Major General Sandy Thomas says poor leadership shown by Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force commanders on Crete directly led to the loss of the battle for the Mediterranean island in May 1941.
Mr Thomas, 91, has waited 70 years to tell his version of the battle, which involved German General Kurt Student's paratroopers and soldiers from many countries – including Kiwis – out of respect to the descendants of the two New Zealanders he believes contributed significantly to the loss of the battle.
The two men in Mr Thomas's sights are Colonel Les Andrew, VC, the commanding officer of the 22nd Battalion, entrusted with the defence of Maleme Airfield, and Brigadier James Hargest.
Brigadier Hargest was a Southland politician turned soldier who commanded the 5th New Zealand Brigade on Crete.
Mr Thomas told The Dominion Post that for 70 years since the battle, which he took part in as a second-lieutenant with the 23rd Battalion stationed near Maleme, he had steadfastly adhered to the code of loyalty to his fellow officers.
For that reason he had never criticised brother officers publicly. "I respect them greatly for their personal bravery."
But he had decided now to "tell the truth about the battle".
"It's something I've kept to myself for 70 years. It's time to tell the truth about how we New Zealanders performed on Crete."
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