You had General Mackay's group and the Greek Central Macedonian Army pulling back to the Florina-Kozani Valley. "To their right, you had the Australian and New Zealand "moving back to the Aliakmon Line". They were able to withdraw without being so hard-pressed. The New Zealand Division had reached Mount Olympus by 10 April. They had a blocking force consisting of the division cavalry with armored cars and carriers, along with some field artillery. They were providing cover for the positions at Mount Olympus.
We have already learned of the long column of German vehicles headed south, starting at some ten miles north of the river. This was seen on 12 April 1941. The Germans had motor cycles driving south along the river, approaching the bridge which had been blown.
"Right before dusk" about thirty vehicles drove into sight loaded with infantry. They drew fire from New Zealand field artillery and pulled back. In the morning, the Germans attempted to cross the river, near the road bridge. They were fired on by armored cars and carriers. Long range artillery fire, from some ten thousand yards, drove back the Germans.
The next phase involved advancing German tanks. The blocking force drew German artillery fire. By 1:30pm, the blocking force was ordered to withdraw. In a couple more hours, the 1st Armoured Brigade was in action at Ptolemais.
As the Germans advanced on 14 April, the last rearguard was ordered back to Katerini. By 4pm, they had reached the Olympus position. This is based on the account in "Greece Crete and Syria".
No comments:
Post a Comment