Falling From Grace: The German Airborne In World War II
By Chris Mason
()
About this ebook
-When the tactical doctrine used to seize bridges, strong points and road junctions in Fall Gelb was transferred to the seizure of an entire island that was heavily defended in 1941, however, the German airborne effectively committed suicide.
-In ten days in May 1941, half the airborne forces in the entire German army were killed or wounded on Crete. Hitler wrongly ascribed the disaster to a playing out of the surprise factor, and banned further parachute operations until 1943.
-The right conclusions were arrived at by the commander of the German airborne himself, General Kurt Student, in post-battle analysis. His own insistence on faulty tactics was devastating...
The German innovation of vertical envelopment in the 1930’s was as revolutionary to modern military tactics as the simultaneous development of the integrated combined arms offensive known today as the Blitzkrieg. In putting Billy Mitchell’s ideas into practice, Luftwaffe General Student demonstrated vision, innovative thinking and practical military skill. Poor intelligence and reliance on his “spreading oil drops” tactics for the deployment of his paratroopers, the Fallschirmtruppe, on Crete, however, led directly to their removal as a significant weapon from the German arsenal in World War II.
Chris Mason
Be sure to check out my new store with my collection of digital puzzles available on itch.io.https://tarjan95.itch.io/Be sure to check out my line of T-shirts and other swag based on the characters found in my books at:http://www.zazzle.com/digital_attic_95Here is What people are saying about Ten Terrific Monsters Spot the Difference: Activity Book.Ten Terrific Monsters Spot the Difference Activity Book has ten Spot the Difference activities for readers of any age to enjoy. The ten pictures provide over 200 differences for the reader to find. Chris Mason, the author, came up with such a wonderful idea wrapped around adorable monster pictures, which is the perfect theme for any season, but especially now since Halloween is just around the corner. The illustrator, Vladimir Cebu, did a wonderful job of providing fun, creative, and very colorful pictures for readers to try to find all the differences between the set of pictures provided. The monsters aren’t too scary, so the pictures are fun to look at while trying to find all the differences. An answer key is found in the back of the book for each picture, so you can compare your answers to the answer key provided.I loved how much fun I had trying to spot all the differences between the set of pictures Chris Mason and Vladimir Cebu provided for their readers. Ten Terrific Monsters Spot the Difference Activity Book is one that can offer hours of enjoyment for readers of any age. I am an adult reviewer and I had so much fun seeing just how well I could spot all the differences in the pictures. Some differences were easy to see immediately, while with others you might need a little more time to spot the differences because the illustrations were so detailed. Overall, I loved this book and would highly recommend it to anyone loving Spot the Difference activity books.5 stars Reader's FavoriteHere is what readers are saying about The Many Marvelous Mazes of P is for PhoenixLife is like a jigsaw puzzle; you have to see the whole picture, then put it together piece by piece!— Terry McMillanLife is full of many stressful obstacles. To help combat these unexpected events, a person must set aside time for themselves to relax and recharge to be able to continue to move forward. There is no better way to find rest and happiness than in the pages of The Many Marvelous Mazes of P is for Phoenix a Maze Book.A unique aspect of this book is that it features an alphabetic format. Each letter is connected to a word and is then associated with a maze. The puzzles are both fun and challenging. It will help your mind focus on an activity that doesn't cause any distress. A bonus includes the beautiful illustrations that you will find with each puzzle. I was amazed at how these beautiful backgrounds brought peace and calmness to my life.Chris Mason is a very talented author with a long list of intriguing books. Each one of his books contains a significant part of his loving heart. There is no other author like Mr. Mason's work; it's fresh, appealing, and will make you want to experience more of his writing talent.Suzie HousleyMidwest Book Review5 StarsHere is what readers are saying about Researcher in a Box.Reviewed By Philip Van Heusen for Readers’ FavoriteChris Mason has written and helped others write research papers for many years. In Researcher in a Box, he takes the time to explain what is expected and how to write the best essay possible. Chris focuses on elementary and secondary school papers. In this book, Chris reviews the basics of six different types of essays. Chris points out some important distinctions of each. After explaining the types of papers, Chris goes further and analyses the components of the paper. Putting the paper together in the proper order is very important. Many young students are tempted to cheat by copying straight from one of their resources. Chris reminds his readers to never, ever plagiarize. Speaking of research, Chris gives ideas on where to find research and, more importantly, how to analyze that research. I love his use of the website concerning the endangered tree octopus.Researcher in a Box is Chris Mason’s contribution to young students everywhere. He gives information to help students excel in papers they write for school. While Chris gives good directions to finding research material, I wish he had included Google Scholar. Nevertheless, I applaud Chris’ attempt. After writing papers for lower schools, I later wrote major essays for two undergraduate