WW2 Battle of Crete GERMAN Operation Mercury WWII Skull BONEs RING Pendant BADGE

Description: WW2 Battle of Crete GERMAN Operation Mercury WWII Skull BONEs RING Pendant US Size 9 22x21x12 mm 18.9 mm 61x54x8 mm Kreta 22x16x4 mm 32.89 g 18x15x2.5 cm 69 g #277. The Battle of Crete (German: Luftlandeschlacht um Kreta, Greek: Μάχη της Κρήτης), codenamed Operation Mercury (German: Unternehmen Merkur), was a major Axis airborne and amphibious operation during World War II to capture the island of Crete. It began on the morning of 20 May 1941, with multiple German airborne landings on Crete. Greek and other Allied forces, along with Cretan civilians, defended the island. After only one day of fighting, the Germans had suffered heavy casualties and the Allied troops were confident that they would defeat the invasion. The next day, through communication failures, Allied tactical hesitation, and German offensive operations, Maleme Airfield in western Crete fell, enabling the Germans to land reinforcements and overwhelm the defensive positions on the north of the island. Allied forces withdrew to the south coast. More than half were evacuated by the British Royal Navy and the remainder surrendered or joined the Cretan resistance. The defence of Crete evolved into a costly naval engagement; by the end of the campaign the Royal Navy's eastern Mediterranean strength had been reduced to only two battleships and three cruisers. The Battle of Crete was the first occasion where Fallschirmjäger (German paratroops) were used en masse, the first mainly airborne invasion in military history, the first time the Allies made significant use of intelligence from decrypted German messages from the Enigma machine, and the first time German troops encountered mass resistance from a civilian population. Due to the number of casualties and the belief that airborne forces no longer had the advantage of surprise, Adolf Hitler became reluctant to authorise further large airborne operations, preferring instead to employ paratroopers as ground troops. In contrast, the Allies were impressed by the potential of paratroopers and started to form airborne-assault and airfield-defence regiments.1'' (Inch) = 25.4 mm Perfect item for museum or YOUR private collection !Collectibles and antiques - the best investment! * * * * * * *See my other items!For items with a price BUY it NOW boldly offer your price!+ individual discounts for dealers! * * * * * * *Registered mail with tracking number. NOT combine shipping with another items!The cost of delivery of large and heavy items - depends on the total weight and size.eBay will add (when you pay) customs and import duties/tax for your country or state.* * * * * * *Any questions? No problem! Write me!(Please write your questions BEFORE your bid) Please, add me to your favorite seller - you will not regret!Most of the rare items list from $0.01 ! Where else will you find such interesting items as not in my store? :)

Price: 265.24 USD

Location: Hollywood, Florida

End Time: 2024-12-03T11:52:54.000Z

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