Operation Merkur, the Battle of Crete, began on May 20, 1941, when German airborne troops parachuted onto the Mediterranean island.
The bloody battle lasted eleven days, but ultimately ended with the Germans capturing the Allied-controlled island.
Crete had provided valuable ports for the Royal Navy and airfields for RAF bombers, so the loss was keenly felt.
German Gebirgsjäger (mountain troops) played a significant role in the operation alongside the airborne troops.
The 5th Mountain Division had a force of 15,000 men in three infantry regiments (85th, 100th and 141st) and one artillery regiment (95th) and was deployed by air and sea.
This task was made easier by the capture of Maleme airfield on the second day of the battle.
The mountain infantry were ideal for this task because they had light weapons, were easy to move by air, and could cope with Crete's mountainous terrain.
Plastic model kit
unbuilt / unpainted
The bloody battle lasted eleven days, but ultimately ended with the Germans capturing the Allied-controlled island.
Crete had provided valuable ports for the Royal Navy and airfields for RAF bombers, so the loss was keenly felt.
German Gebirgsjäger (mountain troops) played a significant role in the operation alongside the airborne troops.
The 5th Mountain Division had a force of 15,000 men in three infantry regiments (85th, 100th and 141st) and one artillery regiment (95th) and was deployed by air and sea.
This task was made easier by the capture of Maleme airfield on the second day of the battle.
The mountain infantry were ideal for this task because they had light weapons, were easy to move by air, and could cope with Crete's mountainous terrain.
Plastic model kit
- Four figures
unbuilt / unpainted
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