The Fall of Crete 1941: Was Freyberg Culpable?

Nonfiction, History, Germany, European General, Military, United States
Cover of the book The Fall of Crete 1941: Was Freyberg Culpable? by Major James Bliss, Lucknow Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Major James Bliss ISBN: 9781786250278
Publisher: Lucknow Books Publication: November 6, 2015
Imprint: Lucknow Books Language: English
Author: Major James Bliss
ISBN: 9781786250278
Publisher: Lucknow Books
Publication: November 6, 2015
Imprint: Lucknow Books
Language: English

On 20 May 1941, Generaloberst Kurt Student’s Luftwaffe XI Fliegerkorps conducted the first operational airborne invasion in history to seize Crete. Major-General Bernard Cyril Freyberg VC, 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force, commanded the British forces defending the island. Freyberg, forewarned of the details of the invasion, possessed numerical superiority over the enemy, but was defeated within twelve days. Freyberg, later blamed for the defeat due to his perceived faulty defensive dispositions, was dealt a losing hand from the start. His troops consisted of those that could be rescued from the failed Greek Campaign and lacked sufficient weapons, communications, and transport to conduct the defense. Despite the best efforts of the Royal Navy, overwhelming Luftwaffe air superiority in the absence of the Royal Air Force isolated Crete and the relentless drive of the attacking German forces captured it. Poor tactical leadership by Freyberg’s subordinate commanders and their failure to prosecute his operational plan led to defeat by the barest margin. While a tactical loss, Freyberg’s destruction of the 7th Flieger Division resulted in Hitler never considering an operational airborne assault again. Freyberg, although accepting responsibility for the defeat, should not be held entirely culpable for the loss of Crete.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

On 20 May 1941, Generaloberst Kurt Student’s Luftwaffe XI Fliegerkorps conducted the first operational airborne invasion in history to seize Crete. Major-General Bernard Cyril Freyberg VC, 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force, commanded the British forces defending the island. Freyberg, forewarned of the details of the invasion, possessed numerical superiority over the enemy, but was defeated within twelve days. Freyberg, later blamed for the defeat due to his perceived faulty defensive dispositions, was dealt a losing hand from the start. His troops consisted of those that could be rescued from the failed Greek Campaign and lacked sufficient weapons, communications, and transport to conduct the defense. Despite the best efforts of the Royal Navy, overwhelming Luftwaffe air superiority in the absence of the Royal Air Force isolated Crete and the relentless drive of the attacking German forces captured it. Poor tactical leadership by Freyberg’s subordinate commanders and their failure to prosecute his operational plan led to defeat by the barest margin. While a tactical loss, Freyberg’s destruction of the 7th Flieger Division resulted in Hitler never considering an operational airborne assault again. Freyberg, although accepting responsibility for the defeat, should not be held entirely culpable for the loss of Crete.

More books from Lucknow Books

Cover of the book Tail Gunner Takes Over [Illustrated Edition] by Major James Bliss
Cover of the book From "Poilu" To "Yank," [Illustrated Edition] by Major James Bliss
Cover of the book Anzio (Operation Shingle): An Operational Perspective by Major James Bliss
Cover of the book Guymeyer — The Ace Of Aces. [Illustrated Edition] by Major James Bliss
Cover of the book From Salerno To Rome: General Mark W. Clark And The Challenges Of Coalition Warfare by Major James Bliss
Cover of the book The Man Who Started the War by Major James Bliss
Cover of the book Priests In The Firing Line by Major James Bliss
Cover of the book Forcible Entry And The German Invasion Of Norway, 1940 by Major James Bliss
Cover of the book The Mediterranean and Middle East: Volume I The Early Successes Against Italy (To May 1941) [Illustrated Edition] by Major James Bliss
Cover of the book Analysis Of German Operation Art Failures, The Battle Of Britain, 1940 by Major James Bliss
Cover of the book An Explorer In The Air Service [Illustrated Edition] by Major James Bliss
Cover of the book Nijmegen Bombardment On 22 February 1944: A Faux Pas Or The Price Of Liberation? by Major James Bliss
Cover of the book Role Of The Office Of Strategic Services In Operation Torch by Major James Bliss
Cover of the book The Marshall Story by Major James Bliss
Cover of the book I Dream Of The Day - Letters From Caleb Milne - Africa, 1942-1943 [Illustrated Edition] by Major James Bliss
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy