Film Lens
The 11th Day: Crete 1941 is a documentary that presents eyewitness accounts from survivors of the Battle of Crete during World War II. It features interviews with notable figures such as British SOE operative Patrick Leigh Fermor and Cretan Resistance hero George Tzitzikas. The film is directed by Christos Epperson and written by Michael Epperson, with funding from Alex Spanos. It combines personal narratives with historical commentary from experts like Chase Brandon of the CIA and Professor Andre Gerolymatos of Simon Fraser University.
The documentary focuses on the events of May 20, 1941, when German paratroopers launched one of the largest airborne assaults in history on the island of Crete. It shows the unexpected resistance from the Cretan populace, who fought alongside British forces, leading to significant losses for the Germans. The film emphasizes the importance of civilian resistance, marking the Battle of Crete as a costly campaign for Nazi Germany, despite their initial expectations of a quick victory.
Why Watch
- •Meet Patrick Leigh Fermor, a key British operative.
- •Find out about the largest German airborne operation in WWII.
- •See how civilians fought back against Nazi forces.
Did You Know
•The Battle of Crete began on May 20, 1941, involving 22,040 German soldiers.
•The Cretan resistance was the most potent civilian resistance movement Nazi Germany faced.
•The Germans expected to control Crete within a few days after their success in France.
•The destruction of Kastelli Airfield was a significant sabotage operation by the resistance.
Perfect For
World War II historyCivilian resistance movementsMilitary strategy enthusiasts