During a cease fire. Just enough time to try the just obtained special rations. Paratroopers and Grenadiers of  a proximate infantry unit share their handouts. Monte Cassino/Italy, April 1944.

Cigarette break

A german paratrooper with MG 42 in the prefield of the Monte Cassino. Next to the machine gun three handgrenades, two german and one american.

Fallschirmjäger MG 42 gunner

A german paratrooper on a jump drill in a side door of a JU52 mock-up. Watch the rubber knee protectors, early jump jacket. The helmet is an adapted M1935 with cut out edges and Y-shaped chin-strap.