Battle of Maleme
Historical Overview
The Battle of Maleme was one of three main battles that occurred in the Battle of Crete against the Fallschirmjäger, in the Nazi German Mediterranean campaign in 1941. The overall plan was to conquer Crete as part of Operation Merkur, with German Paratroopers landing in three main areas, Heraklion, Maleme and Rethymno. The operation relied on German airborne troops, both paratroopers and in military gliders. Due to a mistake, and despite being in a superior position, New Zealand troops abandoned a strategic hill, leaving it to the Germans, and then lost the airfield. The airfield was then used by the Germans to transport in more troops which saw the whole island lost to the Germans.
Quick Facts
German Paratroopers
- Commander: Eugen Meindl
- Strength: 2000
- Casualties: hoch
New Zealand
- Commander: Edward Puttick
- Strength: 3000
- Casualties: ca. 500
Strategic Context
Securing airborne reinforcements.
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Historical Locations
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