Nominal totals put roughly 40,000 British, Commonwealth, Greek, and Royal Marine personnel against about 15,000 Germans who reach the island. This arithmetic does not turn the defenders into a mobile, integrated army. German parachute and mountain troops also arrive in stages, so timing matters on both sides. Force ratios must be tested against readiness, location, and the ability to reinforce the critical sector.
Notable Point · 18:34-20:18
Why a 40,000-strong garrison still loses
The Allied total looks formidable beside the force that actually reaches the island, but dispersed units, transport shortages, and the tempo of the airborne attack determine usable combat power.