Battle for Crete Anniversary Wreath Laying Ceremony

Sorry, this event’s been and gone

When:

Fri 20 May ’11, 11:30am

Where: National War Memorial, 41 Buckle St, Mt Cook, Wellington Show map

Restrictions: All Ages

Ticket Information:

Admission: Free

Website:

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The Battle for Crete began just after dawn on 20 May 1941. Many of the 7700 New Zealand soldiers stationed on Crete were finishing breakfast when hundreds of German transport aircraft – some towing gliders – rumbled in over the Mediterranean island. The air above was suddenly filled with parachutes as thousands of elite German paratroops began to descend from the sky.

Many New Zealanders made it off Crete, but thousands were left behind: more than 2000 were taken prisoner; 671 died.

This ceremony commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Battle for Crete and the New Zealanders who served and died in the conflict.