Generalmajor Julius Ringel in Crete

Generalmajor Julius Ringel visits the Küstenwachen (coast guards) in Crete. Austrian-born Ringel commanded the 5. Gebirgs-Division in Greece and Crete. On 22 May 1941 he was given control of all German forces on Crete and told to secure the island. While he achieved this objective, Ringel’s decision to push his troops eastwards towards Retimo allowed the bulk of British Creforce to escape south to Sfakia for evacuation. For his leadership during the battle he was awarded the prestigious Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes in June 1941.

Source :
https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/photo/general-julius-ringel