Product Details
Vasili: The Lion of Crete

Vasili: The Lion of Crete
By M. Elliott

Price:

This item is not available for purchase from this store.
Click here to go to Amazon to see other purchasing options.


14 new or used available from £0.40

Average customer review:
The wartime exploits of 'Kapetan Vasili', New Zealander Dudley Churchill Perkins, have become a legend on Crete.

Product Description

The wartime exploits of 'Kapetan Vasili', New Zealander Dudley Churchill Perkins, have become a legend on Crete. He first arrived on Crete following the Allied withdrawal from Greece, and was then captured by the Germans. He escaped within 2 weeks and spent a year avoiding German patrols and roaming western Crete in search of a way to leave the island, before being evacuated to Egypt by a Greek submarine. He was so impressed by the Cretans' assistance to him that he left his New Zealand unit and joined the British Special Operations Executive and returned to Crete as a special agent, taking command of a guerrilla band which he trained, organised, and led in numerous attacks against the Germans.

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #314277 in Books
  • Published on: 1992-01-01
  • Original language: English
  • Binding: Hardcover

Editorial Reviews

About the Author
Elliott

Customer Reviews

Gripping tale of uncommon valour4
This book gives a vivid and gripping account of the resistance to the Nazi occupation of Crete, and although the focal point are the exploits of the legendary Kiwi Dudley Perkins, it includes the other brave British and Commonwealth soldiers who fought and perished alongside the Cretans. Their heroism and in many cases, cultured and almost gentlemanly backgrounds sadly seem somewhat quaint,in a nostalgic way, to the modern reader but fans of military history will find plenty to keep them turning the pages.
The only mark against it is the rather sloppy editing and numerous typos that pepper the text but even that fails to detract greatly from a story and profile that deserve to be read, honoured and remembered.

Vasili - The Lion of Crete Book5
An excellent book I first read 2 years ago and was trying hard to find here in the UK. Excellently written and caused quite an emotional rollercoaster effect while reading it! Very informative about the Cretan resistance and allied support during the WW2 occupation of Crete by German Troops. Rather heartbreaking at times but also full of humour. A Kiwi by birth 'Vasili' as he was known by the Cretan people was greatly loved and admired. A True hero in the real sense of the word. Wonderful.