Title: Medical Units of 2 NZEF in Middle East and Italy

Author: McKinney, J. B.

Publication details: Historical Publications Branch, 1952, Wellington

Part of: The Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War 1939–1945

This text is the subject of: ‘Something of Them Is Here Recorded’: Official History in New Zealand

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Air Attack on Crete

Up to 12 May the enemy air force had concentrated its attacks on shipping to and from Crete and on Suda Bay. Then, from 13 May onwards, with the completion of new airfields in Greece and on the island of Melos, the Germans increased the scale of their attack to include the airfields at Heraklion and Maleme. Fighter aircraft carried out low-flying attacks or provided escort for bombers and dive-bombers. Gradually our air force was eliminated, and on 19 May the few remaining pilots and planes were withdrawn from the unequal struggle and returned to Egypt.

At dusk on 13 May enemy aircraft heavily blitzed the airfield at Maleme for an hour; that evening several casualties were admitted to 5 MDS. Again next afternoon further air attacks were made on the same area. The expected invasion was drawing steadily nearer.