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Sixteen veterans of the Battle of Crete where 671 New Zealanders were annihilated 70 years antecedent were lustered today.
Wreaths were laid by the National War Memorial to mark the battle, which saw New Zealand
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More than 2000 New Zealand soldiers were taken convict as they battled well-armed and trained German paratroopers, when they had to compete with a deficit of equipment.
Today Crete veterans, many in their 90s, connected along Defence Force staff
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"These veterans fought in one of the fiercest battles of the Second World War," Ms Collins said. "Intense fighting saw numerous doings of daring and courage being acted along our men, many of whom were officially acknowledged because their spunk."
"The heroism and the mash displayed by the New Zealanders who fought at Crete has assured namely their actions have maintained a special location in our history namely ambition never be forgotten."
She said New Zealand was owing to the people of Crete who risked their lives to cater edible and help to New Zealand who ran.
More than 200 New Zealand veterans and families of Crete veterans have flown to the island for the anniversary.
The battle began while German paratroopers began landing on May 20, 1941, and finished when most of the Allied forces were evacuated to Egypt.
Among the New Zealand evacuees was Charles Upham, the only war fighter to win the Victoria Cross and bar
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Another Victoria Cross medalist
discount coach purses, Alfred Hulme, was too evacuated. He was the dad of winner Formula One racing driver Denny Hulme
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Some New Zealand soldiers took to the hills and were sheltered by the Cretans.
New Zealand veterans were anticipated to have mawkish reunions with some of those who sheltered soldiers during the campaign.
Defence Minister Wayne Mapp was representing New Zealand at the etiquette in Crete tonight.
Mr Mapp and main of defence coerce Lieutenant General Rhys Jones will attend a commemoration service and wreath-laying at the Crete/New Zealand memorial in Galatas village.
"The Battle of Crete was New Zealand's first important battle of World War 2, and the first important battle led by New Zealand officers," he said.
"It has special resonance for New Zealanders. Today, we remember the extraordinary daring of those who fell here."