Afrikakorps 1941-43 by Gordon Williamson

Author:Gordon Williamson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Afrikakorps 1941–43
ISBN: 9781780969824
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
Published: 2012-04-16T04:00:00+00:00

Fallschirmjäger Brigade Ramcke

Originally intended for the invasion of Malta, this Luftwaffe paratroop formation was sent to Africa in response to Rommel’s call for reinforcements in summer 1942, being flown in during August. Commanded by Generalmajor Bernhardt Ramcke, it comprised four rifle battalions, an artillery battalion, an anti-tank and a pioneer company. The unit, airlifted from Europe, had no transport, and was driven directly to the front by a Flak unit. It took up positions between the Italian ‘Bologna’ and ‘Brescia’ Divisions facing the southern sector of the El Alamein line. After bitter resistance to the British offensive in late October the brigade was forced to withdraw from the collapsing front of the Italian X Corps; it had already been written off as destroyed by Rommel’s staff. In fact some 600 men of the brigade carried out an epic 200-mile retreat across open desert dominated by the enemy, capturing British transport and supplies on the way, and rejoining the German forces near Fuka. The brigade later fought with distinction in Tunisia. (See also Osprey Men-at-Arms 139, German Airborne Troops 1939–45.)

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