Part 61: Turn 57: 0700 27th May

Game Turn 57: 0700, 27th May

Supply Levels



The coming of dawn is met by early-morning Luftwaffe air-strikes, targeting the remaining defenders of Suda. Most of them are ineffective, but one strafe takes out the last mortar platoon, leaving the remaining Commonwealth troops without artillery support of any kind.



The LLSR artillery also starts firing, some of it aimed at the defenders in Suda, but other artillery targeting Canea. Once again, many houses are wrecked by the fire, killing civilians and British troops alike, with the Welch Regiment taking heavy casualties. The LLSR takes the opportunity to advance closer to the port.



Layforce attempts to fight back, but getting out of the trenches to head for the port would mean braving countless machine gun emplacements. Still, with their lifeline in danger, an attempt needs to be made. The Layforce company to the south gets out of their trenches, taking MG fire, which thankfully only causes light casualties. The supply situation for the encircled Suda defenders is getting drastic, and many Layforce commandos are running out of ammunition.



A Company Layforce moves north under MG fire, with casualties mounting, but no choice in the matter. It is a do or die moment, and to stay in the trenches with the docks in danger is not an option. The 2nd NZ Division soldiers try to keep up the fire against the Germans, but to little effect.



Layforce opens fire on the Germans once again, causing some casualties among both the MG company and the motorcycle troopers keeping the corridor to the port open. The DDF forces that were retreating to the south finally manage to get to the road towards Sfakia.



The Gebirgs artillery finally opens up, blanketing the Layforce company within Suda itself in fire, and disrupting the commandos, with many casualties caused by the fire. The commandos hit the ground, finally suppressed, unable to withstand such volume of fire.



The GJR 141 edges closer to the city of Canea as well, along with LLSR fire pouring into the dock-side areas of the city, but apart from laying down a barrage, it has little effect on the defenders.



There are some unexpected arrivals for the Germans: a small company of tanks arrives in Kastelli, sporting Panzer IIs. Far from the front line, it's unlikely their arrival will have any effect on the outcome of the battle.



Withdrawal Level: 34