NEW ZEALAND'S INVOLVEMENT IN CRETE
New Zealand's involvement in the Battle for Crete saw them in one of their most significant roles throughout the Second World War. Crete was New Zealand's first large scale involvement in World War II, comprising a defence force of 7,000-8,000 men, brought to Crete mainly as an evacuation after the Allied loss of Greece earlier in 1941. With a total defence force of approximately 42,000 Allies, New Zealand played a crucial role in the battle. To add to this, New Zealander Sir Bernard Freyberg was appointed as Allied commander, previously tasked with commanding the 2NZEF before the battle had begun.
The Battle for Crete to this day is still recognised as one of the most significant battles New Zealand has played a role in. Heroics of New Zealand soldiers in Crete had been awarded, some of which receiving a Victoria Cross. One of these men was Alfred Hulme of the 23rd Battalion who played a significant role in the counter attack of Galatas, as confirmed by New Zealand History Online. Hulme had taken the recapture of Galatas on himself, rushing forward alone with his only weapon being the grenades in his hands. By doing this, he managed to clear a position allowing the capture of Galatas. His war heroics were later rewarded in October 1941. Another man who took it upon himself was Charlie (Charles) Upham VC. He was recognised for his outstanding leadership in the times of struggle in Crete, alongside his outstanding gallantry. He would later go on to be recognised as one of New Zealand's most famous soldiers, being one of three double Victoria Cross winners (for later heroics in Egypt).
Crete is remembered as one of New Zealand's most famous historical battles, primarily because of war heroics mention above. But this did not come with a heavy sacrifice. The amount of Allied casualties has been recorded at 15,743, this including those taken as German prisoners of war. The Allies lost over 1700 lives during the assault on Crete, 671 of which being Kiwi soldiers, as confirmed by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage on the New Zealand History Online website, almost a 9% mortality rate. Comparatively, 6,000 German forces were killed, alongside the Luftwaffe losing over 350 aircraft, which was an extremely large sacrifice for the Germans to make to take Crete, as to why it was regarded as a Pyrrhic victory.
One of the large controversies, the Allied evacuation, led to amassing a substantial tally of Allies taken as German prisoners of war. Approximately 15,000 Allies were handed to the Germans at the conclusion of the battle, nearly 2,200 of these men being Kiwi soldiers abandoned on the shores of Crete waiting for evacuation. Over 6,500 Allies had been left stranded, most of which formally surrendering on the 1st of June, others tempting fate, attempting to escape captivity in one way or another, some taking to wrecked boats, others were harboured by willing Cretans.
The main reason why Crete has been widely recognised as our most famous battle has been due to the reputation Kiwi soldiers had obtained while fighting under the Allies, a reputation that his still been upheld to date. The New Zealand forces had gone out of their way for the protection of others throughout the battle, including the rescue of the King. The 18th Battalion had been tasked with escorting King George out from Crete. While undertaking this challenge, safely escorting King George from the battle-ground, he had realised he had left his briefcase behind. Instead of leaving the documents behind, New Zealand soldiers, including Jim Seymour, went back in attempt to retrieve the briefcase, returning to the battlefield. Unfortunately the briefcase could not be located, but this battalion were rewarded for their endeavours with military honours, Jim Seymour receiving the 'Greek Gold Cross' recognising his valour, the Greek equivalent for the Victoria Cross. This was recognised in the text, In the Line of Fire by Ian Stuart. It was acts like these that gave the New Zealand forces the reputation they have today.
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The Battle for Crete to this day is still recognised as one of the most significant battles New Zealand has played a role in. Heroics of New Zealand soldiers in Crete had been awarded, some of which receiving a Victoria Cross. One of these men was Alfred Hulme of the 23rd Battalion who played a significant role in the counter attack of Galatas, as confirmed by New Zealand History Online. Hulme had taken the recapture of Galatas on himself, rushing forward alone with his only weapon being the grenades in his hands. By doing this, he managed to clear a position allowing the capture of Galatas. His war heroics were later rewarded in October 1941. Another man who took it upon himself was Charlie (Charles) Upham VC. He was recognised for his outstanding leadership in the times of struggle in Crete, alongside his outstanding gallantry. He would later go on to be recognised as one of New Zealand's most famous soldiers, being one of three double Victoria Cross winners (for later heroics in Egypt).
Crete is remembered as one of New Zealand's most famous historical battles, primarily because of war heroics mention above. But this did not come with a heavy sacrifice. The amount of Allied casualties has been recorded at 15,743, this including those taken as German prisoners of war. The Allies lost over 1700 lives during the assault on Crete, 671 of which being Kiwi soldiers, as confirmed by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage on the New Zealand History Online website, almost a 9% mortality rate. Comparatively, 6,000 German forces were killed, alongside the Luftwaffe losing over 350 aircraft, which was an extremely large sacrifice for the Germans to make to take Crete, as to why it was regarded as a Pyrrhic victory.
One of the large controversies, the Allied evacuation, led to amassing a substantial tally of Allies taken as German prisoners of war. Approximately 15,000 Allies were handed to the Germans at the conclusion of the battle, nearly 2,200 of these men being Kiwi soldiers abandoned on the shores of Crete waiting for evacuation. Over 6,500 Allies had been left stranded, most of which formally surrendering on the 1st of June, others tempting fate, attempting to escape captivity in one way or another, some taking to wrecked boats, others were harboured by willing Cretans.
The main reason why Crete has been widely recognised as our most famous battle has been due to the reputation Kiwi soldiers had obtained while fighting under the Allies, a reputation that his still been upheld to date. The New Zealand forces had gone out of their way for the protection of others throughout the battle, including the rescue of the King. The 18th Battalion had been tasked with escorting King George out from Crete. While undertaking this challenge, safely escorting King George from the battle-ground, he had realised he had left his briefcase behind. Instead of leaving the documents behind, New Zealand soldiers, including Jim Seymour, went back in attempt to retrieve the briefcase, returning to the battlefield. Unfortunately the briefcase could not be located, but this battalion were rewarded for their endeavours with military honours, Jim Seymour receiving the 'Greek Gold Cross' recognising his valour, the Greek equivalent for the Victoria Cross. This was recognised in the text, In the Line of Fire by Ian Stuart. It was acts like these that gave the New Zealand forces the reputation they have today.
Image Source - http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/files/styles/fullsize/public/images/stories/crete/crete-001.jpg