Operation Mercury: The Invasion of Crete

Operation Mercury: The Invasion of Crete is a Grand Tactical Series wargame covering the German airborne assault on Crete in May 1941.

The game recreates one of the most dramatic airborne operations of the Second World War. German Fallschirmjäger and glider troops must secure airfields and footholds quickly enough for mountain troops and reinforcements to arrive, while Commonwealth and Greek forces try to destroy the landings, hold key positions, and, if necessary, conduct a fighting withdrawal toward the southern evacuation ports.

Using the GTS 2.0 rules, Operation Mercury lets players command divisions and manoeuvre company-sized units across Crete. The game covers the major airdrops and fighting from Heraklion and Rethymnon to Maleme, Canea, Suda Bay, and the Askifou Plain.

Scenarios range from smaller one-map battles to larger multi-map engagements and the full campaign. The game also includes Allied morale rules, random events, naval support options, German precision and free-drop variants, and the difficult command problems of airborne assault and withdrawal under pressure.

This is a large and detailed GTS title for players interested in Crete, airborne operations, Commonwealth defence, and company-level grand tactical combat.

Contents include: GTS rulebook 2.0, Operation Mercury exclusive rules, rules summary, TRC/TEC cards, divisional charts, off-map display, five 22" x 34" maps, two 17" x 22" maps, two 8.5" x 11" maps, eight 5/8" countersheets, four 10-sided dice, and one 3" box and lid.