Part 34: Turn 30: 1700 23rd May

Game Turn 30: 1700, 23rd May

LLSR artillery barrages light up the sky, this time mostly targeting the mortar assets of both the Australian and Kiwis, although some artillery is directed towards infantry as well. Most of the mortars are suppressed, along with C Company, 18th Battalion, which took the brunt of the remaining artillery and mortar fire.



Elements from the 14th and 19th Brigade keep up their light mortar fire, with some success in Rethymnon, but nothing ventured apart from that. The 4th NZ Brigade also joins the fire, disorganising several units within the GJR 100. This, however, was likely a prelude to a much bigger attack, and the Pioneers on the very south of the GJR 100 are swept away by mortar fire: the 4th Brigade, braving the machine-guns of the Germans, approach in order to put pressure on the German assault weapons.



The last infantry company of the 3 FJR surrenders, and the only hold-outs left are a mortar company near the hill: it is clear that soon the MNDBO troops will end their days-long fight. Partisans attack the artillery concentration near Pirgos, but the crews are disciplined enough to stay at their guns and fire back at the franc-tireurs.



The Germans troops in Kastelli capture the port and rally, ready to head out back towards Maleme. Otherwise, they strengthen the line and send the motorcycles as possible reinforcements, while the AT guns climb a hill in order to protect the southern flank. Artillery also fires, and takes our several squads from the 2nd NZ Division, most of them from C Company, 18th Battalion.