| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | ART27776 |
| Collection type | Art |
| Measurement | Overall: 152.3 x 244 cm |
| Object type | Painting |
| Physical description | oil on canvas |
| Maker |
Jones, Vernon |
| Place made | Australia: Victoria, Melbourne |
| Date made | 1972 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: © Australian War Memorial
This item is licensed under CC BY-NC
|
The Battle of Retimo
Description
This painting depicts the Battle of Retimo in Crete. A large part of the Allied force evacuated from Greece at the end of April 1941 was disembarked on Crete in order that the ships could return quickly to Greece for more troops. British, New Zealanders, some Greeks and about half of 6th Division formed the ill-equipped Crete garrison, mostly deployed in defence of three airfields at Malame, Retimo and Heraklion. Others defended the Suda Bay-Canea area. At Retimo the defenders consisted mainly of the 2/1st and 2/11th Battalions. The Australians fought on until finally overcome by the Germans, with losses amounting to 781 killed or wounded and 3109 captured.