The Fall of Crete

It was one of the most dramatic battles of the Second World War--a truly epic story. For both Allies and Axis powers, Crete offered immense strategic importance for controlling the Mediterranean, with great naval harbors, level areas for airfields, and mountain anti-aircraft positions. How did it happen, then, that in 1941, German paratroopers--outnumbered 5 to 1 and with only a single airstrip for supply and reinforcement--spectacularly overcame thousands of British troops and an even larger contingent from Greece, to hold Crete till war's end? Even more shocking, all the action took place in a mere five days. An expert historian vividly explains British strategic blunders and tactical failures, along with the brazen efforts of the Germans.