In this well written and detailed account of a vicious battle, John Hall Spencer gives a balanced account of the battle which was so costly to both sides. He provides a good insight into the political and military background to the battle and why the island was lost. Although primarily a military history, this book provides a useful insight into the naval aspects of a short and vicious campaign.

World Ship Society - Marine News, January 2021

Article: ‘International interest in work of author, 92’ as featured by

Newbury Weekly News

Overall, a book to be recommended, and a fitting tribute to the mostly Australian and New Zealand troops that despite being short of support, equipment and preparation so nearly repulsed the carefully trained and prepared German parachute force. Although the paratroops eventually succeeded, their losses were so heavy that the method was not used again by the Germans.

Battleship, reviewed by John Hall Spencer

Amazing book and one I couldn't put down.

This tells the story of the first airborne Invasion in the second world war.

Worth every star given in my 5 star review.

Read the full review here

Richard Domoney-Saunders

There’s been many versions of the story written since John Hall Spencer sat down to write this but very few match the quality of his writing.

Read the full review here

WW2 Talk

The Battle of Crete is one of the few occasions in military history where both sides can claim a disaster; the dreadful casualties suffered by the victorious Germans in this exclusively airborne invasion being matched only by the failure of the British to organise a counter-attack on Maleme airfield when the odds were entirely in their favour. This book outlines the preamble to the battle, exploring the political state of Greece, the wider Balkans area, and how the Germans and British came to be drawn to the island. It also considers the short-comings in the Allied strategy, above all the lack of political and military clarity which frustrated the defence throughout the campaign. The complete pandemonium which ensued during the opening phases of the assault on Crete is wonderfully described, using the stories of numerous personalities to highlight the action at key points. This excellent narrative closes with the decision to evacuate the Allies from Crete, and the subsequent, desperate trek across the mountains to the only embarkation point.

Pegasus Archive

Before Crete became a popular holiday destination it suffered a tumultuous battle in the 1940's that left it's mark on the whole country. Battle for Crete describes the political and military prelude to the evacuation of British, Australian and New Zealand forces from Greece to Crete in 1941 resulting in the German offensive against the country. With chapters detailing everything from negotiations between Anthony Eden and the Greek Government, the Malene airfield and the famous retreat to the southern coast, the book ascends strongly through sharp prose and hard fact. John Hall Spencer puts his experience in the Royal Marines to great use and through his visiting of the actual battlefields focused upon in the book, gives an authenticity that leaves the book firmly in your mind.

John (Customer Review)

fascinating and detailed

Britain at War - September 2008