With lockdown restrictions easing, the National Archives have reopened and I can get back to scouring through the records of Force 133/SOE in Crete.

What I was looking for:

Identifying how much material there is available regarding the end of the battle of Crete, from the retreat to Sphakia and evacuation of troops by the Royal Navy to SOE chasing up stragglers and those left behind. Additionally, completing my photographing of SOE reports and files to review later.

What I found: That there are extensive details, down to lists of individual soldiers, of those evacuated from Crete following the formal end of the battle! This includes those picked up by Commander Pool and HMS Torbay at Preveli, backing up some of what is described in The Fortress Crete. These include Jack Smith-Hughes and Dudley Perkins, who would later return to the island as SOE agents.Also mentioned in The Fortress Crete is an account of several Greek soldiers having to disguise themselves as Cypriots to get a place on board, which is also attested to in these files.Due to the volume of materials contained in the SOE reports, I was only able to browse these while making copies, but even then it became clear that SOE were involved in providing relief to survivors of reprisal massacres in addition to the usual espionage, propaganda and sabotage activities expected.

What surprised me: Amongst the numerous reports concerning military matters and troop morale and requests for supplies, there are also glimpses of day to day life under occupation.In one instance a German soldier in change of supplies was found to be stealing boots and leather to then sell on to the locals. He managed to escape into the hills before being found out and arrested.Following the Italian armistice in September 1943, one Italian soldier sprung Cretan resistance fighters out of prison and helped them to join up with their comrades. When offered an opportunity to escape on the next boat back to Cairo, he refused unless his Cretan semi-fiancé could be allowed to escape with him!Amongst the documents relating to the rescue of stranded Allied troops, was a note concerning the acquisition or construction of speedboats to use alongside slower, more vulnerable craft.

Just as a reminder of the nature of the war in Crete is reports by a local doctor feeding information to the Allies regarding the medical situation following the battle. Reports of massacres and atrocities committed by the occupiers are commonplace amongst SOE files, but these were particularly difficult reading. Also in the set of documents I was able to order was a collection of intercepted, decrypted and translated German communications. Two of which related to the kidnapping of General Kreipe by SOE. As well as giving some information on how the kidnap was reported and the timeline of events, it also mentions the letter left behind to inform the Germans that the mission was organised by the British. Now to pour through the photos of the other documents!