During World War II, the German military pioneered many advances in warfare like Jets, Rocketry and much more.
Among these advances was the use 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 Fallschirmjager 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
Fallschirmjager 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 Fallschirmjager 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 Fallschirmjager 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 Fallschirmjager fought with bravery throughout the war and until its very end.
This website contains historical information as well as Reenacting/Living History information. This information includes reenactment photos,
information on equipment and photos of World War II Fallschirmjager in action. We hope you enjoy the site.
Among these advances was the use 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 Fallschirmjager 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
Fallschirmjager 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 Fallschirmjager 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 Fallschirmjager 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 Fallschirmjager fought with bravery throughout the war and until its very end.
This website contains historical information as well as Reenacting/Living History information. This information includes reenactment photos,
information on equipment and photos of World War II Fallschirmjager in action. We hope you enjoy the site.
| Welcome to the pages of The Green Devils WW2 Reenactment Group. We strives to promote the WWII L.H.A and the hobby of living history / battle re-enactment. To do so the group maintains high standards of presentation, discipline and safety at both public and private events. The Green Devils has focused its display upon Fallschirmjager Regiment 6 In doing so we can ensure that as far as possible the clothing, arms and equipment used gives an accurate representation of German Airbourne Infantry soldiers in Northwest Europe. |
