include addresses, exhibitions and other events, organized by regional authorities.

Hania vice regional governor Apostolos Voulgarakis said events would “be simple, just like last year’s, without this meaning that they shall not be splendid, like the events of that period and the sacrifice of the battle's fighters deserve.”

The battle started on May 21 and ended on June 1 with the fall of the island to Germany but at heavy losses that prompted Hitler to change his plans in the war. The battle, which at earlier commemorations was called by President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias “a very important battle for Europe and the entire world,” cost Hitler one of his most elite forces and had a direct impact on his immediate plans including taking Great Britain from the air.