Fallschirmjäger! A Collection of Firsthand Accounts and Diaries by German Paratrooper Veterans from the Second World War

Paratroopers or Fallschirmjäger as they are known in German, were the elite parachute troops (Fallschirmtruppe) of the Luftwaffe during the Second World War. This book is the result of several years of written correspondence, telephone interviews and meetings between the author, Greg Way, and veteran Fallschirmjäger between 1999 and 2006 and contains the memoirs of seventeen pre to mid-war volunteers and one late war conscript.

The stories and diaries feature vivid battlefield memories that reflect the reality of war. On the other hand many of the stories convey the lighter hearted moments or gallows humour that has remained etched in their memories. The one common factor shared by almost all of these men is captivity, whether captured during bitter fighting or surrendering at the end of hostilities. These men and thousands like them would be shipped off to POW camps in the USA, Britain and France until their repatriation, in some cases from several months to several years after the end of the war. Their words provide a fascinating insight into their training, combat, capture and subsequent captivity, creating an important historical record of their military service during the Second World War. Sadly, many of these men have now passed away and oral histories such as these now belong to an ever decreasing number of elderly veterans.

The range of experiences - including accounts of Crete, Eben Emael, North Africa, Cassino, Normandy and the Eastern Front -  give a great insight into the experiences of Fallschirmjäger in the Second World War. Each chapter details the experiences of a veteran, accompanied with unique photographs. Many thanks to Greg Way for sharing these memories, and ensuring the stories of these veterans have not been lost. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in personal accounts of the Second World War.

Available from:
Helion
Casemate