Use of gliders during invasion of Crete
 

A recent article in the meteorological magazine Weather refers to the use of gliders being a failure during the invasion of Crete in May 1941. The author was quoting from a 1941 article in Scope, which I believe was a American news magazine.

Apart from the fact the reference was out of context with the remainder of the Weather article, I strongly suspect the original article was written by a journalist with little knowledge of glider operations. Unfortunately I've been unable to source the original.

As my knowledge of the invasion of Crete is minimal I'd be grateful if someone could summarise this aspect (use of gliders) of the operation, with special reference to its success or otherwise.

Re: Use of gliders during invasion of Crete
 

A few pages attached from National Archives AIR40/1402, which is an extensive report on the airborne invasion of Crete.

Re: Use of gliders during invasion of Crete
 

Many thanks, Nick, that is useful information.

There's an on-line article which describes 500 Junkers 52 and 72 gliders transporting airborne troops to Crete on 20 May 1941; although it looks well-written and authoritative, it fails to provide any references (https://ransomechua.wordpress.com/20...er-crete-1941/).

Is there any way I can confirm the numbers?

Re: Use of gliders during invasion of Crete
 

The Germans certainly used paratroopers in the invasion of Poland.

Unfortunately, based on my own efforts, it seems that books published about the invasion of Crete are uneven in their coverage and use of sources.


One suggestion: https://www.amazon.com/Airborne-Inva.../dp/1780390653




Usual disclaimer,
Ed

Re: Use of gliders during invasion of Crete
 

Much obliged, Ed, one for my list.

Re: Use of gliders during invasion of Crete
 

Another might well be "Operation Mercury" by M.M.Comeau, MM. ( He was there on the ground).
It has details of the glider events and numbers of fatalities etc.
Alex

Re: Use of gliders during invasion of Crete
 

Thank you, Alex.