Nazi Atrocities in Crete: The Viannos Massacres
The German Occupation of Crete
In 1941, during World War II, Nazi Germany invaded and occupied the Greek island of Crete. The occupation was brutal, with the Nazis committing numerous atrocities against the civilian population.
The Viannos Massacres
One of the most infamous Nazi atrocities in Crete was the Viannos massacres, which took place in September 1943. In retaliation for an attack by Greek resistance fighters, Nazi general Friedrich-Wilhelm Müller ordered the execution of all males over the age of 16 in the villages of Viannos and Ierapetra. Hundreds of civilians were killed, including women and children.
The Role of Friedrich-Wilhelm Müller
Müller, known as the “Butcher of Crete,” was directly responsible for the Viannos massacres. He was a ruthless and sadistic commander who took pleasure in inflicting suffering on civilians. After the war, Müller was tried and executed for his crimes.
The Impact of the Massacres
The Viannos massacres had a devastating impact on the people of Crete. They destroyed entire communities and left thousands of people homeless and traumatized. The massacres also fueled the resistance movement against the Nazi occupation.
The Holocaust in Greece
During the occupation, the Nazis also carried out a systematic genocide of the Jewish population in Greece. Over 58,000 Greek Jews were murdered, most of them in Auschwitz-Birkenau.
The Resistance Movement
Despite the brutality of the occupation, the Greek people resisted the Nazis. Resistance fighters carried out attacks on German troops and provided support to Allied forces. The resistance movement played a vital role in the eventual liberation of Greece.
The Fate of Crete
The German occupation of Crete ended in October 1944, when the Nazis withdrew from the island. However, the legacy of the occupation remains to this day. The massacres and other atrocities committed by the Nazis continue to be a source of pain and anger for the people of Crete.
Reparations and Reconciliation
In recent years, the Greek government has demanded that Germany pay reparations for the crimes committed during the occupation. Germany has paid some reparations, but many Greeks believe that the amount is insufficient.
Some Germans have also traveled to Crete to apologize for the actions of their ancestors. However, many Greeks believe that actions speak louder than words, and they are waiting for Germany to take concrete steps to atone for its past.