page_title: Battle of Heraklion
hierarchical_section_title: Battle of Heraklion
caption_attribution_description: A stick of German paratroopers exiting from a Junkers Ju 52 transport aircraft near the town of Heraklion during the German airborne assault on the north coast of Crete. A second Ju 52 is burning and trailing smoke, after being hit by allied ground fire.
context_page_description: The Battle of Heraklion was a battle during World War II on the Greek island of Crete. It began on the morning of 20 May 1941, when Nazi Germany launched an airborne invasion of Crete under the codename Unternehmen Merkur. British, Australian and Greek forces defended Heraklion port and airfield.
context_section_description: The Battle of Heraklion was a battle during World War II on the Greek island of Crete.  It began on the morning of 20 May 1941, when Nazi Germany launched an airborne invasion of Crete under the codename Unternehmen Merkur ("Operation Mercury"). British, Australian and Greek forces defended Heraklion port and airfield.
caption: A stick of German paratroopers exiting from a Junkers Ju 52 transport aircraft near the town of Heraklion during the German airborne assault on the north coast of Crete. A second Ju 52 is burning and trailing smoke, after being hit by allied ground fire.
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