The resistance of Cretan civilians during World War II varied in intensity. After longer periods of calm on the island starting in May 1941, partisan attacks against the German leadership flared up again following Italy's switch sides in September 1943. When the Red Army reached Romania, Hitler ordered the evacuation of Greece, and by September 1944, most German soldiers had left Crete. In light of the German retreats on all fronts, the island had long become an eccentric outpost. Harald Gilbert documents the war in the Aegean from 1943 to 1944 based on extensive military records. For instance, the records of the 22nd Infantry Division, as well as those of the Navy and the staff of the Commander of the Fortress of Crete, are preserved until the end of 1943. The officers of the British Special Operations Executive are also included.