Part 49: Turn 45: 1500 25th May

Turn Game 45: 1500, 25th May

Supply Levels



Now that they have managed to retreat to Canea, the 2nd NZ Division attempts to create another line to protect both the city and the approaches the Suda, a port and dock that still has a lot of transports taking shelter within it.



More GJR 141 troops arrive on the island, although they might even be too late to actually be able to make contact with the enemy, considering how fast the front line is moving now.



GJR 100 and 141 elements move up the Maleme/Canea road, clearing up the last few rearguards present before forming travel columns and moving up the road.



Meanwhile, the motorcycles of the 5th Mountain Division have caught up with the trailing elements of the MNDBO forces stretched out on the road, and create a withering fire that forces many of the British troops to seek cover, unable to move, while still being in a highly vulnerable column formation.


_{Those motorbike troops are adapt at chasing and harassing infantry down.}

A renewed assault by the motorbike troops cuts down the soldiers of the Australian command and does considerable casualties on the Royal Marines trailing behind the column. The rest of the GJR 85 keeps moving up, getting closer and closer to Canea.



With so many casualties and set backs, Freyberg has no choice any more but to call for a general evacuation of the island. Suda bay needs to be held in order for the ships docked there to be able to exit, but all commanders are told to either head for a port or the south of the island, which has ports less threatened by the daily Luftwaffe raids. The Battle of Crete has been lost, now the only priority is to evacuate as many troops as possible.

The 6th day of fighting and the call for evacuation does see a conclusion to some of the fighting, however, as even though they are low in supplies, the Aussies in Rethymnon finally manage to clear all traces of organised German resistance in the area. They immediately start heading for Georgeoupolis, and the road down to Skafia.





Seeing the Allies wavering, the 1st FJR attacks with renewed vigour, but largely their attacks are useless considering their supply situation, although many of the British troops, with low supplies and morale, are forced to the ground.



Having received the order to evacuate, the survivors of the 2nd NZ Division start pulling back. Suda will need to be defended but Canea is almost considered lost already. The 10th Brigade heads for the docks, ready to board ships once the cover of night is present.



CREFORCE units form up to protect Canea, mostly consisting of Australian units that will try to defend the city until at least the end of the day. Other MNDBO forces head south, ready to protect Suda.



The 14th Brigade immediately starts to pull out, heading south, leaving the city to the Germans. Somehow, the 1st FJR has survived and managed to hold on enough to win the battle for the city.