The island of Crete had a strategic significance in the eastern Mediterranean which was recognised by both sides, and in late 1940 Allied preparations for the defence of the island were supposedly well advanced. However the German advance into Greece in 1941 meant that the island was in imminent danger. These papers from the British National Archives relate the history of the defenders and the attackers in detail, including the German preparations for the airborne landings. The whole campaign is covered in great detail, and the role of the Australian, New Zealand and Greek troops is well covered. This is the ultimate history of the campaign for Crete and is needed in any library which covers the war in the Mediterranean and airborne operations by the Germans. Of singular value and importance to all military historians.