German WWII Military Cemetery, Maleme, Crete June 1999
The German cemetery overlooks Maleme airfield, where the fierce battle that was crucial to the German invasion of Crete took place in May 1941. The cemetery is a peaceful place now, but is situated on what was known as Hill 107 where some of the most bitter fighting took place. I was intrigued to find that the grave of General Bruno Brauer bore a wreath from the German Paratroop Brigade, the Falischirmjager, who have clearly not forgotten him.
In 1946, the Greek government demanded the return of generals in command of Axis occupying forces to stand trial for war crimes. The first two German commanders on Crete to be sent back to face trial in Athens were General Muller, notorious for his brutality, and General Brauer, the least culpable of all. Both were condemned to death. Brauer's execution was delayed, with distasteful symbolism, until 20 May 1947, the anniversary of the airborne invasion. His death shocked international opinion so much that Andrae, and other senior officers,who were far guiltier, escaped with prison sentences. Few protested on behalf of Muller.
(The above details from 'Crete, the Battle and the Resistance' by Antony Beevor, published in 1991).
German WWII Military Cemetery, Maleme, Crete June 1999
The German cemetery overlooks Maleme airfield, where the fierce battle that was crucial to the German invasion of Crete took place in May 1941. The cemetery is a peaceful place now, but is situated on what was known as Hill 107 where some of the most bitter fighting took place. I was intrigued to find that the grave of General Bruno Brauer bore a wreath from the German Paratroop Brigade, the Falischirmjager, who have clearly not forgotten him.
In 1946, the Greek government demanded the return of generals in command of Axis occupying forces to stand trial for war crimes. The first two German commanders on Crete to be sent back to face trial in Athens were General Muller, notorious for his brutality, and General Brauer, the least culpable of all. Both were condemned to death. Brauer's execution was delayed, with distasteful symbolism, until 20 May 1947, the anniversary of the airborne invasion. His death shocked international opinion so much that Andrae, and other senior officers,who were far guiltier, escaped with prison sentences. Few protested on behalf of Muller.
(The above details from 'Crete, the Battle and the Resistance' by Antony Beevor, published in 1991).