The Battle of Crete fought from 20 May to 1 June 1941, is a significant episode in World War II history, marked by remarkable successes and glaring failures. This battle was the first primarily airborne invasion, where German paratroopers (Fallschirmjäger) played a crucial role in the Axis powers’ strategic operations. Despite the eventual German victory, the high cost of casualties and the fierce resistance from Allied forces, including British, Australian, New Zealand, and Greek troops, left an indelible mark on military tactics and strategy.
While much has been written about the dramatic combat actions and strategic implications of the Battle of Crete, the logistics behind providing ammunition and other essential stores remain unknown. The rapid pace of the German invasion, coupled with the chaotic and desperate defence mounted by the Allies, meant that detailed records of logistical operations were often overlooked or lost. This gap in historical documentation has left many questions unanswered about how the defenders managed to sustain their efforts under such dire circumstances.
However, the War Diary of the New Zealand Division Assistant Director of Ordnance Services (ADOS) is a valuable resource on this overlooked battle aspect. This diary provides a rare and insightful glimpse into the New Zealand Division’s logistic efforts, revealing logistics challenges, resourcefulness, and critical role in the battle. Through the entries of this war diary, we gain a deeper understanding of the behind-the-scenes efforts that supported the front-line troops, highlighting the unsung heroes who, as much as practicably possible, ensured that ammunition and other stores reached those in need, often under the most perilous conditions.
This article explores the lesser-known logistical efforts that played a crucial role in the conflict. By delving into the War Diary of the New Zealand Division ADOS, we aim to provide a different understanding of the battle, understanding the resilience and ingenuity of those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support the New Zealand defence.
Following the disastrous Greek campaign, General Freyberg assumed command of Crete Force (Creforce) for the defence of Crete on 1 May 1941, deploying approximately 28,600 British, Australian, Greek, and New Zealand troops across four sectors: Heraklion, Retimo, Suda Bay, and Maleme. Despite the seemingly adequate size of this force, several factors significantly reduced its combat effectiveness. The Germans held complete air superiority, with only the British 14th Brigade fully equipped. A severe shortage of small arms ammunition and the lack of vehicles rendered mobile defence impossible. Each sector had to maintain a static defence within its locality, contributing to the island’s immobility and, ultimately, the failure to repel the enemy.
Initially, the Ordnance aspects of the operation were under the command of Creforce Assistant Director of Ordnance Services (ADOS) Lieutenant-Colonel J. Hitchcock of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC), who arrived on 24 April. However, by mid-May, he was recalled to Egypt, and the leadership was passed to Lieutenant-Colonel S. T. Rooke RAOC, who had also been evacuated from Greece.[1]
There was a small RAOC Base Ordnance Depot (BOD)depot in Canea, with a Base Ammunition Depot (BAD) established approximately two miles south at Katisfariana. Following the evacuation of forces from Greece and their immediate pivot to defend Crete, the immediate task was to supply clothing, essentials, blankets, and accommodation stores to thousands of troops who had landed from Greece. Three camps were set up:
- Peribolia for 17,000 British troops
- Kalibes for 12,000 men of the 6th Australian Division
- Platanias for 14,000 New Zealanders
This number was eleven times greater than originally planned for clothing and equipment supply. Transporting stores between ports was primarily conducted by caiques under cover of night. However, the supply of weapons and ammunition remained highly problematic. The general strategy involved holding ammunition primarily in fighting sectors, with only a fifth stored in the BAD. The LADs, having been forced to abandon their equipment in Greece, were severely restricted in their capacity for first-line repairs.
The Australians benefited from the well-trained 3 Advanced Ordnance Depot (3AOD) supporting their division, whereas New Zealand’s ordnance support was more ad hoc.[2] It relied on New Zealand Ordnance Corps (NZOC) members from the NZ Divisional staff to establish makeshift Ordnance Dumps and a distribution system. Major Allan Huia Andrews, as the New Zealand Division Assistant Director of Ordnance Services (ADOS), and Captain John Owen Kelsey, serving as DADOS Engineering (DADOS(E)), commanded these efforts. However, both Divisions struggled because the proper supply and support systems that should have been in place for such a campaign were non-existent.
The NZ Division ADOS war diary opened on 25 May 1941 as the NZ Division ADOS evacuated from Greece and arrived in Crete
25 April
At sea
Convoy attacked but raiders driven off.
Arrived at Crete
26 April
At Crete
27 April
With ADOS to see ADOS of Creforce and W/Ksps.
Issued with 1 8-cwt truck for Div HQ.
28 April
Act as Div Transport officer with 6 trucks ex Welch Regt.
Move to Div HQ location
29 April
Normal routine
30 April
To 1Fd Wksp to take OC’s orderly room in the absence of ADOS. Case of Private Burnt who discharged a rifle and killed a local inhabitant. Summary of evidence and charges read to the accused who pleads “Not Guilty”. The case is remanded. Summary of evidence submitted to ADOS.
ADOS Leave Crete, and I am temporally appointed to act for him
1 May
After the departure of Major Andrews, Major Kelsey was temporarily appointed DADOS of the Maleme Sector of Crete Force.
Collected stores and ammunition from Ordnance Dump for Div. Reserves.
To Inspect NZ Ordnance Dump.
Reported on the position of re-equipment of NZ Units to AA and QMG
2 May
Completed report of DADOS(E) on the work of Fd. Workshops, LADs. and OFP. in Greece and submitted this to DDOS, HQ 2NZEF
3 May
Normal routine
4 May
Collected supplies from BOD. Normal routine
5 May
Collected supplies from BOD. Normal routine.
6 May
Distributed shorts, shirts, hose tops, 2” and 3” Mortars, Anti-Tank Rifles and ammunition to Units.
