From Heaven to Hell: A Reinterpretation of Comparison between Germany’s Airborne Fallschirmjäger Operations and the Allied Airborne Operation at Arnhem in World War II

Authors

Jeremy Herbert, Western Kentucky UniversityFollow

Publication Date

8-2025

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Eric Reed, Jeffrey Miner, Robert Dietle

Degree Program

Department of History

Degree Type

Master of Arts

Abstract

This thesis examines the legacy of the German paratrooper corps and compares them to similar Allied operations during World War II. Relying on archival documents as well as 80 years of analysis by historians, the thesis argues that the overwhelming consensus among historians of the German Fallschirmjäger as a failed experiment is undeserved, since the pitfalls experienced during their operations pale in comparison to similar British operations. The German invasion of Crete in 1941 serves as the base example for Anglophone historians who favor the idea of German failure solely based on the number of German casualties. In reality, the Germans in all their operations demonstrated a remarkable flexibility which was able to offset increasing casualties, whereas the British in Holland demonstrated inflexibility in their own operation resulting in complete failure. This article seeks two objectives: first to clarify and present the German experiences from 1940-1941 in sufficient detail to underline the key aspects of airborne warfare, which the British deviated dramatically from. Secondly, is to contextualize both the German invasion of Crete and the British invasion of Holland within the grander scale of World War II airborne operations. The thesis interprets these operations as similar in their conception and implementation because of the shared realities and pitfalls of airborne operations but differ dramatically in their execution. This article does not seek to discredit the immense sacrifices from all fighting men in the 20th century but rather seeks to present a more complete historical understanding of the costliest conflict in history.

Disciplines

Arts and Humanities | European History | History | Military and Veterans Studies | Military History | Other History | Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Recommended Citation

Herbert, Jeremy, "From Heaven to Hell: A Reinterpretation of Comparison between Germany’s Airborne Fallschirmjäger Operations and the Allied Airborne Operation at Arnhem in World War II" (2025). Masters Theses & Specialist Projects. Paper 3861.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/3861