He strengthened the defence of the island at the same time by increasing the garrison numbers with troops from the Taurus Mountains.

In this context, they embarked on the policy of planning, together with the Irish authorities, for the defence of the island.

Irish preparations for defence of the island included protecting against the possibility of German or British attack.

"MrFraserwasn't thinking of that," Thomas said, "he was thinking that£12,000is a small price to pay for the defence of the island."

But following the German Invasion of Crete this action turned into the defence of the island.

McDouall took up his post as commandant and began improving the defences of the island.

McDouall ordered the defences of the island to be strengthened.

On the Maltese side a full Council of the Order considers strategies for the defence of the island.

Also, the Company refused to pay for the defence of the island.

The battalion suffered 243 casualties during the brief defence of the island, including 74 men killed and 102 men wounded.