WW2 German Death Card of Ludwig Hafner (Killed during the Battle of Crete)

[Heartfeltzero]

Ludwig was born on October 3rd 1915. During the war he participated in the Polish, French and Greek Campaigns. He served in a Mountain Infantry Regiment. He was Participating in the Invasion of Crete when he was killed in action by a shell hit on May 22nd 1941. He was 25. Ludwig is buried in the German war cemetery in Maleme on Crete.

[Willmore]

Thank you for sharing this very interesting death card from a famous battle.

Ludwig Hafner was a member of 10./Kompanie Gebirgsjäger Regiment 100 (5.Gebirgsjäger-Division) and fell 500m north of Flugplatz Maleme (The airfield at Maleme in Crete). His cause of death is noted as - Gefallen: Granatvolltreffer (Killed in action: shell hit).

According to the Volksbund Ludwig Hafner is buried in the military cemetery in Maleme.
Endgrablage: Block 2 Grab 149

[Willmore]

Gebirgsjäger Regiment 100

5.Gebirgsjager-Division - Feldgrau

Operation Mercury, the German airborne assault on the island of Crete in May 1941, was the first strategic use of airborne forces in history. The assault began on 20 May, with landings near the island's key airports, and reinforcements the next day allowed the German forces to capture one end of the runway at Maleme. By 24 May the Germans were being reinforced by air on a huge scale and on 1 June Crete surrendered.

Battle of Crete: The Counterattack Fails, 21-22 May 1941

Defending the key positions at Maleme was 22nd Battalion (New Zealand). Under the command of First World War Victoria Cross (VC) winner Lieutenant-Colonel Leslie Andrew, the battalion occupied positions along the western edges of the airfield as well the substantial hill – known as Point 107 – overlooking it.

The battle: days 1-3 - The Battle for Crete | NZHistory, New Zealand history online

There is a good write up in the link below (the picture is from there too).

Mishap at Maleme - Warfare History Network

Kind regards,

Will.

[Heartfeltzero]

Thank you for the additional information? Very much appreciated!