Crete's geography offers protected unloading points on the side opposite the main Axis approach. Railways could move supplies from southern ports to northern defenses even when the obvious harbors were under attack. An enemy force seeking those anchorages would have to sail around the island and expose itself to coastal defenses, submarines, and Allied naval reaction. Long-range radar would further strengthen warning and air defense, although it is not a necessary premise of the scenario.
Notable Point · 57:24-58:03
Southern ports and radar make Crete resilient
A rail-linked network of southern harbors and long-range radar would make Allied resupply harder to interrupt.