These military history debates aside, Richter’s most controversial views concern war crimes
committed during and immediately after the battle. He mentions only two acts of terror
against Cretan civilians by German paratroopers and soldiers, whereas at least nine villages
suffered punitive operations between June and August 1941, with hundreds of Cretans shot.
He also fails to acknowledge that some of these atrocities were a direct result of General
Student’s order of May 31 for harsh reprisals against any civilians who had fought against the
invaders.5