SOS call II./Fallsch.Jg.Rgt.2 on Crete...

Christoph Awender · Post by **Christoph Awender** » 21 Feb 2004 00:40

Hello!

Just sampling my photos about Crete. This here I think is very interesting.
The II./F.J.R.2 wrote an SOS call into the sand when they were cut off at Rethymnon.

\Christoph

Erich · Post by **Erich** » 21 Feb 2004 19:22

Christoph this image is found in a book correct ? I have seen this elsewhere.....

Christoph Awender · Post by **Christoph Awender** » 21 Feb 2004 19:47

Hello Erich!

It is a capture from a 8mm newsreel movie from 1941 I have. I am sure as they were made for propaganda purposes that photos from this series were published many times.

\Christoph

alf · Post by **alf** » 22 Feb 2004 05:59

Christoph,

the Australian defenders at Rethymnon had captured the German code book and signal book and were using it to call in Luftwaffe airstrikes and get German resupply.

As the Australians were outnumbered (2/1st and 2/11 Battalions) and poorly equipped (no anti aircraft guns, no base plate for mortars) it was a sensible thing to do and one of the reasons that at Rethymnon the Germans were defeated.

The same happened at Heraklion, there the Australian 2/4 Battalion asked for and received much German equipment and used it against the German paratroopers.

The Luftwaffe ceased operations over the two areas due to the confusion of signals being sent.