Churchill's Folly ― The Battles for Kos and Leros, 1943

In 1943, Churchill ignored American opposition and authorized a major operation in the Aegean. After the Italian armistice he wanted to open a new front in the eastern Mediterranean, adding pressure against a faltering Wehrmacht. He also hoped to convince Turkey to join the Allies. Spearheaded by the Long Desert Group and the Special Boat Squadron, garrison troops were sent to occupy the region. After pre-empting the British by securing Rhodes, the Germans assembled a force to seize the remaining islands. Overstretched resources meant that neither the Royal Air Force or Navy could prevent a series of aassaults by the Wehrmacht. After 3 months of operations Britain lost the islands and with them an entire Brigade, with more than 40 men killed, wounded or captured.

Anthony Rogers grew up in Malta where he later served in the Royal Marines Commandos. He is the author of Battle Over Malta and 185: The Malta Squadron. Lord Jellicoe commanded the SBS in the Aegean.