7th Parachute Division (Germany)

7th Parachute Division
German: 7. Fallschirmjäger-Division
Unit insignia
Active1944–45
Disbanded1945
Country Germany
BranchLuftwaffe
TypeFallschirmjäger
RoleAirborne forces
SizeDivision
Engagements
Commanders
Notable
commanders		Wolfgang Erdmann

The 7th Parachute Division (German: 7. Fallschirmjäger-Division) was a fallschirmjäger (airborne) division of the German military during the Second World War, active from 1944 to 1945.

The division was first formed as Fallschirmjäger-Division Erdmann in early September, 1944 from a collection of training units and remnants of other formations, and named after its commander Wolfgang Erdmann. It fought in the south-eastern part of the Netherlands during Operation Market-Garden in September, and on October 29th was redesignated as the 7. Fallschirmjäger-Division. It contained the 19th, 20th and 21st Fallschirmjäger Regiments and other divisional support units.

The division fought on the Western Front for the remainder of the war, surrendering at Oldenburg with the end of hostilities.

Notes

  1. ^ Kershaw, p 23
  2. ^ Mitcham, p 294
  3. ^ Axis History Factbook (Erdmann)
  4. ^ Kershaw
  5. ^ Mitcham, p 294
  6. ^ Mitcham, p 294
  7. ^ Axis History Factbook (7. Division)
  8. ^ Mitcham, pp 293-294
  9. ^ Axis History Factbook
  10. ^ Mitcham, p 294

References

  • "7. Fallschirmjäger-Division". Axis History Factbook. 14 August 2008. Retrieved 25 March 2009.
  • "Fallschirmjäger-Division Erdmann". Axis History Factbook. 3 May 2008. Retrieved 25 March 2009.
  • "7. Fallschirmjäger-Division". Lexikon der Wehrmacht. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
  • Kershaw, Robert (2005). It Never Snows In September: The German View of MARKET-GARDEN and The Battle of Arnhem, September, 1944. Ian Allen Publishing. ISBN 0-7110-3062-6.
  • Mitcham, Jr, Samuel (2007). German Order of Battle Volume Two: 291st-999th Infantry Divisions, Named Infantry Divisions, and Special Divisions in WWII. Stackpole Books. pp. 293–294. ISBN 0-8117-3437-4.