BDV wrote:I was wondering whether it was a realistic proposition for the Axis to attempt the attack on Crete with mostly/exclusively amphibious elements, with mixed Italo-German airsupport during the end of July-beginning of August time frame, which would allow for movement of the required amphibious assets to the area.
Hi, BDV - I am not sure what would have been the advantage for the Germans to wait with their assault on Crete. The operation was a tremendous success, in spite of the unlucky disposition, contrary to General Student's wishes, of the German FJ's - apart from the fact that the whole Greek adventure made some complications for Barbarossa. A delay would probably have resulted in even more.
With other words, if Barbarossa is not to be touched the possibility of a German success would only diminish. If Barbarossa was not a subject and the British in the meantime decided to increase its presence on the island it would only have increased the British losses in air and sea assets. Particularly with the increasing German presence in the Desert.
PRK is arguing that the British knew that Rommel had reached his offensive limit - they could not know that - just my opinion. When the British started their involvement in Greece this hadn't even started. I suspect they would have reconsidered that operation if they had known. OTH, as on several other occasions, the British achieved their goal (provocation) in getting one more nation involved in their fight against the Axis and increase their general burden. That may have been more valuable than holding on to Crete.
Some items:
The Italians landed unopposed on the Eastern part of Crete before the British had withdrawn. They had already done their homework in connection with studies on the invasion of Malta. A delayed assault could have resulted in more Italian troops available for such a purpose.
Ultra was at hand even then, but didn't help much.
The Germans had bad luck, or planned badly, with their seaborne assault in that it was delayed and discovered in daylight. It was originally planned to reach Crete before daylight. Also, while one convoy was terribly mauled the other got away quite lightly in spite of the RN presence. But the Germans took the message.
Summer of 1941 the German production of MFP - Marinefährprame - had began in earnest. They were originally planned for the invasion of England - Operation Sea Lion - the first was commissioned in April 1941. Italian production in Palermo started in 1942 in connection with Operation Herkules - the planned invasion of Malta. These handy vessels were instead used for supplying the Desert forces and for hauling supplies along the African coast.
Finally, the Anzac leadership had grown critical to the way their troops were utilized by the British and wanted them out of that tight spot, their 9th division was already surrounded in Tobruk. This may have neutralized any reinforcements of the island.
Fred
It was still "crowded" with partly-equiped units and stragglers from Greece that should have been taken on the Delta - to slim the OTL command down by 3-4,000 men to a smaller but better equiped force...whioch would have been supported by more, and better armed/trained locals.
