When did Hitler sign Directive 28 ordering the invasion of Crete?
Hitler signed Directive 28 on the 25th of April 1941. This directive ordered an immediate invasion of Crete despite German Army High Command opposition.
Questions about Battle of Crete
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What date was the Battle of Crete scheduled to begin and when did it actually start?
The operation was originally scheduled for the 16th of May 1941 but was postponed to the 20th of May due to weather and logistical delays. German paratroopers jumped from Junkers Ju 52 aircraft at 08:00 on the 20th of May 1941 near Maleme Airfield and Chania town.
How many British Commonwealth troops were present in the garrison during the battle?
On the 17th of May, the garrison included about 15,000 Britons, 7,750 New Zealanders, 6,500 Australians and 10,200 Greeks. Major-general Bernard Freyberg took command on the 30th of April 1941 after seven commanders served in seven months.
Which naval vessels were sunk by Luftwaffe attacks during the evacuation of Crete?
Cruiser Gloucester hit several bombs left behind due to air attacks sank killing 22 officers and 700 ratings. Battleship Fiji was disabled at 18:45 and later sunk at 20:15 by Junkers Ju 88 flown by Lieutenant Gerhard Brenner.
What happened to Cretan civilians following the German occupation of villages like Kondomari and Kandanos?
On the 2nd of June several male citizens Kondomari executed firing squad captured film German army war correspondent. On the 3rd of June village Kandanos razed ground about 180 inhabitants killed. Mass shootings known Alikianos executions occurred between the 2nd of June the 1st of August 195 persons village Alikianos vicinity killed.