[4] Some of the units had seen action recently in Libya against the Italians, before being hastily transported to Greece to help against the German invasion.

The Boys anti-tank rifles were largely ineffective, and the Bren Gun Carriers were due for replacement.

[6] On 18 April, the German 6th Mountain Division, commanded by General Ferdinand Schörner, lined up on the other side of the Pinios River, from the Anzac Force.

The German aim was to attack the choke point at Larissa, where the main body of Anzacs were funnelling through, and cut off their retreat.

Balck had previously pushed back the 21st some days earlier at Platamon where they had been surprised by the appearance of German vehicles due to the terrain.

Despite desperate holding actions, by 5:30 pm, the battle had degenerated into chaos, and the 2/2nd disintegrated under the German attacks.

The Australians and New Zealanders moved throughout the night, with elements fighting further delaying actions as they withdrew, and by dawn on 19 April occupied a new defensive position around Thermopylae.