AIRBORNE AT WAR ELITE ATTACK FORCES CHARTWELL . BKP061

The development of airborne forces followed the invention of aircraft and the realisation that this made possible a third flank: using the third (vertical) dimension, aircraft could fly over the enemy s line and thus envelop vertically the third flank; the enemy's rear areas, which were difficult to defend. Two outstanding, opposing units in particular Germany's 7th Flieger Division and the US 82nd Airborne Division developed the techniques and the equipment during World War II. What came to be known as Student's Fallschirmjäger Elite, the 7th Flieger Division was formed in July 1938 under Kurt Student. It was first used in a minor, reconnaissance role in the attack on Poland. The Fallschirmjäger would see heavier action in the west in 1940 and took part in landings in Norway, Denmark, Belgium (Eben Emael), and Holland. After involvement in the invasion of Greece, the Fallschirmjäger's finest hour came in the invasion of Crete and the epic battle to wrest the island from the British defenders. Victorious, but heavily blooded, the Fallschirmjäger would henceforth be used only as infantry and 7th Flieger Division became 1st Fallschirmjäger Division, fighting with distinction in Sicily and Italy (particularly at Monte Cassino), finally surrendering near Imola in April 1945. The unit s varied history involves some of the fiercest fighting of World War II. The US Army's 82nd Airborne Division which came to be known as the All American was formed in August 1942 and first saw action during the Allied invasion of Sicily in July 1943. Subsequently used as ground troops in Operation Avalanche the invasion of Italy the 82nd resumed its airborne role when it was dropped onto the Cotentin Peninsula on 6 June 1944 as part of the Allied invasion of Normandy. By the time it was withdrawn, the 82nd had sustained nearly 50 percent casualties. Its next use was in Operation Market the airborne component of the Allied thrust towards Arnhem when it was dropped into Nijmegen. Also involved in the desperate fighting in the Ardennes, the division would end the war occupying Berlin and Frankfurt.