FALLSCHIRMJÄGER! A Collection of First-hand Accounts and Diaries by German Paratroop Veterans from the Second World War

Greg Way

Publisher: Helion & Company Web: www.helion.co.uk ISBN: 978-1-914059-40-7 Softback: 307 pages

RRP: £25.00

Although other titles have looked at various aspects of Germany’s parachute troops, the Fallschirmjäger, this is a stunningly refreshing new look at the subject as seen through the eyes of those who were there: the Fallschirmjäger themselves.

Author Greg Way has assembled a truly impressive selection of personal accounts from German veterans and brought these together in a most readable and highly engaging format. These he has woven around a narrative setting out the background to the various operations in which his subjects were deployed. Together with a wonderful selection of unique photographs, the book is a valuable record of this branch of the German military, preserving the testimony of veterans. That Greg Way had the foresight to ‘save’ these valuable accounts is much to his credit. And it begs the question: how much history has been lost to us with the passing of wartime generations because their stories have not been recorded? In this context, the author has made certain that a superb selection of accounts has been preserved.

The author also goes into some detail in respect of units, operational procedures, equipment and specific battles and operations. The accompanying photographs – which must number in the hundreds – are of extremely good quality and, for the most part, will not have been seen before.

For anyone with an interest in the German military of the Second World War, this book is certainly recommended. And a ‘must’ for those who wish to learn more about the Fallschirmjäger. Greg Way must be congratulated on a very fine piece of work.

Reviewed by Peter James Freeman