| Summary: | This article aims to examine the Greek plans for the defence of Crete, both before and during the Greek-Italian war. Crete’s strategic position, especially in relation to the Middle East, motivated Britain who began to work out plans, even from the start of the war, aimed at the defence of Crete in case it was threatened by Axis forces. British action and contribution is more or less recognised in the international bibliography. However, what is less recognised, even in Greece itself, are the activities and the decisions taken by the Greek government and the General Staff to reinforce the island’s defence after the break out of the Greek-Italian war and especially during the last few months, before the battle of Crete began. Moreover, the article focuses on the condition of the Greek army units upon arrival on Crete and what efforts were made or not made for improvements.
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