degrees and three master’s degrees. Chris’ advice is spot on. This book is elementary in its information, but most paper writers need things kept simple. He writes to meet the need. I have to wholeheartedly agree that there is a dearth of critical thinking in today’s society. When elementary and secondary school students learn how to develop academic papers, their experience will serve them well as they pursue college degrees5 stars Reader's FavoriteHere is what readers are saying about The 12 Days of Christmas Geek Edition.The book itself is very short, as you can imagine with it covering the twelve days of Christmas.The book is a very funny read and I love the author take on the original. In this version all of the original things the person true love gave them has been updated and changed for things that a geek would love to be given.Overall it was a nice little read, which I can imagine would be good for people to be given as Secret Santa for ChristmasGoodreads4 starsHere is what critics are saying about Maxine's Happy Trails:A Truck Story.Reader's FavoriteMaxine’s Happy Trails: A Truck Story by Chris Mason is an exciting book with a trucker slant to it that takes readers on an exciting journey along with the truck. The wheels on the truck go round and round all across the country, and the wipers go swish, swish. The reefers on the truck go hum, hum, hum, and the city horn goes beep, beep, beep all across the country. The air brakes go hiss, hiss, hiss and the doors on the trailer open and shut. The big horn on the truck goes honk, honk, honk, and the driver on the truck goes whistle, whistle all across the country.The story is delightful and will bring a smile to the faces of young readers as they get to know the truck closely. The illustrations are bright and colorful and they make the author’s words come alive. There is a lyrical quality in the words and that will make it enjoyable for young readers. It is a good book for interactive sessions in classrooms as it has action and adventure and can also be read out to children during bedtime. Children who love trucks and vehicles will find this book a fun read. It is a simple and lighthearted story and I like the way the author introduces the truck and its parts to readers, and gives it a personality of its own. This happy trail along with the truck all over the country is a fun joyride that will be memorable to readers.5 Star ReviewHere is what critics are saying about Ten Little Monsters Standing in a LineTen Little Monsters Standing in a Line by Chris Mason was a cute book. The book is similar to the song “Ten Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed.” Instead of monkeys, there are monsters waiting in line at the unemployment office. I chose to read Ten Little Monsters Standing in a Line with my 5-year-old daughter because the monkey song is one of her favorites. She sort of liked the story. She was confused as to why the monsters were in a line for an unemployment office. I had to explain to her what an unemployment office was and what it does. However, she did like the illustrations in the book. She thought the monsters were cute looking.I thought the book was different and also sort of liked it. I liked the idea of the cute monsters and that it would help kids to learn how to count. Mason covered all of the classic monsters in this book like Godzilla and the Blob. I would have preferred for Mason to make them stand in a line that was geared more for kids, such as a cafeteria line or even a line for detention. The wording did not flow as smoothly as I would have liked, but it was still funny as to why each monster left the line. Overall, it is a nice book. Any book that helps kids learn to count in a new way is good in my eyes. If you like the monster classics, then this book might be for you.Reader's Favorite 4 star review.Here is what critics are saying about P is For Phoenix: An ABC Book of Legendary and Mythological Creatures.P is for Phoenix: An ABC Book of Legendary and Mythological Creatures by Chris Mason is an educational and informative book for children that not only teaches them the alphabet, but also gives them information about legendary and mythological creatures. The book makes teaching and learning fun, but also enhances young readers' knowledge and introduces them to creatures that existed in mythology and the role they played in cultures over the centuries. Learning the alphabet and about new creatures couldn’t be more interesting when children get to see the pictures of those creatures along with the descriptions. Readers can also check if their favorite legendary or mythological creature has been listed by the author.The illustrations are bright and colorful and they make the concept and the meaning of the book clear to young readers. It’s a good bedtime story book and parents and grandparents can read it out to their kids and grandkids. The book can also be used for read aloud sessions in classrooms and school libraries. Mythological creatures have always been a part of world cultures and the author brings them to the fore with this book. Books like this are good for children to teach them new things and also to enhance their knowledge and vocabulary. The theme and concept are original and refreshing, and the author’s idea of teaching the alphabet this way is fun and educational.Reader's Favorite 5 star reviewHere is what the critics are saying about Ten Terrific Monsters: A Hidden Item Book.Willie the wolf finds himself stuck in the unemployment line with nine other monsters. He used to be a successful movie star but due to circumstances out of his control he finds himself now without a job. As it gets dark Willie and his friends leave and each one goes their own separate ways.As the group parts goes off to their own we are able to learn more about Willie and his