#410520_08v Maleme - First Wave - Extended Hypothetical - North Africa 1941

Western Crete, Greece: May 20th, 1941. (Scenario Size: Division+ Head to Head or Human vs AI for either side. This scenario uses variable objective victory points) Generalleutnant Karl Student's Operation Merkur was launched only one month before the great German Barbarossa offensive in Russia. This meant forces were constantly diverted to Poland rather than southern Greece. The need for JU-52 transport aircraft was unprecedented with many required to carry ammunition and supplies in Eastern Europe. Student only received enough aircraft to deliver two regiments via airborne assault at a time. Student planned to split his forces into two waves - a morning assault in Western Crete and an afternoon para-drop on Retimo and Heraklion. This plan was rejected by Luftwaffe commander, Colonel General Alexander Löhr who wanted more emphasis on Maleme, to achieve overwhelming superiority of force. Therefore, Fallschirmjäger-Regt 1 & 2 were expected to follow Fallschirmjäger-Regt 3 and Meindl's Luftlande-Sturm-Regt in landing in Western Crete and clearing the island from west to east. This scenario is hypothetical and expands the First Wave scenario to the end of May 21st and includes the additional para-drops and initial landing of the Gebirgsjäger that day. Fallschirmjäger-Regt 1 & 2 will arrive late on May 20th at pre-selected drop zones.