BRIEF 
 
                                              OF
 
OUTLINE PLAN FOR THE SEIZURE AND OCCUPATION OF CRETE
 
                    Report by Joint War Plans Committee
 
    1. An outline plan for the seizure and occupation of CRETE 
is contained in Enclosure "A".
 
    2. Concept of the operation (See Chart, Appendix "A" to 
Enclosure "A").
          An amphibious operation, two-thirds in ship to shore trans-
portation, one-third in shore to shore transportation, launched 
from bases in the eastern MEDITERRANEAN for the purpose of 
capturing CRETE.
 
           Phase I. The gaining and maintaining of air superiority 
over CRETE.
 
          Phase II. Amphibious and airborne landing operations on 
CRETE to secure airdromes and ports.
 
          Phase III. Further operations to seize and occupy the
entire island.
 
    3. Major UNITED NATIONS forces required.
     a. Air. - 2,783
               1,200 Bombers; 600 Fighters (land based); 600 Troop 
    Carriers; 320 Carrier based aircraft; and 63 Miscellaneous 
    aircraft.
 
     b. Ground.
              1 Airborne Division, 7 Infantry Divisions.
 
     c. Naval.
              4 BB, 6 CV, 22 CA & CL, 85 DD.
 
    4. Conclusions.
     a. Advantages.
               (1) Denies use of air and submarine bases to the AXIS, 
     thereby improving the security of shipping in the eastern
     MEDITERRANEAN.
 
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