Commentary on Heinz Richter - Operation Mercury

Abstract

The battle of Crete, fought in May-June 1941, remains a significant event in New Zealand’s history. New Zealand soldiers played a crucial role in the fighting and their casualty rate, with over 3,800 dead, wounded and prisoners of war, was high for such a small country. Kiwi commanders made key decisions in the battle, decisions which led directly to the Allied defeat. Which commanders and which decisions, however, has been a subject of debate ever since.