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.

German paratrooper jump drill

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

Colonel General KURT STUDENT (1890-1978), the creator of the german paratrooper forces. He established the first german paratrooper division (7. Flieger-Division) by the end of 30's. He was the supreme commander of the paratroopers during their great victories at Fort Eben Emael/Belgium and on Crete. In 1942 he had to bend to Hitlers orders and deploy his paratroopers as regular infantry on all fronts.