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BRITISH IN CRETE
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BRITISH IN CRETE
Crete : British troops evacuating the island are harassed by Italian air attacks Date: November 1940
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Media ID 20149919
© Bubblepunk
Attacks Crete Evacuating Harassed Mediterranean Operations
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In this evocative photograph from November 1940, British troops are seen making their way down the rocky shoreline of Crete, as they attempt to evacuate the island amidst intense Italian air attacks. The Mediterranean Sea lies calm beneath them, a stark contrast to the chaotic scene unfolding on land. The Second World War had reached the Mediterranean front, and the Battle of Crete was in full swing. The island, strategically located in the heart of the Mediterranean, had been invaded by German and Italian forces in May 1941, but the British had managed to hold out for several months. However, as resources dwindled and the situation grew increasingly dire, the decision was made to evacuate the remaining British and Allied forces. The evacuation, codenamed Operation "Merciful Conduct," was a complex and dangerous operation. Thousands of troops and civilians had to be evacuated from the island, which was being heavily bombed by Italian and German aircraft. In this photograph, we see British soldiers making their way down the shoreline, their backs to the sea, as they come under fire from the skies above. Despite the danger, the troops press on, determined to reach the safety of the waiting ships. The photograph captures the sense of urgency and desperation that must have been felt by those on the ground, as they fought to escape the clutches of the Axis powers. The Battle of Crete was a turning point in the Mediterranean campaign of the Second World War, and this photograph is a poignant reminder of the bravery and determination of the British troops who fought there. It is a testament to their resilience in the face of overwhelming odds, and a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served in the war.
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