7 May
To Canea to interview ADOS and COO of Crete Force
Further distribution of clothing and camp equipment to 5 Inf Bde
8 May
Normal Routine
10 May
Normal routine
Further distribution of stores and ammunition to units
11 May
Normal routine
12 May
To see ADOS Creforce and work with him on plan for equipping NZ units on a pro-rata basis
13 May
Fierce Air Raid over Suda Bay.
Bdes issued with 5 Carriers Bren each.
All units were requested to render deficiencies in clothing and camp equipment.
Distributed 1400 coils of wire and pickets to 5 and 10 Bdes.
14 May 1941
Further distribution of ammunition, wire, and pickets to all units.
Issue of 12 M/Cycles to NZ units.
Move with Div. HQ. to a new location 1 1/2 miles from Canea.
Heavy Air Raid.
15 May
Move the NZ Ordnance Dump to the NZ Div HQ area as there was no protection where this dump was previously located.
Prepare issue orders for all Bde Groups.
Lieut Cooper (16 LAD) was instructed to report to Suda Bay to assemble 75mm French and Italian Guns
16 May
To Canea to investigate the position of Ordnance supplies
Heavy Air raid in Suda Bay
17 May
36 15cwt trucks and 7 M/Cycles issued to NZ units
18 May
Normal routine
19 May
Normal routine
20 May
The German invasion of Crete began, and the parachutists landed.
General strafing all-day
Delivered ammunition as follows:
97250rds SAA
20000rds Stripless LMG
500rds A/Tk
Cpl Solon was taken prisoner but later recaptured.
21 May
Repetition of the previous day.
Collect ammunition reserve at dawn
Issue and blankets to German wounded
Heavy naval action at sea
Ammunition issued as follows:
110000rds SAA
100 Grenades
1100rds 75mm French and Italian
22 May
Very fierce strafing during the afternoon.
Ammunition issued as follows
97000rds SAA
6000rds Stripless LMG
340 Grenades
23 May
Very fierce strafing and bombing
Ammunition and stores issued as follows:
27000rds SAA
200 A/Tk mine
148 Grenades
700 Shovels
190 Picks
70 Coils of wire
140 Pickets
100 Local Bombs
24 May
The worst staffing so far experienced
Canea was systematically bombed.
Propose to recommend WO1 Schou for decoration for his conspicuous gallantry in delivering ammunition to units.
I was promoted to the rank of temp major while performing the duties of DADOS (E ).
Ammunition and stores issued as follows
90000rds SAA
10000rds Stripless SAA
480rds 75mm
8000rds Thompson Sub-MG
72rds Mortar 3”
60 coils wire and pickets
250 Shovels
60 Picks
25 May
Div HQ bombed
Ammunition issued as follows:
55000rds SAA
6000rds Stripless
2000rds Thompson Sub-MG
500rds A/tk
Div HQ moved to new location by wireless station outside Canea.
BAD Canea objects to the issue of ammunition after midnight as “their books were closed”. However, ammunition was obtained.
26 May
Serious strafing.
Bdes retiring
Take back 3 Ammunition lorries fully loaded to the east of Suda Bay and join Div HQ there
27 May
Move again down Sparkis Road.
Deliver Ammunition to 4 and 5 Bdes as follows:
100000rds SAA
10000rds Stripless LMG
2000rds Thompson Sub-MG
Strafed ceaselessly all day.
Move only at night.
28 May
Ammunition lorries taken by Force HQ.
Move again with Div HQ
Learn of evacuation scheme
29 May
Food and water position acute
March 12 miles to Embarkation Point but remain there.
30 May
Moral of troops getting low on account of enemy air activity and lack of food and water.
Prepare to embark
31 May
Embark with Div HQ at 2 am on destroyer “Nizam” and cross to Alexandria.
Bombed by 12 Planes en route but with only one “near miss”.
Arrive in Alexandria at 1830hrs.
ADOS NZ Div DADOS(E) War Diary for April 1941
In conclusion, the Battle of Crete was pivotal in World War II, marked by heroic defiance and sobering logistical challenges. From May 20 to June 1, 1941, German forces conducted the first large-scale airborne invasion in history, targeting the strategically vital island defended by British, Australian, New Zealand, and Greek troops. Despite fierce resistance, the overwhelming German air superiority and logistical deficiencies amongst the Allies ultimately led to their defeat.
While the battle is often remembered for its strategic implications and high casualties, the logistical efforts behind supplying essential stores like ammunition remained largely unexamined. The NZ Division ADOS War Diary offers a glimpse into the critical logistics operations that sustained the New Zealand defence. It reveals the resourcefulness and dedication of personnel who, under extreme conditions, where practicable possible, ensured that vital supplies reached frontline troops.
The logistical challenges faced during the battle, such as ammunition shortages and makeshift supply systems, underscore the critical importance of logistics in military operations. Though overshadowed by the dramatic combat actions, these efforts were instrumental in supporting the frontline troops and mitigating the impact of German assaults.
In commemorating the Battle of Crete, honouring the valour of those who fought on the front lines and the unsung heroes who laboured tirelessly behind the scenes is essential. Their contributions, as detailed in the War Diary and other historical records, provide a deeper understanding of the complexities and sacrifices of war. By remembering these logistical efforts, we gain a more comprehensive perspective on the battle, highlighting the resilience and ingenuity that defined the New Zealand defence on the island of Crete.
Thus, the Battle of Crete serves as a poignant reminder of the intertwined roles of combat and logistics in shaping war outcomes, leaving an enduring legacy in military history.
Notes
[1] Fernyhough, A. H. (1958). History of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps 1920-1945, Royal Army Ordnance Corps.
[2] Tilbrook, J. D. (1989). To the warrior his arms: A History of the Ordnance Services in the Australian Army Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps Committee.
