The Battle of Crete commenced with the airborne invasion by German paratroopers in May 1941, as part of Operation Mercury. The main objective of the operation was to capture the strategically vital island of Crete in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Germans aimed to thwart British plans to use the island as a launching point for operations against Axis forces in the Balkans. On May 20, thousands of paratroopers descended upon the island, capturing critical locations including the airfields at Maleme, Chania, and Heraklion. One of the most notable features of this campaign was the use of airborne troops in large numbers, marking a pioneering moment in military history.The defenders included Allied forces comprising British, Australian, and New Zealand troops, as well as Greek soldiers. Despite their preparations, the Allied forces were caught off guard by the scale and intensity of the German assault. The defenders made a valiant stand, but suffered from inadequate supplies, poor communication, and the German air superiority facilitated by the Luftwaffe. Over the next week, intense fighting ensued, with heavy casualties on both sides. Ultimately, German troops achieved their objectives, leading to the surrender of the remaining Allied forces on Crete.The successful capture of Crete significantly impacted the course of the war, demonstrating the effectiveness of airborne operations. It also led to the deployment of more resources to Greece and heightened the strategic importance of the Mediterranean theater. The operation is remembered not only for its military tactics but also for its casualties, particularly among Greek civilians caught in the conflict.