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Multimedia Battle SS-Fallschirmjäger-Batallion 500/600

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August 29th, 2022
Last Updated
September 13th, 2023
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SS-Fallschirmjäger-Batallion 500
This intriguing photograph captures members of the SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 in complete parachutist attire at the Mataruška banja airfield in Serbia, with a Heinkel He 111 aircraft visible in the background. Notably, the individual positioned on the left showcases an ärmelband/tresse on his arm without any inscription, signifying that he is a soldier undergoing a "rehabilitation" process as a result of his disciplinary sentence.
This intriguing photograph captures members of the SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 in complete parachutist attire at the Mataruška banja airfield in Serbia, with a Heinkel He 111 aircraft visible in the background. Notably, the individual positioned on the left showcases an ärmelband/tresse on his arm without any inscription, signifying that he is a soldier undergoing a “rehabilitation” process as a result of his disciplinary sentence.
Members of the SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 in complete parachutist attire at the Mataruška banja airfield in Serbia, with a Heinkel He 111 aircraft visible in the background. Notably, the individual positioned on the left showcases an ärmelband/tresse on his arm without any inscription, signifying that he is a soldier undergoing a “rehabilitation” process as a result of his disciplinary sentence.
In this image, we see members of the reconstituted SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 in Serbia. During this period, they are all clad in Luftwaffe camouflage jump jackets complemented by SS belts. Notably, the hoheitszeichen on their M38 helmets, held by the non-commissioned officer in the center, appears to feature a Luftwaffe eagle instead of the customary SS emblem. This unique combination reflects the fusion of uniforms and symbols during their reconstitution after the battalion's wartime experiences.
In this image, we see members of the reconstituted SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 in Serbia. During this period, they are all clad in Luftwaffe camouflage jump jackets complemented by SS belts. Notably, the hoheitszeichen on their M38 helmets, held by the non-commissioned officer in the center, appears to feature a Luftwaffe eagle instead of the customary SS emblem. This unique combination reflects the fusion of uniforms and symbols during their reconstitution after the battalion’s wartime experiences.
The SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 is pictured in Kraljewo, near their base in Serbia (Yugoslavia). All the soldiers are dressed in camouflage paratrooper uniforms, adorned with SS koppelschloss (belt buckles) and feldmütze (field caps). Notably, the soldier on the right seems to be equipped with a patronentasche (ammo pouch) for the MP40.
The SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 is pictured in Kraljewo, near their base in Serbia (Yugoslavia). All the soldiers are dressed in camouflage paratrooper uniforms, adorned with SS koppelschloss (belt buckles) and feldmütze (field caps). Notably, the soldier on the right seems to be equipped with a patronentasche (ammo pouch) for the MP40.
Unternehmen Rösselsprung
Fallschirmjäger from the SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 before Operation Rösselsprung.
Fallschirmjäger from the SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 before Operation Rösselsprung.
Ten Fallschirmjäger from the SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 in front of a DFS 230 glider prior to Operation Rösselsprung.
Ten Fallschirmjäger from the SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 in front of a DFS 230 glider prior to Operation Rösselsprung.
Suited up Fallschirmjäger from the SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 prior to Unternehmen Rösselsprung.
Suited up Fallschirmjäger from the SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 prior to Unternehmen Rösselsprung.
Navigational photograph for Unternehmen Rösselsprung.
In the early morning hours of May 25, 1944, Operation Rösselsprung is launched. Fallschirmjäger from the SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 boarded a Junkers Ju 52 aircraft for their flight to Drvar.
In the early morning hours of May 25, 1944, Operation Rösselsprung is launched. Fallschirmjäger from the SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 boarded a Junkers Ju 52 aircraft for their flight to Drvar.
Fallschirmjäger of SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 leaving a DFS 230 glider on their way to their objectives.
Fallschirmjäger of SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 leaving a DFS 230 glider on their way to their objectives.
The photograph captures the scene at approximately 7:00, as the first paratroopers and cargo containers touch down on the field near Drvar. In the image, the planes during their descent are observed arranged in groups of either three or two aircraft. The partisans are caught off guard, and at this moment, there is no visible gunfire directed at the Fallschirmjäger on the ground. The airplanes maintain an altitude of approximately three hundred meters, while the parachutes begin to deploy at a height of two hundred meters.
