5. Fallschirm-Jäger-Division

Kommandeure:

Heilmann became POW on 12.3.45.

Ia:

Formed 2.3.44 in Reims (ordered 5.11.43). The division was formed from the Fallschirm-Jäger-Lehr-Bataillon, III./FJR.3 and III./FJR.4, and a large number of new recuits. The division consisted of the following units:

In May 1944 the division moved to Rennes (6.6.44 HQ at Rennes, reserve under AOK.7). The division was not ready for combat on D-Day, and only FJR.15 was transferred to the frontline. As the regiment only had its II. Battalion ready, a new I./FJR.15 was formed from I./FJR.13 (ex. III./FJR.3) and a new III./FJR.15 from I./FJR.14 (ex. III./FJR.4). The FJR.15 operated together with the 17. SS Panzer-Grenadier Division. Most of the division was severly decimated in the fighting in Normandy during July 1944. The remnants fought on during August 1944. The Division received new recruits in September 1944 and was partly reformed from parts of Flieger-Regimenten 22, 51 and 53. Fallschirm-Granatwerfer-Bataillon 5 and Stab, I./FAR.5 was transferred to the 7. Fallschirm-Jäger-Division.

In October 1944 the division was rebuilt in the Den Haag-Amsterdam area (ordered 24.9.44 to 1.11.44). A new Fallschirm-Granatwerfer-Bataillon 5 was added in November 1944, together with a new FAR.5. Luftwaffen-Festungs-Bataillon XXV was absorbed on 20.2.45, and the division was ordered to refit 15.3.45 by OB. West.

Most of the division surrendered at Nürnburgring in 3.45, while the rest surrendered in the Ruhr-pocket and at Harz. The division served under the following headquarters:

Replacement troops were provided by the Fallschirm-Ersatz-Bataillon 3 in Nürnberg-Buchenbühl.

© 1997-2003 Michael Holm