The German plan to attack Crete by sea

The Germans had hoped to use two groups of caiques to carry troops to Crete's beaches. The first of caiques, carrying about 2,000 troops came to a bad end at the guns of Admiral Gennie's ships. The second group of 38 caiques, carrying about 4,000 troops, is what Admiral King had seen when forced to withdraw because of diminishing AA ammunition. After word had been received of the disaster to the first group, the German admiral ordered the second group to turn back. He also had planned to tanks and artillery carried in merchant steamers, as well, but these apparently did not arrive in time for the battle. This is based on the account in Vol.II of the Official History.