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 During World War II, the German military pioneered many advances in warfare like Jets, Rocketry and much more. Among these advances was the used of an Airborne Force. The idea of dropping a soldier into battle far behind enemy lines was not new. It was, however, the German military, which would take this idea to a new level and use the airborne concept during their conquests in the first few operations of the war. The German Airborne soldier or Fallschirmjäger would be utilized in the attack and conquest of Denmark, Norway, Belgium and Holland. During the assault in the west in 1940, a small contingent of glider borne airborne engineers would land and capture the Belgian fort of Eben Emael. A large fort containing over 1200 solders, complete with heavy weapons, artillery and anti aircraft artillery would be nullified by a mere 68 men. Still the world would not take notice to the use of airborne forces yet because of the overwhelming example of a new type of warfare being used: the Blitzkrieg or "Lighting War". The Allied nations, slowly gearing up for war, were preoccupied with studying this new concept of war, the use of the aircraft and the tank to produce a shock effect upon the enemy. In 1941 this would all change.
Operation Mercury would be the first operation conducted entirely by air. The target was the island of Crete. In May 1941, German Fallschirmjäger would assault the island both via parachute drop and glider borne landings. Later more forces would be flown in, including German Mountain troops. After fierce fighting and heavy losses the island would be secured. As the war progressed and air superiority was lost, the German Fallschirmjäger would never again be used in large-scale airborne operations. They found themselves time and time again used in the role as a common foot soldier, however they were highly trained, highly motivated and carried an "esprit de corps" that would cement their reputation as an elite force in the annals of war. Smaller airborne operations would be conducted in Sicily and Italy during 1943 and during the Ardennes offensive in December 1944 but it would be at the town of Cassino, Italy, in that same year that German Fallschirmjäger would make their presence felt. Fighting as infantry, they would stop the Allied advance, keeping them tied down for months. During this operation the Allied soldiers started to call them "Green Devils". The German Fallschirmjäger fought with bravery and élan throughout the war and until its end.
This website is contains historical information as well as Reenacting/Living History information. This information includes reenactment photos, historical information covering operations, equipment and photos of World War II Fallschirmjäger in action. We hope you enjoy the site.
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