The final region of Greece not under German occupation was the island of Crete. Located in the Mediterranean Sea, Crete spans an area of 3,206 square miles and is characterized by its mountainous terrain. The Allied forces had dispatched troops to bolster the island’s defenses, confident in its ability to withstand German assault, particularly given the British’s control over the surrounding waters.

On May 20th, the Germans executed a surprise airborne assault on Crete, marking the inaugural use of paratroopers in warfare. The German forces suffered significant casualties during the initial landings of both paratroopers and subsequent gliders. However, by the second day, they had made steady progress, securing control of one of the island’s airfields. Consequently, the Allied forces were compelled to retreat to the southern region.

The Germans’ air superiority proved decisive, enabling them to effectively defeat the Allied forces. The Allied withdrawal accelerated, culminating in the evacuation of the last troops on June 1st, with the remaining forces surrendering shortly thereafter.