Crete's Liberation from German Occupation: A Complex Confrontation

Crete, the largest island of Greece, was liberated from German occupation on October 1, 1944. This event marked a significant moment in World War II but was not without its complexities and peculiarities. The island's liberation was part of a broader withdrawal of German troops from Greece, which had been under Axis control since May 1941. However, the German forces on Crete were prepared for a fight, and their surrender only took place on the occasion of the V-E Day.

The Battle of Crete and Its Aftermath

The Battle of Crete, which ended on June 10, 1941, was the last major engagement of Germany in Greece. Cretans, despite being forced to surrender their weapons following the unification with Greece only a few decades prior, participated in the battle with all the means available to them. The cost of their resistance was high, furthering the tenacity and resilience of the island's people.

The Peculiar Treaty of Lisbon

The liberation of Crete was not straightforward. By October 1944, German forces were under high pressure on all fronts. A peculiar and unique treaty was signed in Lisbon between the British and German sides, stipulating that the British would permit German forces to evacuate Crete undisturbedly, in exchange for the peaceful surrender of Athens and Thessaloniki. Both sides adhered to this agreement.

Despite the full liberation of Greece, Crete remained under German occupation, with approximately 17,000 soldiers still present on the island. The British did not interfere with these forces, as they awaited the outcome of the Greek civil war. Their plan was a fallback solution: declaring Crete an independent state if their position on the mainland became untenable. The German forces on Crete continued to function as conquerors for the next nine months.

The Final Surrender

The surrender of the German forces on Crete was formalized on May 9, 1945, between the German and British forces. The Nazi flag was finally lowered on May 23, marking the end of the last significant Nazi presence in Europe. The Wehrmacht troops were then transported to the Middle East by British ships.

Lessons Learned and Preparedness

Cretans have since learned the hard lesson of remaining vigilant. Today, the island is highly prepared for any potential threat, with citizens armed to the teeth in anticipation of invasions. This preparedness ensures that any future invader would face a formidable and well-organized resistance.