British Troops Return from Crete

British troops return from Crete during World War II, 1941. As the Germans advanced through the Balkans and into Greece, King George II of Greece joined retreating allied forces on Crete. A battle for control of the island began on May 20, when German paratroopers invaded followed by troop landings from the sea. Thousands of soldiers were killed and wounded on both sides. King George fled to Egypt on May 23, and allied troops were also evacuated to Egypt on June 1. About 5,000 men were left behind.