#215: Invasion of the Balkans 1941 - TWiE War on the Southern Front

Invasion of the Balkans, April 1941: Hitler's advance on the Balkans was motivated by the desire to secure his southern flank before invading Russia, rather than helping his Italian allies. "Operation Punishment" was a masterpiece of German efficiency and the Yugoslavs stood little chance against German organization and armaments. They surrendered unconditionally on April 17th. The Greeks, with their British allies, were left to face the onslaught and the Greek army eventually surrendered April 23rd. The British forces remaining moved south, and some 43000 men were taken off the mainland to Crete, which also fell to the Germans shortly thereafter.