Kurt Student facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kurt Student
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Student in 1941
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| Born | 12 May 1890 Birkholz, German Empire (now Borów, Poland) |
| Died | 1 July 1978 (aged 88) Lemgo, West Germany |
| Allegiance |
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| Service/ |
 Prussian Army Reichsheer Luftwaffe |
| Years of service | 1910–1945 |
| Rank |  Generaloberst |
| Commands held | 7th Air Division XI Fliegerkorps 1st Parachute Army |
| Battles/wars | World War I
World War II |
| Awards | Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves |
| Criminal status | Released in 1948 |
| Criminal charge | War crimes |
| Penalty | 5 years imprisonment |
| Details | |
| Victims | Cretan civilians Allied prisoners of war |
| Date | May 1941 |
| Country | Greece |
| Location(s) | Crete |
Kurt Student (born May 12, 1890 – died July 1, 1978) was a German general during World War II. He was a key leader in creating Germany's paratrooper forces, known as the Fallschirmjäger. These were soldiers trained to jump from planes. Student was the most important person in leading these paratroopers throughout the war.
He led the first big airborne attack in history, the Battle for The Hague, in May 1940. He also commanded the Fallschirmjäger in their last major airborne mission, the invasion of Crete in May 1941. This operation was a success for Germany, but they lost many soldiers. After the war, Student was held responsible for some harsh actions against civilians and prisoners during the invasion of Crete.
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Kurt Student's Early Life and Military Career
Kurt Student joined the Prussian Army in 1910 as a young officer trainee. He became a full lieutenant in 1911. By 1913, he had learned to fly planes. He then served as a pilot during World War I.
World War I Flying Ace
In July 1916, Student became known for his flying skills. He achieved his first confirmed air victory, forcing an enemy plane to land. He then flew with different air units on the Western Front. He even commanded a flying squadron called Jagdstaffel 9 from October 1916 to May 1917. During this time, he was wounded. He shot down six French aircraft between 1916 and 1917.
Between the World Wars
After World War I, Student worked on military research and development. Germany was not allowed to have a strong air force because of the Treaty of Versailles. So, Student focused on military gliders, which were not forbidden. He also learned about airborne operations by watching the Red Army Air Force.
When Adolf Hitler came to power, the German air force, the Luftwaffe, was secretly rebuilt. Student moved from the Army to the Air Force. He was chosen by Hermann Göring to lead the new air force training schools. In 1938, he became the commander of Germany's first paratrooper division, the 7th Air Division.
Kurt Student in World War II
The Fallschirmjäger (German paratroopers) were first used at the start of World War II. This was during the invasions of Norway and Denmark in Operation Weserübung. Small groups of paratroopers landed in different places. In Denmark, they helped capture a bridge and an airfield. This airfield was important for German air operations over Norway. In Norway, paratroopers landed at Oslo's airport. This helped the Germans take control of the capital.
The paratroopers' first big mission was the battle for The Hague on May 10, 1940. This was the first large-scale airborne operation in history. German paratroopers landed at three airfields near The Hague in the Netherlands. They faced strong resistance from Dutch defenders. Many German transport planes were destroyed. However, the paratroopers also captured important bridges. These bridges helped the German 9th Panzer Division move into the country. The Dutch forces suffered heavy losses.
During fighting in the Battle of Rotterdam, Student was injured. He was shot in the head, but it was later found to be by a German bullet. His capture was stopped when the Netherlands surrendered.
On May 10, 1940, the Fallschirmjäger also carried out a very successful attack on Fort Eben-Emael in Belgium. This was the largest fort in the world at that time, defended by 1,200 Belgian soldiers. An assault group of only 85 German paratroopers took control of the fort in just a few hours. The fall of Eben-Emael helped the German Army invade Belgium. For his role in this daring raid, Student received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.
In January 1941, Student became the commanding general of the XI. Fliegerkorps. This was a new command for Germany's growing airborne forces. In May 1941, Student led Operation Mercury (Unternehmen Merkur). This was the airborne invasion of Crete. British, Greek, and Commonwealth forces defended the island. The Fallschirmjäger won a great victory and captured Crete. However, the Germans suffered very high casualties. Because of these heavy losses, Hitler decided not to launch any more major airborne operations in the future.
During the invasion of Crete, German soldiers faced unexpected resistance from local civilians. Many German paratroopers were killed by civilians using simple weapons like knives. The German troops were surprised and angered by this. After the island surrendered on May 31, 1941, Student became the temporary commander of Crete. Following orders, Student launched harsh actions against the local people. Well-known examples include the Massacre of Kondomari, Alikianos, and the Razing of Kandanos.
In 1943, Student ordered a special paratrooper unit to free Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. This mission, called Operation Oak (Unternehmen Eiche), was successful. The paratroopers landed on a hilltop using gliders and special short-takeoff planes. Student received the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross for his part in this operation.
Student was later moved to Italy and then to France. He was involved in the battles in Normandy in 1944. He was put in charge of the German 1st Parachute Army. He helped counter the Allied Operation Market Garden near Arnhem. In April 1945, he was captured by British forces in Germany.
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See also
In Spanish: Kurt Student para niños
