5th Gebirgsjager Division: Hitler's Mountain Warfare Specialists

This series looks at the cutting edge of war, and deals exclusively with units capable of operating independently in the forefront of battle. Each volume in the series examines the chosen unit's origins and history, its organisation and order of battle, its battle history theatre by theatre, its insignia and its markings. Also covered are biographies of the most important commanders of each unit. Each title ends with an assessment of unit effectiveness - as seen by the unit itself, by its opponents and in the light of more recent historical research. The books also include a detailed reference section with a critical biography, a listing of relevant museums and web sites, plus information about re-enactment groups and memorials.

The elite division was formed in autumn 1940 and was commanded by the charismatic Julius 'Papa' Ringel until 1944. It was based in Salzburg, Austria, although the personnel were predominantly from Bavaria. Formed from the 100th Gebirgs Regiment, the first few months of its life were spent training in the Bavarian Alps before it moved to the Balkans theatre, where it played a prominent role in the smashing of the Metaxas defence lines and the defeat of the Greek and Commonwealth defending forces. It was chosen as the air-landing component of XI Airborne Corps for Operation Merkur - the attack on Crete - where it fought alongside the German paratroops. It remained on the island as an occupation force until it was sent to the Leningrad front in October 1941. During that time the division was used essentially as a 'fire brigade' for the 18th Armee, serving at various times on the Volchov front, near Mga, near Schlusselburg, and on the Neva near Kolopino. In December 1943 the division was transferred to Italy under the control of 10th Armee. It distinguished itself many times fighting up the 'leg' of the Italian mainland during the battles for the Gustav and Gothic defence lines. This was the last Mountain division to fight in high alpine terrain. On April 20, 1945, seven Gebirgsjager made a night climb up the Northeast wall of Roc Belleface. Their raid succeeded in dislodging the French garrison's defences. After some additional combat actions, the division assembled for the last time and marched in full order eastwards toward Milan. After fighting with Italian Partisans during their journey, they went into American captivity just north of Turin.

Michael Sharpe
Softcover 96pp with colour & b&w photos, illustrations and maps 2005

5th Gebirgsjager Division: Hitler's Mountain Warfare Specialists