Ramcke Parachute Brigade
| |
---|---|
Active | 1942–1943 |
Country | Nazi Germany |
Branch | Luftwaffe |
Type | Airborne brigade |
Engagements |
Western Desert Campaign Tunisia Campaign |
Commanders | |
Commander | Hermann-Bernhard Ramcke |
The Ramcke Parachute Brigade was a Luftwaffe paratroop (Fallschirmjäger) brigade which saw action in the Mediterranean Theatre during World War II.
Operational history
The brigade was formed in 1942 and sent to join the Afrika Korps in North Africa. Ramcke's unit fought during the Afrika Korps's assault towards the Suez Canal, fighting alongside the Italian 25 Infantry Division Bologna before British opposition solidified near the town of El Alamein. The brigade was then engaged in the Second Battle of El Alamein, later retreating into Tunisia. Ramcke was transferred to Europe, and command passed to Major Hans Kroh. The brigade was part of the capitulation of German Panzer Army Afrika in May 1943.
Ramcke was placed in command of the defence of Brest, which he held until 20 September 1944. Ramcke was convicted of war crimes relating to the destruction of Brest after the war.[1]
Commanders
- General der Fallschirmtruppen Hermann-Bernhard Ramcke (1 April 1942 - 18 November 1942)
- Oberstleutnant Hans Kroh (18 November 1942 - 18 February 1943)