If the aerial part of the German operation for the invasion of Crete in may 1940, no doubt, was an outstanding achievement and entered the history of the art of war, its Maritime component looked just pathetic. The so-called “First light convoy”, intended to capture the airfield at Maleme, consisted of two dozen commandeered the Greeks of motor boats and small coasting boats to the full loaded troops, weapons and ammunition. The only warship, which was assigned to protect the caravan from the enemy fleet, was a small Italian torpedo boat “Lupo” commanded by captain 2 rank, Francesco Mimbelli.
Read more