Crete and the misuse of light forces

Layforce was committed to regular fighting at Crete even though it had been organised as a fast, lightly equipped raiding force. Later commando formations could fight in the line when they had heavier weapons, fire support, and air power behind them. Crete offered no such coherent support. Senior-command failures and confusion afflicted both sides, while German and Italian forces retained the advantage in the air. The Royal Navy's position worsened when HMS Formidable, its only available carrier and already down to few aircraft, was damaged during an attempt to strike the principal Stuka base.