Operation Mercury: A First-Hand Account of the Fall of Crete in 1941

by M.G. Comeau

Shipped from UK, please allow 10 to 21 business days for arrival. Very Good, A very good near fine copy in black cloth boards, gilt title on spine with very good dust jacket. Operation A First-Hand Account of the Fall of Crete in 1941. 6.3"x9.2"x1.1"; 1.2 lb; 232 pages. This is a personal account of the fall of Crete to German paratroopers in May 1941. New historical evidence from both German and British sources and previously unpublished photographs which reinforce the view that Crete need never have been lost. This book provides a story of both military bungling and incredible bravery and should appeal to those interested in the history of World War II.. . .

Genres: World War II

232 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1961

About the author

Marcel Gerard Comeau, a fourth generation Englishman of Nova Scotian descent, and who was later awarded the MM for his courage at Maleme, joined the RAF as an a/c rigger in 1938.

Reviews

[Roy Szweda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was unsure what I had picked up in the charity shop a few months ago. I knew the title meant the airborne invasion of Crete but the graphics made me think it was a novel. In fact the pace of the prose sustains that impression but it is a firsthand account of some terrible times in the early part of WW2.
Unusual in several respects it relates the trials and tribulations of an "erk" in 33 Squadron from North Africa to Greece and back via Crete. I would love to know what happened to him after all this. After all he and his mates endured so much for their country it is humbling.
We all know about Arnhem and maybe Eben Emael but I for one had much to learn about this incredible operation that so nearly swung in our favour.
A highly recommended book, one of those any Student of WW2 airborne/infantry actions should read.

[Allan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Against the odds, a rag-tag bunch of British Commonwealth units were able to cause heavy casualties among the three pronged air and ship-borne assault of the Germans on Crete. The Allied units fought an incredible delaying action with non-existent air support and barely adequate weapons. Crete was a Pyrrhic victory for the Axis forces.