The start of the war after the Italian attack and the reaction of institutions and citizens was “captured” through the publications of the local press of that time. Newspapers of that period describe how the city of Chania experienced the start of the war.

The first comment on the start of the war was published in her gender “National Voice” on October 29, 1940 issued with central title, “THE CUBE IS DROPPED”.

At the top of the front page the newspaper states:

Our match against Italy became sacred.

THERE ARE FREAKING ITALIAN FAKES

On its back cover the newspaper states:

Since yesterday morning, the Italians launched an attack against our border. The newspaper records the excitement of the people at the announcement of the declaration of war and it is announced that, “the operation of the schools was interrupted, as a result of the events, indefinitely”.

On the same day, the first recruitment announcements are published in “Ethniki Foni”. Reserve infantry, artillery of all arms are requested to report immediately to the Division. So are those who have served in the past in security forces and fire brigades. The announcements of the local authorities to inform the population in “E.F”, include the telegram-message of the Governor General of Crete Panagiotis Sfakianakis to the Police Authorities and the presidents of the communities of the Prefecture of Chania regarding the prohibition of lighting, while the Gendarmerie administration recommends citizens to take refuge underground in case of bombing and mentions the nine first aid stations in the city of Chania.

The 5th Cretan Division

The declaration of general conscription also sent an alarm to the 5th Cretan Division, which was formed as a military force in September 1912.

The general mobilization of October 28, 1940, “brought” to the front line, the 14th infantry regiment based in Chania, the 43rd based in Heraklion and the 44th based in Rethymno.

The military force of Crete that was at the front was still made up of the 5th artillery regiment which at that time had its headquarters in Souda, a company of pioneers, a company of couriers and the unit of the military hospital.

A total of 566 officers, 18,662 enlisted men, 687 sub-parcels and 81 vehicles were transported to the front. The losses for the Cretan Division reached 1141 dead, 2025 wounded, 2553 frostbitten and 434 with various diseases.