The photograph captures the scene at approximately 7:00, as the first paratroopers and cargo containers touch down on the field near Drvar. In the image, the planes during their descent are observed arranged in groups of either three or two aircraft. The partisans are caught off guard, and at this moment, there is no visible gunfire directed at the Fallschirmjäger on the ground. The airplanes maintain an altitude of approximately three hundred meters, while the parachutes begin to deploy at a height of two hundred meters.
11 paratroopers and 4 cargo containers land from one plane. The Junker Ju-25 flies with flaps extended to minimise speed.
11 paratroopers and 4 cargo containers land from one plane. The Junker Ju-25 flies with flaps extended to minimise speed.
Fallschirmjäger of SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 assembling after leaving their gliders.
Fallschirmjäger of SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 assembling after leaving their gliders. Some of the soldiers leaving the gliders wear infantry helmets.
A German casualty in front of a landed DFS 230 glider.
A damaged DFS 230 after landing on
The landing area. This is most likey the landing of the Panther group (110 people)
Men from SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 jump over Drvar. A DFS 230 glider is in the front.
Men from SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 jump over Drvar. A DFS 230 glider is in the front.
Junkers 52's drop men from SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 jump over Drvar.
Junkers 52’s drop men from SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 jump over Drvar.
Men from SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 jump over Drvar.
Men from SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 jump over Drvar.
Men from Gruppe Panther are moving towards their objective from the landing zone.
Men from Gruppe Panther are moving towards their objective from the landing zone.
Men from Gruppe Draufgänger (70 men) capture the western exits of the city and the radio station located there. You can see them using a Fallschirmjäger Abwurfbehälter to transport their equipment.
Men from Gruppe Draufgänger (70 men) capture the western exits of the city and the radio station located there. You can see them using a Fallschirmjäger Abwurfbehälter to transport their equipment.
Fallschirmjäger firing a LG 40 75 mm gun from a defensive position.
Fallschirmjäger firing a Krupp’s LG 40 75 mm gun from a defensive position.
Fallschirmjäger are moving towards their objective during Operation Rösselsprung.
Fallschirmjäger are moving towards their objective during Unternehmen Rösselsprung.
Men from Gruppe Panther (110 men) try to capture the zitadelle, Tito's command post in a mountain cave. On the left, a war correspondent from the WSS with a camera.
Men from Gruppe Panther (110 men) try to capture the zitadelle, Tito’s command post in a mountain cave. On the left, a war correspondent from the WSS with a camera.
Fallschirmjäger moving through the vicinity of the Orthodox Church. A war photographer with a camera can be seen in the background.
Fallschirmjäger moving through the vicinity of the Orthodox Church in Drvar. A war photographer with a camera can be seen in the background.
A mortar group of Fallschirmjäger are supporting the ground assault during Operation Rösselsprung.
A 50mm mortar group of Fallschirmjäger are supporting the ground assault during Unternehmen Rösselsprung.
The second wave of landings took place in the Drvar valley, while on the opposite side of the valley, in the mountains in the back housed Tito's residence.
The second wave of landings took place in the Drvar valley, while on the opposite side of the valley, in the mountains in the back housed Tito’s residence.
This photo captures the same scene as the previous one, taken from the perspective of the previously deployed fallschirmjäger. One of the men in the photo shows evident signs of intense combat experienced in Drvar.
This photo captures the same scene as the previous one, taken from the perspective of the previously deployed fallschirmjäger. One of the men in the photo shows evident signs of intense combat experienced in Drvar.
A Fallschirmjäger lands in front a the antenna of one of the radios used during Unternhemen Rösselsprung.
A Fallschirmjäger of the second wave lands in front a the antenna of one of the radios used during Unternhemen Rösselsprung.
A non-commissioned officer Fallschirmjäger who participated in the glider landing operation. Fallschirmjäger would landed by parachute did not wear camouflage nets on their helmets. Additionally, Luftwaffe emblems can be observed on the sleeves of their uniform. This indicates he is a member of the one of two companies of 1. Fallschirmjäger-Regiment of the 1. Fallschirmjäger-Division. The soldier is also equipped with two grenade bags on their shoulders.
A non-commissioned officer Fallschirmjäger who participated in the glider landing operation. Fallschirmjäger would landed by parachute did not wear camouflage nets on their helmets. Additionally, Luftwaffe emblems can be observed on the sleeves of their uniform. This indicates he is a member of the one of two companies of 1. Fallschirmjäger-Regiment of the 1. Fallschirmjäger-Division. The soldier is also equipped with two grenade bags on their shoulders.
Fallschirmjäger of SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 of gruppe Brecher in a small cemetery in Trninich-Breg. This was the extreme southern point of advance of the Fallschirmjäger.
Inhabitants of Drvar are digging defence trenches around cemetery hill for the Fallschirmjäger.
Inhabitants of Drvar are digging defence trenches around cemetery hill for the Fallschirmjäger.
After 24 hours of fighting against Tito's partisans, the exhausted Fallschirmjäger of SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 wait near Drvar to be relieved by ground forces.
After 24 hours of fighting against Tito’s partisans, the exhausted Fallschirmjäger of SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 wait near Drvar to be relieved by ground forces.
Fallschirmjäger of SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 resting on cemetery hill near Drvar to be relieved by ground forces.
Fallschirmjäger of SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 resting on cemetery hill near Drvar to be relieved by ground forces.
During the attack, the Fallschirmjäger keep constant radio communication with the advancing Wehrmacht and SS units. This radio operator seems to be operating from cemetery Hill in Drvar.
During the attack, the Fallschirmjäger keep constant radio communication with the advancing Wehrmacht and SS units. This radio operator seems to be operating from cemetery Hill in Drvar.
Fallschirmjäger waiting to be relieved on cemetery hill.
A Fallschirmjäger waiting to be relieved on cemetery hill.
Another group of Fallschirmjäger, waiting to be relieved on cemetery hill.
Fallschirmjäger overlooking the area from cemetery hill.
A Fallschirmjäger slepping in a foxhole after the retreat of the partisan troops.
Aftermath Unternehmen Rösselsprung
Fallschirmjäger resting after being relieved.
German Fallschirmjäger with captured Partisans and possible some civilians.
A German Fallschirmjäger standing next to captured members of the Allied Military Mission in Yugoslavia during Operation Rösselsprung. Recognisable are an American and a British soldier.
A German Fallschirmjäger standing next to captured members of the Allied Military Mission in Yugoslavia during Unternehmen Rösselsprung. Recognisable are an American and a British soldier.
Fallschirmjäger with captured British and American flags of the Allied Missions in Drvar. The British and Americans supplied the Partisans with military supplies and expertise.
Fallschirmjäger with captured British and American flags of the Allied Missions in Drvar. The British and Americans supplied the Partisans with military supplies and expertise.
Aircraft used for evacuating the wounded commander of the Fallschirmjäger.
German Fallschirmjäger with captured members of the Allied Military Mission in Yugoslavia during Operation Rösselsprung. Recognisable are an American and a British soldier.
German Fallschirmjäger with captured members of the Allied Military Mission in Yugoslavia during Unternehmen Rösselsprung. Recognisable are an American and a British soldier.
A wounded Fallschirmjäger is being treated by a medic during Operation Rösselsprung.
A wounded Fallschirmjäger is being treated by a medic during Unternehmen Rösselsprung.
A wounded Fallschirmjäger is being treated on his arm by a medic during Operation Rösselsprung.
A wounded Fallschirmjäger is being treated on his arm by a medic during Unternehmen Rösselsprung.
A Fallschirmjäger medic is treating a wounded Fallschirmjäger on his arm during Operation Rösselsprung.
A Fallschirmjäger medic is treating a wounded Fallschirmjäger on his arm during Unternehmen Rösselsprung.
A Fallschirmjäger who is wounded on his arm is resting after receiving a splint.
A Fallschirmjäger who is wounded on his arm is resting after receiving a splint.
Medical aid station at cemetery hill.
A Fallschirmjäger riding a cow.
Three Fallschirmjäger rding in a captured jeep.
A captured jeep from the American military mission.
Captured weapons.
German troops at the cave entrance at Grandino mountain
A German Fallschirmjäger with Tito’s uniform.
Fallschirmjäger showing Tito’s uniform.
SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500, Lithuanian Fire Brigade
In July 1944, the SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 held a critical defensive position within the Vilnius Pocket. This strategic enclave, located in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius, witnessed a fierce siege by Soviet forces during an offensive campaign that unfolded from July 5th to 13th. Numerous units from both the Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS found themselves encircled within this fortified area, which the Germans designated as "Fester Platz" or Fortress. Among these trapped units was the SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500, contributing to the intense battles and crucial defense during this period.
In July 1944, the SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 held a critical defensive position within the Vilnius Pocket. This strategic enclave, located in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius, witnessed a fierce siege by Soviet forces during an offensive campaign that unfolded from July 5th to 13th, 1944. Numerous units from both the Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS found themselves encircled within this fortified area, which the Germans designated as “Fester Platz” or Fortress. Among these trapped units was the SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500, contributing to the intense battles and crucial defense during this period.
In July 1944, the SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 held a defensive position within the Vilnius Pocket. A photograph from that time features SS-Unterscharführer Fischer (on the right) from Nachrichtenzug/Stab/SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500. Notably, Fischer is seen wearing an Ärmelband on his arm, although it is not the "Fallschirmjäger" Ärmelband typically associated with the SS. Instead, he wears an early version of the Totenkopf SS Division Ärmelband, characterized by a skullcap without an inscription. This choice of insignia reflects Fischer's previous association with the Totenkopf Division, even after transferring to a new unit.
In July 1944, the SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 held a defensive position within the Vilnius Pocket. A photograph from that time features SS-Unterscharführer Fischer (on the right) from Nachrichtenzug/Stab/SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500. Notably, Fischer is seen wearing an Ärmelband on his arm, although it is not the “Fallschirmjäger” Ärmelband typically associated with the SS. Instead, he wears an early version of the Totenkopf SS Division Ärmelband, characterized by a skullcap without an inscription. This choice of insignia reflects Fischer’s previous association with the Totenkopf Division, even after transferring to a new unit.
In a photograph taken on July 29, 1944, near the Memel (Neman) River in the city of Kauen (Kaunas), Lithuania, members of the SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 can be seen.
In a photograph taken on July 29th, 1944, near the Memel (Neman) River in the city of Kauen (Kaunas), Lithuania, members of the SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 500 can be seen.
SS-Fallschirmjäger-Batallion 600
SS-Hauptsturmführer Siegfried Milius is seen here with his unit. It’s interesting to note that Milius is wearing a collar patch featuring a skull emblem reminiscent of the Totenkopf division. This isn’t uncommon due to many SS-Fallschirmjäger members coming from earlier SS divisions.
Another picture of SS-Hauptsturmführer Siegfried Milius. It’s interesting to note that Milius is wearing a collar patch featuring a skull emblem reminiscent of the Totenkopf division. This isn’t uncommon due to many SS-Fallschirmjäger members coming from earlier SS divisions.
SS-Obersturmführer Fritz Leifheit became temporary commander of SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 600 in April and May 1945 when the original commander, Siegfried Milius, was replaced as commander of Kampfgruppe Solar.
SS-Obersturmführer Fritz Leifheit became temporary commander of SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 600 in April and May 1945 when the original commander, Siegfried Milius, was replaced as commander of Kampfgruppe Solar.
Unternehmen Panzerfaust
SS-Fallschirmjäger of the SS-Fallschirmjäger-Battalion-600 in Splittertarn Knochensack overlooking Budapest. Unternehmen Panzerfaust, October 16th,1944, Budapest, Hungary.
SS-Fallschirmjäger of the SS-Fallschirmjäger-Battalion-600 in Splittertarn Knochensack overlooking Budapest. Unternehmen Panzerfaust, October 16th,1944, Budapest, Hungary.
SS-Fallschirmjäger of the SS-Fallschirmjäger-Battalion-600 talking to a crew of a Pz. Kpfw. VI Ausf. B Königstiger from the Schwere Panzer-Abteilung 503. Unternehmen Panzerfaust, October 16th,1944, Budapest, Hungary.
