4th Parachute Division (Germany)
4th Parachute Division (Germany)
German 4th Parachute Division | |
---|---|
Active | 1943–45 |
Country | ![]() |
Branch | ![]() |
Type | Fallschirmjäger |
Role | Airborne forces |
Size | Division |
Part of | I Parachute Corps |
Engagements | Battle of Anzio |
Commanders | |
Notable commanders | Heinrich Trettner |
The 4th Parachute Division, (German: 4. Fallschirmjäger-Division), was a divisional-sized elite formation in the Luftwaffe during World War II.
German 4th Parachute Division | |
---|---|
Active | 1943–45 |
Country | ![]() |
Branch | ![]() |
Type | Fallschirmjäger |
Role | Airborne forces |
Size | Division |
Part of | I Parachute Corps |
Engagements | Battle of Anzio |
Commanders | |
Notable commanders | Heinrich Trettner |
History
It was formed in Venice, Italy, in November 1943, from elements of 2 Fallschirmjäger Division and volunteers from the Italian 184 and 185 Airborne Division Folgore parachute divisions.[1] Its first combat action was against the Allied landings at Anzio (Operation Shingle) as part of the I. Fallschirm Korps in January 1944.[1]
After Anzio, the division fought a rear guard action in front of Rome, and was the last German unit to leave the city on 4 June; it withdrew towards Viterbo Siena Firenze and then managed to halt the Allies at the Futa pass.[2] In the winter of 1944/1945 it was positioned on the Gothic Line. In March 1945, the division had to send the II Battalion, 12 Fallschirmjäger Regiment and the 2nd Company from the Pionier Battalion to the new 10 Fallschirmjager Division, which was being formed in Austria.[2] It then fought at Rimini and Bologna and surrendered to the Allies in April 1945.[3]
War crimes
Order of battle
Structure of the division:[6]
Headquarters
10th Parachute Regiment
11th Parachute Regiment
12th Parachute Regiment
4th Parachute Artillery Regiment
4th Parachute Tank Destroyer Battalion
4th Parachute Engineer Battalion
4th Parachute Signal Battalion
4th Parachute Anti-Aircraft Battalion
4th Parachute Heavy Mortar Battalion
4th Parachute Field Replacement Battalion
4th Parachute Divisional Supply Group
Commander
Heinrich Trettner