The untold story of ANZACS and Cretans who fought side by side, defending the highly strategic village of Galatas on the island of Crete during World War II. New Zealand Divisional Petrol Company â a bunch of drivers and fitters â fought an epic, almost personal, battle. This isolated, non-infantry unitâÂÂs skilful and brave battle to save Galatas amidst those tumultuous days of the Battle of Crete in 1941 has never been fully recognised, acknowledged or truly honoured. While Galatas is rightly remembered for the brave charge by Howard KippenbergerâÂÂs New Zealanders to retake Galatas, equally extraordinary events such as the wild and terrifying âÂÂbayonet and carving-knifeâ charge against astonished German paratroopers by the NZ Petrol Company drivers, Greek soldiers and old men, women and children of the village, should resonate just as strongly. Indeed, this must be one of the best illustrations of the kindred spirit forged between Cretan and Anzac as each fought, side-by-side, against the German Paratroops in one of the most intensely fought battles of the Second World War.
