24/05/2026
The 85th commemoration of the Battle of Crete this May honored the fierce May 1941 defense where over 7,700 New Zealanders fought alongside Greek and Allied forces.
Nationwide memorial events, organised by the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand, have taken place to remember the 671 Kiwis who died and the 2,180 taken as prisoners of war.
Key New Zealand Involvement in the Battle (1941)
The Maleme & Galatas Defense: After evacuating from mainland Greece, Kiwi troops (including the 28th Māori Battalion) made up a vital portion of the Allied forces attempting to hold Maleme Airfield and the village of Galatas against the German airborne invasion.
The "42nd Street" Counterattack: On May 27, 1941, New Zealand and Australian troops launched a ferocious bayonet charge through olive groves at "42nd Street," heavily decimating German forces and buying crucial time for the Allied retreat to Sfakia.
The Cost: Of the 7,700 New Zealanders involved, 671 were killed, 967 wounded, and over 2,000 were captured.
This year a small group of our front line heroes from the Defence Force and Emergency Services were due to trek in the foot steps of the New Zealanders from 85 years ago. The members of Pilgrim Bandits New Zealand trip has been delayed due to the ongoing conflicts overseas to ensure everyone's safety. They now plan to head in 2027 and will continue to fundraise for their trip. If you'd like to support them go to their website.
Image:
Memorial at Sfakia, southern Crete, Greece
The Sfakia memorial during the 75th Anniversary commemorations, May 2016. In the background is the Wharf where many of the NZ Soldiers were loaded onto Ships during the evacuation of Crete in May 1941.
Taken during the 75th Anniversary Hikoi of seven members from the 28 NZ (Maori) Battalion Auckland Association in May 2016.
Submitter : Brian How
