You might be all too aware of Greece's ancient history. After all it's the reason why so many people book holidays in Crete and other Greek destinations. However, you might not realise that Greece holidays can also be of interest to those interested in a slightly more recent living history.
The tranquillity of Crete was shattered for ten days in May 1941 by a military invasion. Nazi Germany launched the first major airborne invasion in modern warfare commencing on the 20th. This was met with strong resistance from Crete civilians and an expectant Allied presence owing to the first significant use of the recently cracked Enigma code. On the first day of the battle Germany suffered heavy casualties, but by two they had taken control of Maleme airfield and was therefore able to fly in reinforcements. The defending forces were overwhelmed and Crete came under German control. Most of the allied forces were taken out with a large scale evacuation, although, an estimated five hundred allied troops refused to abandon the island.
In light of the heavy German casualties suffered, Hitler forbade any further airborne invasions. Unperturbed and hugely impressed with the enemy's tactics though, Allied forces went about building their own airborne divisions that would ultimately prove indispensable during the Allied invasion of France.
Commemorative events and festivals are still being held in Crete today, most notably in Rethymnon, to commemorate the battle's anniversary. So, May marks a perfect time of year to visit and broaden your knowledge of the country's history, or simply bask in the beautiful spring weather. For those of you wishing to spread your wings and see what's on in the rest of the country, here's another of Greece's May highlights.
Unification of the Ionian Islands - Corfu holidays will give you the best opportunity to sees the archipelagos' biggest celebrations. It marks the islands' unification with the rest of Greece, and sees revellers partake in traditional music and dance, and the obligatory eating, of course!
The tranquillity of Crete was shattered for ten days in May 1941 by a military invasion. Nazi Germany launched the first major airborne invasion in modern warfare commencing on the 20th. This was met with strong resistance from Crete civilians and an expectant Allied presence owing to the first significant use of the recently cracked Enigma code. On the first day of the battle Germany suffered heavy casualties, but by two they had taken control of Maleme airfield and was therefore able to fly in reinforcements. The defending forces were overwhelmed and Crete came under German control. Most of the allied forces were taken out with a large scale evacuation, although, an estimated five hundred allied troops refused to abandon the island.
In light of the heavy German casualties suffered, Hitler forbade any further airborne invasions. Unperturbed and hugely impressed with the enemy's tactics though, Allied forces went about building their own airborne divisions that would ultimately prove indispensable during the Allied invasion of France.
Commemorative events and festivals are still being held in Crete today, most notably in Rethymnon, to commemorate the battle's anniversary. So, May marks a perfect time of year to visit and broaden your knowledge of the country's history, or simply bask in the beautiful spring weather. For those of you wishing to spread your wings and see what's on in the rest of the country, here's another of Greece's May highlights.
Unification of the Ionian Islands - Corfu holidays will give you the best opportunity to sees the archipelagos' biggest celebrations. It marks the islands' unification with the rest of Greece, and sees revellers partake in traditional music and dance, and the obligatory eating, of course!
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