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.....To
prepare for the ultimate invasion of Greece, the
capture of the island of Rhodes, with its fighter
airfields, was essential. In the autumn of 1943,
however, the forces available for this purpose
were too few and the Germans strengthened their
garrison. A decision was made to attempt to
capture the islands of Kos and Samos, far less
heavily defended. Of the two islands Kos, with
its airfield, was far the most important. To
seize it and hold it would ultimately make Rhodes
unrenable by the enemy. The attack was opened by
A Company, 11 PARA. On 14 September the three
platoons dropped on Kos and were welcomed by the
Italian garrison who spread straw on the DZ! |
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