Invasion of Kos

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Arizona
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Invasion of Kos

#1

Post by Arizona » 20 Jun 2007, 19:47

Does anybody have any kind of information about the invasion of the small Greek island of Kos which occured on October 3rd 1943? I'd be very, very grateful for any info.

PS: I've already read the Wikipedia article.

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Peter H
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#2

Post by Peter H » 28 Oct 2007, 05:03

From Kurowski's Deutsche Kommandotrupps 1939-1945

Photos from Operation Polar Bear
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Peter H
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#3

Post by Peter H » 28 Oct 2007, 05:34

http://www.dodecaneso.org/rogers_eng.htm
On 23 September Generalleutnant Friedrich-Wilhelm Müller commanding 22. Infanteriedivision was ordered to make preparations for the seizure of Kos and Leros. Müller intended to make Kos his first objective in a combined amphibious and airborne assault. Accordingly, the first wave of Kampfgruppe von Saldern landed at Marmari on the north coast at 0500 hours on 3 October. Further landings took place along the rugged south coast. Soon after 0700, paratroopers of the élite Division Brandenburg were dropped. The Germans pushed towards their objectives overrunning each in turn until arriving on the outskirts of Kos town later the same day. That night, the demoralised remnants of the British defence withdrew into the hills. The battle was concluded the next day. For the Italians, Kos was the latest in a series of defeats. For the British, it was a disaster. Without Kos there was no longer any possibility of providing air support for the remaining islands in British hands.

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Peter H
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#4

Post by Peter H » 28 Oct 2007, 05:36

Sylvester von Saldern
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Andreas
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#5

Post by Andreas » 28 Oct 2007, 20:12

The best book on the topic is 'Churchill's Folly'.

http://www.axishistory.com/index.php?id=5622

All the best

Andreas

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