Part 33: Turn 29: 1500 23rd May

Game Turn 29: 1500, 23rd May

The GJR 100, having delayed their offensive, finally spring into action. The attack, however, starts with a whimper, as radio contact is lost with two out of the three batteries that the GJR 100 was in contact with, leading to a much lower level of fire than expected. The targets are the north-most part of the 4th NZ Bde line, with A Company, 18th Battalion taking the brunt of the attack, which sends the men diving for cover.



Returning fire from the 4th NZ Bde is rather more effective, causing many casualties in the 10th Company Pioneers of the GJR 100, and scattering them to the rear. Other mortar fire is similarly effective, causing further casualties down the line. The Artillery fire is especially deadly, and the 5th Gebirgs line to the north is being stretched especially thin.



Some last desperate attacks are attempted by the German forces in Rethymnon, but the stout defence by the Allies prevents any last-minute heroics in the sector. Harassing fire within the Heraklion, Rethymnon and Canea sectors has little effect on the remaining paratroopers, however. The only movement by CREFORCE units is near Rethymnon.



Needing to help the Gebirgsjager, the guns of the LLSR open fire once again, and A Company, 18th Battalion takes the lion's share of the artillery fire, making the company as a whole combat ineffective. Some Luftwaffe support also comes to help thin the Allied line, but the strafes are unsuccessful. The assault also continues in Kastelli, and the Greeks are giving as good as they get, with some casualties on both sides as the Greeks attempt to protect their homeland.

The 19th Aus Bde adds their fire to the fight, but the mortars they have land their ordnance far away from the Germans, both near Canea and in the Rethymnon sector, although some advances under fire are made to get closer to the enemy support guns.



Even with their dogged resistance, Kastelli is finally cleared, and the Germans either head for the port, or start to head back to their positions in Maleme. The Greeks put up a brave fight, but it wasn't enough.



Near the airfield, construction of the entrenchments on Hill 107 are complete, and motorcycle infantry touches down on the runway.