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Osprey Campaign #147
Crete 1941: Germany’s lightning airborne assault
Osprey's study of Operation Mercury, the German airborne assault on the island of Crete in May 1941 during World War II (1939-1945), which was the first strategic use of airborne forces in history. The assault began on 20 May, with landings near the island's key airports, and reinforcements the next day allowed the German forces to capture one end of the runway at Maleme. By 24 May, the Germans were being reinforced by air on a huge scale and on 1 June Crete surrendered. This book describes how desperately close the battle had been and explains how German losses so shocked the Führer that he never again authorised a major airborne operation.
96 pages, Paperback
First published February 5, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 29, 2023
This is a good book concerning the iconic campaign that, in a certain way, introduced new possibilities to modern warfare. Never before had such a large-scale airborne operation been attempted, as in the invasion of Crete.
The author adeptly provides background information on Operation Merkur, specifically the Balkans campaign and the Allied retreat to Crete after being forced back by Axis forces in Greece. With a concise overview of the leaders from both factions, their respective units, comparative strengths, and weaknesses, Antill then transitions into a day-to-day description of this swift yet extraordinarily bloody campaign.
The most immediately glaring issue is the severe lack of proper intelligence on both sides. The Germans had significantly underestimated the Allied forces in Crete, which considerably outnumbered the German invasion force. Meanwhile, the Allied forces suffered from leadership issues, with contradictory commands, and they failed to assess and predict the German attack locations and overall strategy.
Despite these challenges, both the Allied New Zealanders, Australians, and British troops, as well as their foes, the Fallschirmjäeger and the Gebirs mountain troops, displayed amazing bravery, resulting in a daring evacuation under enemy fire where the Royal Navy played a crucial role.
While there are some imprecisions and omissions, overall, this book serves as a truly fine introduction to this campaign.
The inclusion of very good 2D maps (Balkan Campaign, 6-30 April 1941; Map of Crete; Souda Bay/Prison Valley, 20-22 May; Rethymnon, 20-21 May; Heraklion, 20-26 May; The German advance and Allied retreat from Hania to Sphakion, 27-31 May) and 3D maps (Maleme, 20-22 May, showing the initial German landings and attempts to secure the airfield, the confused Allied response, and the counter-attack attempts; German advance on Platanias, 23 May; German advance on Galatos, 24-26 May) clearly and sequentially depict the development of events. Additionally, the inclusion of good color plates by Howard Gerrard (Genz glider detachment landing southwest of Canea, Morning 20 May 1941; 2nd Battalion, 1st Fallschirmjäger regiment landing west of Heraklion airfield, afternoon 20 May; Australian counterattack against 1st Battalion, 141st Gebirsjäger Regiment, morning 27 May) makes this title an invaluable resource for understanding this fast-paced and mobile campaign.
The author adeptly provides background information on Operation Merkur, specifically the Balkans campaign and the Allied retreat to Crete after being forced back by Axis forces in Greece. With a concise overview of the leaders from both factions, their respective units, comparative strengths, and weaknesses, Antill then transitions into a day-to-day description of this swift yet extraordinarily bloody campaign.
The most immediately glaring issue is the severe lack of proper intelligence on both sides. The Germans had significantly underestimated the Allied forces in Crete, which considerably outnumbered the German invasion force. Meanwhile, the Allied forces suffered from leadership issues, with contradictory commands, and they failed to assess and predict the German attack locations and overall strategy.
Despite these challenges, both the Allied New Zealanders, Australians, and British troops, as well as their foes, the Fallschirmjäeger and the Gebirs mountain troops, displayed amazing bravery, resulting in a daring evacuation under enemy fire where the Royal Navy played a crucial role.
While there are some imprecisions and omissions, overall, this book serves as a truly fine introduction to this campaign.
The inclusion of very good 2D maps (Balkan Campaign, 6-30 April 1941; Map of Crete; Souda Bay/Prison Valley, 20-22 May; Rethymnon, 20-21 May; Heraklion, 20-26 May; The German advance and Allied retreat from Hania to Sphakion, 27-31 May) and 3D maps (Maleme, 20-22 May, showing the initial German landings and attempts to secure the airfield, the confused Allied response, and the counter-attack attempts; German advance on Platanias, 23 May; German advance on Galatos, 24-26 May) clearly and sequentially depict the development of events. Additionally, the inclusion of good color plates by Howard Gerrard (Genz glider detachment landing southwest of Canea, Morning 20 May 1941; 2nd Battalion, 1st Fallschirmjäger regiment landing west of Heraklion airfield, afternoon 20 May; Australian counterattack against 1st Battalion, 141st Gebirsjäger Regiment, morning 27 May) makes this title an invaluable resource for understanding this fast-paced and mobile campaign.
June 29, 2025
Balanced high-quality
I am bothered by the breakdown of large images and long passages, but the story is fairly engaging. I have enough other maps to refer too, but it is a consistent issue that could use some attention. Otherwise I please with the detail, and thankful for this excellent coverage. Such a close call either way.
I am bothered by the breakdown of large images and long passages, but the story is fairly engaging. I have enough other maps to refer too, but it is a consistent issue that could use some attention. Otherwise I please with the detail, and thankful for this excellent coverage. Such a close call either way.
October 13, 2019
Osprey Publishing Campaign publication.
The Crete operation was the last Germany's attempt to use airborne operations to achieve startegic effects.
The Crete operation was the last Germany's attempt to use airborne operations to achieve startegic effects.
August 15, 2024
Like other books in the Osprey Campaign series, this book gives a good but brief overview of the Crete Campaign. However, it also uses untranslated German words and titles rather than their English equivalents (such as Oberst instead of Colonel). It includes a one-page bibliography but lists several of Osprey's own books from the Elite, Warrior, and Men-at-Arms series.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews