Question for you FJ experts (1 Viewer)

[Rob]

Would the FJ's have used the Pak 40?

Rob.

 

[Currahee Chris]

I'll take a stab here-

FJ's were nothing more than Airborne capable infantry. The FJ units were similar to our 82nd or 101st (or 173rd, 11th AB, etc). They were grunts that could be dropped into the fray. The PAK 40 was a field gun that was generally manned by a crew that was skilled in the use of that weapon, or series of PAK weapons.

So no, I do not believe that they were deployed with PAK 40 field guns or had the ability to use them if the need should have arose. Rifles and MG42's mostly.

CC

 

[Rob]

Thank you Chris,was just playing with different ideas and sets in my head,theres a lot of room up there

Rob

 

[The New Model Army]

I'll take a stab here-

FJ's were nothing more than Airborne capable infantry. The FJ units were similar to our 82nd or 101st (or 173rd, 11th AB, etc). They were grunts that could be dropped into the fray. The PAK 40 was a field gun that was generally manned by a crew that was skilled in the use of that weapon, or series of PAK weapons.

So no, I do not believe that they were deployed with PAK 40 field guns or had the ability to use them if the need should have arose. Rifles and MG42's mostly.

CC

Hi Guys
In my constant research for the ultimate FJ set I have seen lots of pictures with FJ's manning PAK 40's, 37mm guns, Nebelwerfers, Marders and even Italian Semovente SPG's! Therefore I think this is a likely depiction of 'what could be' on the battlefield. I believe that when Maleme airfield was captured at Crete, 37mm guns were airlifted in and used by the FJ to take on the British tanks.
You have to remember that after Crete no major airborne drops were carried out and that the FJ were trained in the use of the vast majority of infantry weapons as they were mainly ground based.
Personally I think it's a great set and will be buying it - to go with my own new FJ sets coming out of course!
Best Regards Blake

 

[Rob]

Thanks Blake,we will have FJ's dropping all over the place,i love it!!!

Rob

 

[johngambale]

They also used a RECOILLESS Rifle, and PanzerSchreck!

 

[Bill Moore]

My own guess is that the Pk-40 might have been used by elements of the Hermann Goering division, that if memory serves me correctly, had elements of FJ included in their TO & E.

 

[Bob Neville]

Re: Some answers for you FJ experts

Guy's

KCUKTV brings you Andy's thoughts and the background to the new German Fallschirmjagers......click here

Call back to see how you could win one of Andys signed drawings of the new Fallschirmjagers.

Bob

 

[Rob]

Another great interview Bob/Tony,this is going to be a great way for us to learn about Andys thought process behind his figures.Thanks guys

Rob

 

[Wraith]

Here's one pic I found whilst trawling,

Simon

 

[Wraith]

Those drawings look fantastic.

Are the usual suspects allowed to start entering competitions yet?

Simon

 

[Warrior]

Rob,

The FJ's were not used as airborne troops after what Hitler viewed as a "disaster" on Crete, they became elite infantry units, fighting on The Eastern Front, Normandy in the American sector, were involved in The Battle of the Bulge and were dug in along the Seelow Heights. There is a great illustration of FJ units dug in along the Seelow Heights in the Osprey Campaign book for Berlin using pak 40's and 88's vs the Russians.

I'd say when used early in the war as airborne troops, they had 37mm guns, later in the war, pak 40's.................

 

[Bob Neville]

Those drawings look fantastic.

Are the usual suspects allowed to start entering competitions yet?

Simon

Hey Simon
You lot are bannend.....plus Rob got a Dispatch Dave Pastie and a Tony Mars Bar already any way!
We have around nine signed prints to give away......maybe we run a competition to find the first nine people who can spell Falshjimjager, Felshmjager.......you know what I mean...
Bob

 

[Panzer]

Rob,

The FJ's were not used as airborne troops after what Hitler viewed as a "disaster" on Crete, they became elite infantry units, fighting on The Eastern Front, Normandy in the American sector, were involved in The Battle of the Bulge and were dug in along the Seelow Heights. There is a great illustration of FJ units dug in along the Seelow Heights in the Osprey Campaign book for Berlin using pak 40's and 88's vs the Russians.

I'd say when used early in the war as airborne troops, they had 37mm guns, later in the war, pak 40's.................

Actually, Colonel Freiherr Friedrich-August von der Heydte and his group of FJ were airdropped during the Ardennes offensive. The plan was to drop a composite battalion sized group of FJ deep behind the American lines in order to capture a series of important road junctions.

Inexperienced Ju52 aircrews who could not find the dropzone in the dark and a strong headwind contributed to many of the planes flying off-course. Few of the Ju52 pilots saw the flare marked drop zone and only ten of the planes dropped their troops accurately. Von der Heydte's men were scattered across the countryside. Three hours after the drop only 100 paratroops were in the rendezvous.

The paratroops broke into small groups and spent the next few days either laying ambushes or trying to evade American patrols. It was not long before they were all captured. The effect of having German paratroops scattered across the American rear area helped to tie up reserve forces for a short while but overall the mission was seen as a failure.

Semper Fi!
Rick

 

[Simpson & his donkey.]

Would the FJ's have used the Pak 40?

Rob.

Sure Rob if it could fit into a glider they sure would of used it .The US airborne had anti tank guns and geeps in there gliders.Pak guns are small and very transportable so they were a must.Just think if they had these weapons at the time of the assult they would of used them.

 

[Rob]

Thanks guys i appreciate you all taking the time to post.

Rob

 

[red devil]

Rob,

The FJ's were not used as airborne troops after what Hitler viewed as a "disaster" on Crete, they became elite infantry units, fighting on The Eastern Front, Normandy in the American sector, were involved in The Battle of the Bulge and were dug in along the Seelow Heights. There is a great illustration of FJ units dug in along the Seelow Heights in the Osprey Campaign book for Berlin using pak 40's and 88's vs the Russians.

I'd say when used early in the war as airborne troops, they had 37mm guns, later in the war, pak 40's.................

The FJ were also dropped in as reinforcements during the Italian campaign and did drops in the Med and NA area on a smaller scale. I guess though after Crete they were never allowed to be used in the same numbers. Lets not forget the famous attempt on Tito's life when the SS FJ dropped in on him for a spot of tea to help him celebrate his birthday! Now imagine if Andy did that!?

 

[Eazy]

On that similar theme the Gran Sasso rescue would be cool too.

 

[Rob]

On that similar theme the Gran Sasso rescue would be cool too.

That would be cool.On the Crete front Andy said the FJ's were suitable for several fronts but most suitable for Crete.Do you think that might signal more from that theatre,with Brits etc?.I think i'm going to have to read Osprey's Crete now to give myself a basic grounding for the forthcoming battle.

Rob

 

[Eazy]

I'd guess the 8th Army figures would be suitable opposition for the Crete FJ's and the Aussie Attack set. I don't have that but I wish i did now.