Germany might still defeat Allied forces in mainland Greece while failing to capture Crete. Retaining the island would give Allied aircraft a base within easy bombing range of Romanian oil fields. Supplies could move along the North African coast under successive areas of land-based air cover, using ports en route before crossing to Crete. French North African bases could also stage supplies and forces towards Malta. From there, Allied forces could put greater pressure on Italian coastal shipping and make continued Italian participation more costly for the Axis.
Chapter · 1:14:00-1:15:43
Crete, convoy routes and Romanian oil
Holding Crete would bring Romanian oil fields within bombing range, with North African airfields and ports helping sustain the island.