Norm Foster and the Defense of Crete in 1941

The Battle of Crete was one of the most important and dramatic battles of World War II. It was fought between the German Wehrmacht and the British Commonwealth forces, including the New Zealand forces. The battle was a turning point in the war, and it had a profound impact on the course of the conflict.

Crete 1941

by Norm Foster

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1316 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	306 pages
Paperback	:	104 pages
Item Weight	:	4.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.4 x 0.3 x 8.3 inches

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One of the key figures in the Battle of Crete was Norm Foster. Foster was a New Zealand soldier who fought with distinction during the battle. He was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military award for gallantry in the British Commonwealth, for his actions during the battle.

The Battle of Crete

The Battle of Crete began on May 20, 1941, when German paratroopers landed on the island. The German forces were outnumbered by the British Commonwealth forces, but they had the advantage of surprise. The Germans quickly captured the airfield at Maleme, and they began to move inland.

The British Commonwealth forces fought back fiercely, but they were unable to stop the German advance. By the end of May, the Germans had captured most of the island. The British Commonwealth forces were forced to evacuate, and the Battle of Crete was over.

Norm Foster's Role in the Battle of Crete

Norm Foster was a member of the 2nd New Zealand Division. He fought in the Battle of Crete as a machine gunner. Foster was involved in some of the fiercest fighting of the battle, and he was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions.

Foster's Victoria Cross citation reads as follows:

On the 26th May 1941, at Suda, Crete, under heavy fire from enemy aircraft, Sergeant Foster manned a machine gun and engaged an enemy aircraft which was flying at a very low level. He set the aircraft on fire and it crashed 100 yards away. Later the same day, Sergeant Foster was again operating a machine gun when he saw 3 tanks moving towards the defence position. He engaged the tanks and knocked out one. The other two tanks withdrew.

Foster's actions were instrumental in helping to stop the German advance. He was a brave and courageous soldier, and he played a vital role in the defense of Crete.

The Aftermath of the Battle of Crete

The Battle of Crete was a defeat for the British Commonwealth forces, but it was also a Pyrrhic victory for the Germans. The Germans suffered heavy losses in the battle, and they were unable to take advantage of their victory. The Battle of Crete showed that the Germans were not invincible, and it gave the Allies hope that they could defeat the Axis powers.

Norm Foster's Victoria Cross is on display at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. It is a reminder of the bravery and courage of the New Zealand soldiers who fought in the Battle of Crete.

Crete 1941

by Norm Foster

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1316 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	306 pages
Paperback	:	104 pages
Item Weight	:	4.8 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.4 x 0.3 x 8.3 inches

FREE