Crete marks 85 years since pivotal 1941 WWII battle

Sunday, 24 May 2026/Source: Haniotika Nea/1 min read

This year marks 85 years since the Battle of Crete, which began on 20 May 1941 when German forces launched one of the largest airborne invasions in history. Allied troops, including significant numbers of New Zealand, Australian, and British soldiers alongside Cretan civilians, fought a fierce 10-day defensive battle before the island fell to German occupation. The battle is remembered as a rare case where civilian resistance played a decisive role, with Cretan men and women taking up arms to defend their villages. Visitors to Crete can explore this history at the Battle of Crete Museum in Heraklion, the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Souda Bay near Chania, and numerous memorials across the island. The town of Chania hosts annual commemoration ceremonies each May 20th, open to the public and attended by delegations from New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom.