OPERATION MERKUR, CRETE, MAY 20, 1941 In the final chapter of Hitler's
Balkan campaign, General Kurt Student, commander of the Fallschirmjager, has
been tasked with the invasion of Crete. The Germans believe that by
capturing Crete, they can keep the Royal Air Force farther away from the
Rumanian oil fields, gain a new base to interdict British shipping and fleet
movements, and secure their right flank for the upcoming invasion of the
Soviet Union, code-named BARBAROSSA. Companies 3 & 4, I Battalion,
Sturmregiment, 7th Fallschirmjager Division has been tasked with securing
Maleme Airfield and Hill 107. After the airfield has been secured, Luftwaffe
Ju-52s can begin air-landing the 5th Mountain Division. Defenders consist of
Companies A, C, & D, 22nd Battalion, 5th Regiment, 2nd New Zealand Infantry
Division.