"Determined efforts were made by the Germans to reinforce their troops already in Crete during Friday," says the latest Middle East communique.
"At Heraklion and Retimo it continues, "detachments landed by air were decisively dealt with. Other parties landed further afield are being mopped up by Empire forces ably assisted by Greek troops.
"In and around Maleme intense fighting is continuing. The Germans have launched their main effort in this area to extend their original foothold. Fighting resolutely and despite intensive—dive-bombing throughout the day, our troops have again inflicted very heavy casualties on the enemy. who has also lost a high proportion of his troop-carrying aircraft, "The spirit of our Empire forces remains as high as ever,"
A communique issued by the R.A.F, says that "in Crete extensive damage was caused to enemy aircraft and troops at Maleme by aircraft of the R.A.F, on May 22, when our bombers attacked a large number of Junkers 52 on the aerodrome and beach, The enemy was also machine-gunned, and preliminary reports state that at least ten enemy planes were destroyed and many others damaged, "Later reconnaissance confirmed that many of the Junkers were burnt out, and a large number completely unserviceable, Long-range fighters also attacked the enemy at Maleme and destroyed at least four large troop-carriers."
Fraser Confident t few hours may well ye in the great battle of c declared the New Zealand ne Minister. Mr. Peter Fraser. in interview with Reuters yesterday.
"I am very confident that our New Zealand troops and their gallant Australian. British, Greek and Cretan comrades will succeed in holding Crete against one of the heaviest air attacks yet launched and in circumstances which will never be repeated. Never have conditions been so favourable for air attack. with German air bases so close and our men deprived of air support and so handicapped.
"I have great hope of the outcome. I know New Zealand troops, and I know that they are not surpassed for ce-operation. unity, tenacity. discipline and individual initiative. They showed their quality in Gree fighting a heroic rearguard action, as did the Australians and Greeks. and they are giving an equally good account of themselves in Crete."—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.