This War Museum was founded by George Hazidakis following the events of May 1941 in Crete. Mr Hazidakis has collected all the items on display after the war, and his son Andreas subsequently opened the museum to the public.

On the morning of 20th May 1941, 500 triple-engined Junkers-52 aircraft took off from various airfields on the Greek mainland. Fighter and and Bomber aircraft also flew in this first attack formation. The airport in Maleme was the first target to be attacked, followed by the main towns of Chania, Rethymnon and Heraklion. At the beginning the German casualties were appaling.

By the time the Germans occupied Sfakia on May 31st, the fighting was practically over. George Hazidakis, then a ten year old boy from Askifou village, was an eye witness to the fighting. He was wounded and some of his family members were killed.

After the war George started to collect arms, weaponry and army memorabilia found in the surrounding area and, step by step, he has built up the current collection to what it is today on display in the War Museum in Askifou. Sadly the Greek authorities have declined to support the museum to this day and it relies on donations from visitors to keep it running.

Last Updated ( Friday, 23 April 2010 08:38 )