Kreta Denkmal - 1944

[erichcraciun]

Here a recent purchase of mine. The Kreta memorial in 1944. The memorial and area around it has changed quite a bit over the decades. I will post a recent photo of the area for comparison once I get home.



Erich Craciun

[Ben]

Unfortunately it looks a little different today and the Greek authorities do not seem to be interested in maintaining the monument.

You can see the full story at:

http://www.fallschirmjaeger-denkmal.de/

Ben

[Ben]

[Volkbert]

Where is the eagle?

Nice comparison photo's.
What did they do with the eagle?????

[Ben]

The eagle fell during a severe winterstorm in 2000/2001 and has been damaged beyond repair. The remnants are propbably under lock and key somewhere on the island and will probably end up in the small museum in Chania.

Cheers,

Ben

[Willi Z.]

While on Crete for the 60th anniversary, I heard that the eagle was being sent back to Germany to get rebuilt and will not return to Crete. It was to go to Stendal, as the Greeks may take the land back. Could just be a rumor.....

Willi

[erichcraciun]

Willi:

did I meet you on Crete? Where you with Don Calder's group?

Erich

[Willi Z.]

Hi Erich,

I don't think we met while on Crete. We were not with Don's guys, but did see them at the main ceremony and later that evening at their hotel.

Regards,

Willi

[JYN]

Hi,

Back to May 2001 in Maleme cemetery;
who was this gentleman ?






Jean-Yves

[Willi Z.]

Hi Jean-Yves,

That is Patrick O. from Germany, FJ collector and enthusiast. The smock is real (no eagle though).........but, before John H. gets too excited..... the green helmet cover is not real.....

Patrick also attended around the battle re-enactment at Maleme that evening, the first time most of us were allowed on Maleme airstrip itself. I was amazed that Patrick was allowed to carry a k98 at an event in which the Greek Prime Minister attended.

Willi