Fallschirmjäger

2 Fallschirmjäger Platoon The German 7th Flieger Division (Air Division) was founded during World War II by the German (Air Force). The Flieger Division consisted of three Fallschirmjäger (airborne light infantry) regiments plus support units and air assets. Fallschirmjäger units were frequently deployed at the vanguard of attacks and as a defensive strongpoint. They participated in many of the most famous battles of World War II. The airborne attack and fast seizure of Fort Eben- Emael permitted the early capture of Belgium and was vital for the German victories in 1940. The major airdrops in and Denmark in May 1940 were also fundamental to the success of these campaigns. The Battle of Crete – Operation Merkur - in 1941 was the first battle where Fallschirmjäger units were used on a massive scale - the entire 7th Flieger Division was deployed together with the German 5th Mountain Division - it was also the first mainly airborne invasion in military history. Eventually Crete was captured, but at a price. The high casualty rate of the Fallschirmjäger prohibited further German large scale airborne operations. Ironically the Allies were impressed by the tactical potential of paratroopers and started to build their own airborne divisions which led to operations like Market Garden in 1944. In the Battle of Monte Cassino, a Fallschirmjäger division held their ground for months against repeated assaults and heavy bombardment. Fallschirmjäger also played a key role defending positions in against much larger forces in 1944. After mid-1944, Fallschirmjäger were no longer trained as paratroopers due to the strategic situation for Germany. The last parachute division raised by Germany during World War II was destroyed during the in April 1945.

Fallschirmjäger units were usually very well equipped; they had access to the best weapons of the German military. The FG-42 (Fallschirmjägergewehr 42 or paratrooper 42) - developed specially for the Fallschirmjäger - combined the firepower of a machine with the lightweight handling characteristics of a standard infantry rifle. Fallschirmjäger units were also among the first to use assault (StG-44) and recoilless weapons (7.5cm LG 40) in combat. The FG-42 was most commonly seen during the Normandy fighting.

During the refitting for the Ardennes offensive the FG-42 was often replaced by the StG-44. Fallschirmjäger units also used the semi-automatic G-43 rifle and continued to use MG-34 even after the MG-42 was introduced. The style ofSample parachute harness file used by the Fallschirmjäger in World War II however was generally considered inferior to those used by the British and American paratroopers. German Fallschirmjäger had to throw themselves forward out of the airplane. Because of the face-down drop control was nearly impossible. The amount of equipment the trooper could carry was very low. Consequently Fallschirmjäger jumped only armed with a holstered and a small "gravity knife". Rifles and other weapons were dropped in separate containers.

German Fallschirmjäger Platoon Organisation Chart You may include the following Elements in your force obeying the minimum and maximum units listed for each. You may take one force for every 1.500 points in your army. 0-1 HQ Elements (The Platoon commanding Lieutenant and his staff) 2-4 Combat Elements (The of the Platoon) 0-3 Fast or Light Support Elements (This includes Platoon and Company Support Teams, Armoured Cars etc. - Please note also that transport vehicles taken as a unit option are not counted towards Support Elements.) 0-3 Heavy Support Elements (Regimental Support Teams, Tanks and very heavy gun Support.)

5 Fallschirmjäger Platoon

Battle Worn: It is possible to represent a battle worn Fallschirmjäger Platoon by using the Battle Worn Option for the Combat, Fast or Light Support and Heavy Support Elements. If you want to use this option you MUST always start with your Combat Elements. If all Combat Elements have taken the Battle Worn option you can apply the option to your Fast or Light Support Elements. Only after all of your Fast or Light Support Elements have taken the Battle Worn Option you can use it on your Heavy Support Elements.

If vehicles are chosen you may use the following options: Command Vehicle Up to one Vehicle may benefit from the Command Vehicle Special Property for + 50 points. The vehicle then counts as a HQ Element.

Smoke Discharger Up to three Vehicles may benefit from the Smoke Discharger Vehicle Special Property for + 10 points each.

2.1 Early War HQ Element No StG-44, no MG-42-LMG, no No transport option May purchase up to 3 successfully resolved Air/ArtillerySample Strikes file Combat Element No G-43, no StG-44, no FG-42, no MG-42-LMG, no Panzerfaust 12 men squads No transport option Fast or Light Support Element No MG-42 HMG No Company Support Team No transport options 2.2 Mid War HQ Element No StG-44, no MG-42-LMG, no Panzerfaust (Panzerfaust 30 may be taken) No transport option May purchase up to 3 successfully resolved Air/Artillery Strikes Combat Element No StG-44, no Panzerfaust (Panzerfaust 30 may be taken) No transport option Fast or Light Support Element No transport options 2.3 Late War: As listed, all options available

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