Part 11: Turn 7: 1900 20th May

Game Turn 7: 1900, 20th May

The mortar shelling on Hill 107 is constant: it is clear to both the Germans the New Zealanders that this is a key feature that must be taken in order to be able to protect or take the airfield. The fire is heavy and accurate from the heavy mortars of 13th Company LLSR, and B company, 21st Battalion is almost wiped off the map.



The kiwis, however, fire back, once again with the weight of their light mortars. After many hours of shelling, 10th Company LLSR finally gets diminished enough that the Kiwis can easily mop up the survivors. With the path clear, a counter-attack on the airfield will likely happen soon, although night will make it tough to coordinate any such endeavour.



4th NZ Bde also joins in with their own ordnance, causing some casualties among the paratroopers of 3FJR. Even after their initial success, is the German attack running out of steam? Only time will tell if they are able to hold on until afternoon of the 21st, when the first air-landing reinforcements are expected.



The LLSR, not to be outdone and knowing that the next few hours would be crucial, unleashes a storm of lead towards the defenders of Hill 107. The weight of fire finally takes its toll, and the MG Company on the hill is scattered, along with A Company, 21st Battalion, that had attempted to outflank the paratroopers on the airfield. 7th Company LLSR braves fire from the remaining defenders of the hill to finally take the observation post atop the hill.



Nearer to Canea, the 4th NZ Brigade also starts firing with all available weapons. The only significant casualties are inflicted at 6th Company, who had gotten the closest to reaching the shore and cutting off 4th NZ Brigade.



In the Rethymnon sector, 19th Australian Brigade also starts firing at the Germans, but so far the fire is relatively ineffective. With night approaching fast, each sides bides their time.



There is some good fortunate for the Germans at last: stranded Fallschirmjager from 9th Company have been found, and they join their brethren on the eastern end of the airfield, even as Allied artillery falls down in an attempt to crater the runway. (Random Event; Lost Fallschirmjager)

MNDBO and various other CREFORCE units keep moving towards the sound of the guns, although some trailing units are still several kilometres away. Likewise, the elements of 19th Australian Brigade that aren't fighting in Rethymnon keep moving up towards Canea.



In Rethymnon, light mortar fire peppers the Germans, but the situation remains relatively stationary, apart from some small movements by the Greek units, while near Heraklion, the situation is now relatively quiet, although 14th Brigade moves their infantry in order to create a line to the west.

Further German reinforcements from 1FJR arrive by air, but it seems unlikely to sway the battle in that particular sector, although the Germans have managed to form in strength on the west of Heraklion. A light bombardment of the Greek units held in defence occurs, but attempts to dislodge them prove futile.



In Rethymnon and Malema, the Germans fire some mortars at the concentrations of British troops, but it is clear that the fighting is dying down as night approaches fast. The Matildas near the Maleme airfield, however, break down after hours of constant use: there is hope that the cover of night will allow them to repair. The planned 5th NZ Brigade attack to support the Matildas, however, is delayed, and night descends on the first day of fighting.