friends in their own home environment. Each character features a special hidden item puzzle adventure. The beautifully created illustrations allow us to discover more about this delightful cast of characters.Ten Terrific Monsters: A Hidden Item Book by Chris Mason takes children into the world of Willie the Wolf. He welcomes readers into his space where there are nine other monsters, all waiting in a line at the unemployment office. Willie takes readers to different places and asks for their help in finding the hidden items with the help of answer keys. Whether they are with Boris the Blob when he is having dinner, or at Gabbie the Ghost's party, or the Amazon, or Willie’s home, readers will have a great time looking for the hidden items in these places.The book is original and unique and children will love searching for the items mentioned in the answer keys for each place. The illustrations are bright and colorful and make the scenes lively and vivid. It’s an excellent book for children to enhance their observation skills, and can be used for interactive sessions in classrooms and school libraries. The concept is excellent and the book not only teaches readers new words and new things, but also guides them on how to look out for missing items with the help of the clues given. Interactive books and books with a concept help young readers to develop and enhance their observation and thinking skills. It’s also fun searching for the items misplaced in the book and doing it together in a classroom or with friends.5 star review Reader's FavoriteWillie the wolf finds himself stuck in the unemployment line with nine other monsters. He used to be a successful movie star but due to circumstances out of his control he finds himself now without a job. As it gets dark Willie and his friends leave and each one goes their own separate ways.As the group parts goes off to their own we are able to learn more about Willie and his friends in their own home environment. Each character features a special hidden item puzzle adventure. The beautifully created illustrations allow us to discover more about this delightful cast of characters.TEN TERRIFIC MONSTERS: A HIDDEN ITEM BOOK is an exceptional book filled with a host of delightful characters. Each one offers their own special sparkle to make this book appeal to both children and adults. In this one book there is over one hundred items to search for in ten different scenes. This feature will allow children to practice their counting and eye coordination skills.Chris Mason has proven to me that he is a very talented author who is able to provide fresh and appealing ideas that can be very beneficial to the development of a child’s learning environment. Through the masterful illustrations created by Vladimir Cebu his words take on new meaning as these beautiful illustrations paint memorable scenes that is assured to delight both the child and adult. I highly recommend this book for it can be used as a tool to enhance any child’s overall learning development.Midwest Book ReviewHere's what people are saying about the In the box series of books.Your first and best investment should be one of Chris’ books before you spend countless dollars and hours on your areas of interest.Mike Rounds author of For the Clueless series of books.Tutor in a BoxReview by: proudparent on April 06, 2014 Smashwords reviewHow many times have you wanted to help your children with their homework, only to be stopped by not exactly understanding their homework, and feeling like an idiot. What do we all do....we go to the internet to find the right website to help them. Only problem is, you spend more than an hour looking at websites. NO MORE...Tutor in a box is perfect whether your child is in grade school, middle school, or high school. Not only does it cover all the subjects, it also does it for what grades your kids are in. This book has given you the perfect websites to go to for about the price of a gallon of gas! Leave it to a parent to develop this great idea. I guarantee you will become closer to your children when you work with them on their homework. This book might actually get your kids to start talking to you more instead of playing video games!!!!!!5 star reviewpurchased this book to gift for my nephew for this school year. This book is packed with so much information to help him and his mom with his homework. I am excited to see his results. Thank you for a great resource.Barnes and Noble5 star reviewRecord Store in a Boxby #10 The TruthReally helpful book. Saves a bunch of $$ Itunes review.5 star reviewReview by: proudparent on Aug. 29, 2014 Smashwords review.Impressive and free! You should have entitled it "how to get free music on the internet...for DUMMIES No, I like your title better, but you make it very easy with all the step by step instructions. Too many of us are computer illiterate, and don't know what is available out there that's free. Thank you Chris for your time in making this tutorial for those of us who didn't know.R. Phillips5 star reviewAnonymousJuly 27, 20143 starsBarnesandNoble.comUseful info. for radio and music lovers.GORDON | SEPTEMBER 28, 20144 starsKobo reviewIf you like music this book gives you great insight to different types . The internet has a lot to offer on the music sites and this book tells you where to get it great readD | SEPTEMBER 29, 20145 starsKobo reviewBook Store in a Box3 starsKobo review
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Falling From Grace - Chris Mason
This edition is published by PICKLE PARTNERS PUBLISHING—www.picklepartnerspublishing.com
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© Pickle Partners Publishing 2014, all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted by any means, electrical, mechanical or otherwise without the written permission of the copyright holder.
