The Battle of Crete commenced, and lasted until 31 May, 1941. HMA Ships PERTH, STUART, VAMPIRE, VENDETTA, VOYAGER, WATERHEN, NAPIER and NIZAM, (destroyers), were all involved in evacuating Allied troops from the island. LEUT L. M. Hinchliffe, RAN, (from HMAS NAPIER), was landed at Sfakia Beach, and took control as the Beachmaster, and coordinated evacuations from that port. He was later awarded the DSC for his conspicuous service during this time.