| Page Created |
| January 3rd, 2026 |
| Last Updated |
| January 3rd, 2026 |
| Germany |
 |
| Additional Information |
| Unit Order of Battle Commanders Operations Equipment Multimedia References Biographies |
| Badge |
 |
| Motto |
| – |
| Founded |
| March 1945 |
| Disbanded |
| May 8th, 1945 |
| Theater of Operations |
| Germany |
| History 20. Fallschirmjäger-Division |
The Fallschirmjäger-Ausbildungs- und Ersatz-Division is formed on December 31st, 1944, at Berlin-Tempelhof. It forms from the staff of the Höherer Kommandeur der Fallschirmjäger-Ersatz- und Ausbildungstruppen. Its task is to control and administer parachute replacement and training formations.
On March 20th, 1945, the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht requests the establishment of a 20. Fallschirmjäger-Division. On April 5th, 1945, a formal order takes effect. The order states that the 20. Fallschirmjäger-Division is established with immediate effect. This is achieved by the renaming and reorganisation of the Parachute Training and Replacement Division.
The designated assembly area lies around Liebenwalde, approximately 35 kilometres north of Berlin. The regiments are filled primarily with young Luftwaffe personnel. Most come from the Luftkriegsschulen at Kladow and Gatow. These men volunteer for air force service. They have no infantry training or combat experience.
As early as March 1945, the division, or rather the elements already formed, deploys to the Oder front. Most units move into the Schwedt sector. The left flank lies approximately two kilometres south of Schwedt. The right flank extends a further ten to twelve kilometres south.
The division lacks training, cohesion, and combat capability. On April 14th, 1945, higher command withdraws the division from the front. All units are pulled back except Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 58. The division marches westward.
With this withdrawal, the 20. Fallschirmjäger-Division ceases to exist as an operational formation.