1st Parachute Division (Germany) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids 1st Parachute Division 7th Air Division
1. Fallschirmjäger-Division
Unit insignia
Active	1938–43 (as 7. Flieger-Division) 1943–45
Country	Nazi Germany
Branch	Luftwaffe
Type	Fallschirmjäger
Role	Airborne forces
Size	Division
Nickname(s)	The Green Devils
Engagements	World War II
Commanders
Notable commanders	Karl-Lothar Schulz Kurt Student

The 1st Parachute Division (which in German was called 1. Fallschirmjäger-Division) was a special German military unit. They were paratroopers, meaning they jumped from planes into battle. This division fought during World War II.

A group of paratroopers like this was known as a Fallschirmjäger Division. At first, to keep it a secret, this unit was called the 7th Air Division. Later, in 1943, it was officially renamed and reorganized as the 1st Parachute Division.

How the Division Fought in Battles

This division was created in October 1938. Its first leader was Major-General Kurt Student. When World War II began, the division had two paratrooper groups. It became even stronger by 1941.

In April 1940, the division helped invade Denmark and Norway. This was part of an operation called Operation Weserübung. They successfully took control of several airfields.

Battles in Belgium and the Netherlands

In May 1940, Germany planned to invade Belgium and the Netherlands. The 7th Air Division was key to this plan. Their job was to capture important bridges and a strong fort called Eben Emael.

Most of the 7th Air Division worked with another unit, the 22nd Air Landing Division, to invade the Netherlands. This attack on The Hague did not go well. Many transport planes were lost. Lots of paratroopers and air landing troops were captured. Hundreds were also killed or hurt. However, the attack on Eben Emael was a big success. The fort was captured, along with over 1,000 enemy soldiers.

Fighting in Crete and the Eastern Front

The division also took part in the Battle of Crete. The Allied forces on the island fought very hard. The 7th Air Division suffered many losses. But with more soldiers arriving, the Allies had to leave the island by May 29.

In September 1941, the division moved to the Eastern Front. This was where Germany fought against the Soviet Union. They fought near cities like Leningrad and Stalino. They also helped fight against resistance groups near Smolensk.

In the summer of 1942, the division moved to France. There, they trained for a plan to capture Malta. But this plan was canceled. Some parts of the division then went to fight in North Africa.

Battles in Italy

The division was involved in the fight against the Allied invasion of Sicily in July 1943. For the rest of the war, the division fought in the Italian Campaign.

From December 14 to 27, 1943, the division, led by General-Lieutenant Richard Heidrich, fought against the 1st Canadian Division in the Battle of Ortona. Later, the division helped defend the Winter Line south of Rome. They tried to stop the British Eighth Army from moving forward.

From February to May 1944, the 1st Parachute Division fought in the Battle of Monte Cassino. In late May and June, they fought against an Allied attack called Operation Diadem. After this, they moved north of Rome. They were part of a larger German paratrooper group, along with the 4th Parachute Division.

By January 1945, the German paratrooper group was on the coast near the Senio River. The Allied forces started moving forward again on April 8. The 1st Parachute Division had to keep moving back towards the Po River because of the British Eighth Army.

On April 21, a Polish unit entered Bologna, a city in Italy. By April 25, the division had crossed the river. They then began a final march towards the Alpine Mountains. Finally, Germany surrendered in Italy on May 2, 1945. This included the soldiers of the 1st Parachute Division. Germany's full surrender happened a week later.

What the Division Was Made Of

Here's how the 1st Parachute Division was organized:

• Headquarters Staff
  • 1st Anti-Tank Battalion
  • 1st Engineer Battalion
  • 1st Anti-Aircraft Battalion
  • 1st Medical Battalion
  • 13th Rocket Launcher Company
  • 14th Anti-Tank Company
• 1st Parachute Regiment
• 3rd Parachute Regiment
• 4th Parachute Regiment
• 1st Artillery Regiment
• Supply Troops

Leaders of the Division