#410520_02 Maleme - 5th Brigade - North Africa 1941

Maleme, Western Crete, Greece: May 20th, 1941. (Scenario Size: Brigade Head to Head or Human vs AI for either side) Brigadier James Hargest, commander of the New Zealand 5th Brigade was responsible for what was the pivotal defensive sector on the whole of Crete. A veteran of the first world war, Hargest had to use his political connections to return to uniform in 1941. Hargest's challenge was that there were continual warnings that the German invasion was to be predominantly by sea and he set up his battalions accordingly. Most were on or close to the coast with only the 21st Battalion in reserve. All were tasked to hold their positions until the German's were considered committed and it was this static strategy which lost Maleme Airfield and ultimately, Crete.