Prince Peter's Diary Sheds Light on 1941 Battle of Crete

Saturday, 23 May 2026/Source: Haniotika Nea/1 min read

A newly highlighted diary by Prince Peter of Greece offers a personal account of the Battle of Crete, fought in May 1941. Prince Peter, son of Prince George who served as the first High Commissioner of Crete, and grandson of King George I, recorded firsthand observations during one of World War II's most significant airborne operations. The battle saw German paratroopers invade the island, with intense fighting across sites including Chania, Rethymno, and Heraklion. Crete eventually fell after 12 days of resistance. Today, visitors can explore this history at the Battle of Crete Museum in Chania and the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Souda Bay, both open to the public. The 85th anniversary of the battle falls in May 2026, when commemorative events typically take place across the island.