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Although in most cases we have retained the Author’s original spelling and grammar to authentically reproduce the work of the Author and the original intent of such material, some additional notes and clarifications have been added for the modern reader’s benefit.
We have also made every effort to include all maps and illustrations of the original edition the limitations of formatting do not allow of including larger maps, we will upload as many of these maps as possible.
Falling from Grace: German Airborne Forces in World War II
By
M. Chris Mason, FS-3, United States Department of State
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS 4
Executive Summary 5
Part I: Introduction 6
Part II: Genesis 1936-1938 6
Part III: The Use of Paratroops: The First Great Debate, 1936-1938 8
Part IV: Deployment Doctrine: The Second Great Debate, 1939 11
Part V: Testing the Doctrine: Early Airborne Operations, 1939-1940 14
Part V: 1941: The Turning Point: Crete or Malta? 16
Part VI: Pride Goeth Before Destruction
: Crete 1941 18
Part VIII: The Battle Plan 20
Part IX: Pyrrhic Victory 22
Part X: The Aftermath of Crete: Two Year Hiatus, 1941-1943 25
Part XI: A Fighting Reputation 29
Part XII: Final Airborne Operations 1943-1945 31
Part XIII: What Might Have Been 34
Part XIV: Final Thoughts 35
German Parachute Operations Through Crete 38
German Post-Crete Parachute Operations 39
REQUEST FROM THE PUBLISHER 40
Bibliography 41
Books 41
Magazine Articles 44
Reports 44
Interviews 44
Other Resources 45
Executive Summary
Thesis:—Nazi Germany pioneered the use of airborne forces in the 20th century and used them effectively early in the war as part of integrated, combined-arms offensives. Yet the German airborne branch literally self-destructed in 1941. What happened, how did the Germans react, and what historical insights in the use of airborne forces can modern day planners derive from the German experience?
Discussion:—In the late 1930’s, an aggressive and innovative rearmament program in Nazi Germany gave rise to the tactics of vertical envelopment. Pioneering the use of gliders as troop carriers, parachutists, and the air landing of reinforcements to exploit tactical success, the German Wehrmacht used the new technique of airborne warfare with startling success as part of the Blitzkrieg campaign against the Low Countries and France in 1940.
—When the tactical doctrine used to seize bridges, strong points and road junctions in Fall Gelb was transferred to the seizure of an entire island that was heavily defended in 1941, however, the German airborne effectively committed suicide.
—In ten days in May 1941, half the airborne forces in the entire German army were killed or wounded on Crete. Hitler wrongly ascribed the disaster to a playing out of the surprise factor, and banned further parachute operations until 1943.
—The right conclusions were arrived at by the commander of the German airborne himself, General Kurt Student, in post-battle analysis. His own insistence on faulty tactics was devastating. Although they remained a potent and professional force, Hitler’s effective ban on the future use of airborne forces lasted until 1943, when it was clear the Allies still very much considered paratroops a viable form of warfare. By then, Germany’s ability to conduct airborne operations on a significant scale had long since passed.
Conclusion:—The German innovation of vertical envelopment in the 1930’s was as revolutionary to modern military tactics as the simultaneous development of the integrated combined arms offensive known today as the Blitzkrieg. In putting Billy Mitchell’s ideas into practice, Luftwaffe General Student demonstrated vision, innovative thinking and practical military skill. Poor intelligence and reliance on his spreading oil drops
tactics for the deployment of his paratroopers, the Fallschirmtruppe, on Crete, however, led directly to their removal as a significant weapon from the German arsenal in World War II. Nevertheless, Student proved that airborne troops have unique capabilities as a force multiplier in both offensive and defensive warfare. The German experience, which also demonstrated the limitations of airborne forces, was studied in depth by the U.S. Army after the war and incorporated into airborne doctrine.
Part I: Introduction
Where is the prince who can afford to so cover his country with troops for its defense, as that 10,000 men descending from the clouds might not, in many places, do an infinite deal of mischief before a force could be brought to repel them?
— Benjamin Franklin, 1784{1}
In the late 1930’s, an aggressive and innovative rearmament program in Nazi Germany gave rise to the tactics of vertical envelopment. Luftwaffe General Kurt Student pioneered the use of gliders and airborne forces, and the Wehrmacht used them effectively early in the war as part of integrated, combined-arms offensives. Yet the German airborne branch literally self-destructed in May 1941 during the invasion of the island of Crete. This paper examines the development of German airborne doctrine and addresses the questions of what happened on Crete, how the Germans reacted, and what historical insights modern day planners can derive from the German experience.
Part II: Genesis 1936-1938
The idea was risky, but if it worked, it could make it possible to overrun all of France in a matter of