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The "Parachute Memorial" on Crete was errected after succesfull completion of " Operation Merkur " (may 20 to may 28, 1941) in the victinity of the former capital Chania in memory of the dead members of " II. Battalion/Sturmregiment ".
During the ages it developed into a memorial for all parachute-troops and is well known even across European borders.
The commander of II. Battalion, Major Stenzler,
dedicated the memorial with the words:
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II. Battalion/Sturmregiment |
These words were put onto the marble plate on the frontside of the memorial.
After the war the memorial deteriorated. Only the many voluntary helpers from Germany and Crete and the work of the German Parachutist Association ( Bund Deutscher Fallschirmjäger ) prevented the total decay and preserved the memorial. Even the further Cretian partisan, Manolis Paterakis, engaged himself much in the preservation of the memorial.
Despite this, due to age and construction, the "Eagle" delapidated and parts fell off. Restoration was due again, which was hoped to last for a longer period.
However, a storm in the Mediteranean Sea during the winter 2000/2001, lead to the collapse of the „Diving Eagle“ . Of the former "most beautiful monument in the Mediteranean Sea" only a bare basement was left. The damage caused on the eagle, kindly named "The German Bird" by the Cretians, is not repairable. Also the tenancy-contract for the lot is obsolete from October 2001.
As there is no effective help to expert from official German institutions, the future of the monument deems to be doubtful !!
Although most Cretians look at the Monument as part of their history and would like to keep it, there seems no solution for its preservation in sight.
Our appeal for help is, therefore, directed to all, who are interested in this memorial, who serve, or have served, with the parachute troops, simply to all, who are willing to help to preserve the monument.
Germany 8/2001
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