Part 16: Turn 12: 1300 21st May

Game Turn 12: 1300, 21st May

Accurate mortar fire from the LLSR support weapons decimates D Company, 23rd Battalion, that had just moved up to support the attack. The area of clear ground south of the airfield is now pock-marked with craters, and the remaining Commonwealth troops struggle to hang on to it. Other 5th Brigade troops also receive heavy bombardment, and accurate small arms fire from the hill and the airfield. The Pioneers on the hill rally, but their position is still precarious.



The units that are part of the MNDBO continue attacking and surrounding the 3FJR, slowly replacing the exhausted troops of the 4th NZ Brigade. With the defence perimeter deteriorating, Australians are finally able to make contact with the enemy support guns, as more and more German paratroopers are forced to surrender. The liquidation of the 3 FJR is continuing apace, and the rearguards are easily swept away by an assault by Royal Marines.



Artillery fire continues in Maleme, and the Pioneers attempt to assault the 10th Brigade Divisional Cavalry, but are unable to get close enough to form an assault. Everywhere else, the situation is quiet, although some of the 3FJR mortar companies move north in order to get away from the encroaching MNDBO troops.

In Heraklion, the going in the city itself is slow, as the Germans are well entrenched. On the eastern end of the battle, however, the 1FJR companies are being surrounded. The chances for the Germans to take that airfield are slim to none.



Mortar fire finally has an effect on the heavily shelled paratroopers on the eastern end of the runway, finally breaking the Germans, who run away in disarray. Taking advantage, the Maori C Company rushes to regain part of the Airfield, to the cheers of the rest of the New Zealanders. The 3FJR in Prison Valley continues to sustain losses as well, and 4th Brigade starts to disengage so that they can run to help 5th Brigade.



The 3FJR still has some bite, however, and casualties mount on A Company, 20th Battalion, forcing the New Zealanders to flee to the rear with many casualties. After two hard days of fighting, the Pioneers are also finally able to clear the Divisional Cavalry detachment as well.



Even after their success, there is much confusion at the HQ of 2nd NZ Division, as conflicting reports that the Airfield has been recaptured, and other reports that 5th Brigade is in retreat, arrive at the same time. (Random Event: Command Confusion, -2 CP for 2 NZ Division).