Part 42: Turn 38: 1700 24th May

Game Turn 38: 1700, 24th May

Supply Levels



More motorcycle troops appear in Maleme, including a motorcycle mortar unit, useful in the hilly terrain to the south.



Bombardments and an assault by the GJR 85 finally clears the last of the Greek rear-guards from the hills south of Modion, clearing a path for the 5th Gebirgs Division to manoeuvre for attack in the next couple of hours. Motor and bi-cycle troops take the southern path, descending down into the valley. Artillery fire is directed at the last mortar team of the 2nd NZ Division, taking it out of commission. The indirect fire assets for the Allies have diminished significantly from the situation a scant few hours ago.



The few assets that they do have left target a concentration of GJR 100 forces, but the fire has little effect. With few assets left combat-effective, and the MNDBO forces behind them, this is the only chance that the 2nd NZ Division can withdraw and regroup without being under enemy fire, and they take the opportunity. The line is abandoned, and the Kiwis pull back, hoping to be screened by other CREFORCE units.



The GJR 85 moves forwards, sending its cycles to the rear of the Allied lines, while all other elements make contact with the Greek troops that are barring their path. A chance for an attack before the day is over is unlikely but General Ringel feels that pressure needs to be kept on the Allies at this point, especially since they haven't formed a cohesive line south yet.



The remaining 2nd NZ Division artillery targets one of the AT companies of the Germans, causing light casualties but little else. 4th NZ Bde retreats further, creating a secondary line behind the MNDBO forces.


_{This is what remains of 2nd NZ Dv, after 5 days of fighting, bar some 10th Bde remnants further north. Yikes.}

Over in Heraklion, the 1 FJR is still making attempts at taking the port, but the defences of the Allies in that area are too stout. More success is met south, where the dual purpose guns manage to make one of the 14th Bde companies scatter, and contact is made by the paratroopers, hoping to link up with the forces in the city proper.



The 7th Flieger Division artillery assets mount up on trucks: they are firing at the limits of their range and will need to get closer if they hope to continue their fire.



GJR 100 makes a localised attack, but the tired Gebirgsjager do little to the dug-in Allied troops.