ASSAULTING LEROS: Operation Leopard, 1943

It would prove to be a bloody shock when it did happen. No one thought it could have been done. But in a stunning and daring move, the German Paratroops and Special Forces invaded the island from the sky and sea. So shocked, the defending British soldiers stood stunned-fireless-speechless. It wasn't until the first German touched ground that all hell broke loose with devastating effects on the others still enroute to earth. The paratroops paid a hefty price. Meanwhile, German forces in their landing craft made their way to shore under withering fire. Many of the first groups suffered greatly-but- the great equalizer soon appeared. The Luftwaffe. Like screaming hawks, the numerous Stuka dive bombers roamed above seeking a meal. Heavy bombers from Greece rumbled over dropping loads. Bf 109s raked the isle with blistering MG fire. The constant buzz froze or killed the British in their positions. The only respite occurred at night. The sequence replayed for four days, from Nov 12 to 16th. Up until the 15th, it could've gone either way. $24.00