Aftermath Unternehmen Panzerfaust
Colonel General Károly Beregfy with Hungarian officers of the Arrow Cross Party. In the background men from SS-Fallschirmjäger Battalion 600. October 16th, 1944. Unternehemen Panzerfaust, Budapest, Hungary.
Colonel General Károly Beregfy with Hungarian officers of the Arrow Cross Party. In the background men from SS-Fallschirmjäger Battalion 600. October 16th, 1944. Unternehemen Panzerfaust, Budapest, Hungary.
Men from SS-Fallschirmjäger Battalion 600 greet count Ferenc Scalasi, Arrow Cross party leader and the new premier of Hungary. October 16th, 1944. Unternehemen Panzerfaust, Budapest, Hungary.
Men from SS-Fallschirmjäger Battalion 600 greet count Ferenc Scalasi, Arrow Cross party leader and the new premier of Hungary. October 16th, 1944. Unternehemen Panzerfaust, Budapest, Hungary.
Men from SS-Fallschirmjäger Battalion 600. October 16th, 1944. Unternehemen Panzerfaust, Budapest, Hungary.
The new premier of Hungary, Arrow Cross party leader Ferenc Szalasi, greets his troop commander in front of the Ministry of Defense in Budapest. Pictured behind them (from left to right) are Jeno Szollosi (Deputy Prime Minister); Emil Kovarcz (minister in charge of mobilization and war readiness); Ferenc Kassai Schallmayer (Minister of Propaganda and National Defense), Gabor Vajna (Minister of the Interior); a German SS photographer; a member of the Hungarian military police; an Hungarian police official; and Karoly Beregfy (Minister of Defense). October 16th, 1944. Unternehemen Panzerfaust, Budapest, Hungary.
The new premier of Hungary, Arrow Cross party leader Ferenc Szalasi, greets his troop commander in front of the Ministry of Defense in Budapest. Pictured behind them (from left to right) are Jeno Szollosi (Deputy Prime Minister); Emil Kovarcz (minister in charge of mobilization and war readiness); Ferenc Kassai Schallmayer (Minister of Propaganda and National Defense), Gabor Vajna (Minister of the Interior); a German SS photographer; a member of the Hungarian military police; an Hungarian police official; and Karoly Beregfy (Minister of Defense). October 16th, 1944. Unternehemen Panzerfaust, Budapest, Hungary.
Otto Skorzeny (left) and Adrian von Fölkersam (middle) SS-Obersturmführer Walter Girg (right) in Budapest, 16 October 1944.Photo: Bundesarchiv, Bild 101I-680-8283A-30A / Faupel / CC-BY-SA 3.0
Otto Skorzeny (left) and Adrian von Fölkersam (middle) SS-Obersturmführer Walter Girg (right) in Budapest, 16 October 1944.Photo: Bundesarchiv, Bild 101I-680-8283A-30A / Faupel / CC-BY-SA 3.0
Schwedt Bridgehead
In February 1945, on the Oder (Pomerania) front, SS-Obersturmbannführer Otto Skorzeny and SS-Hauptsturmführer Siegfried Milius, the final commander of SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 600, are seen engaged in a joint briefing.
In February 1945, on the Oder (Pomerania) front, SS-Obersturmbannführer Otto Skorzeny and SS-Hauptsturmführer Siegfried Milius, the final commander of SS-Fallschirmjäger-Bataillon 600, are seen engaged in a joint briefing.
This photograph is taken amid the intense combat near Grabow in the Schwedt bridgehead at the onset of February 1945. The non-commissioned officers in the image accomplished the remarkable feat of destroying seventeen tanks in a single morning. The officer offering his congratulations to an NCO is SS-Hauptsturmführer Fucker, leading SS-Jagdverband Mitte. Contrary to earlier identification, the officer in the distinct jump smock is SS-Obersturmführer "Macki" Markus, commanding 3./SS-Fallschirmjäger-Batallion 600.
This photograph is taken amid the intense combat near Grabow in the Schwedt bridgehead at the onset of February 1945. The non-commissioned officers in the image accomplished the remarkable feat of destroying seventeen tanks in a single morning. The officer offering his congratulations to an NCO is SS-Hauptsturmführer Fucker, leading SS-Jagdverband Mitte. The officer in the distinct jump smock is SS-Obersturmführer “Macki” Markus, commanding 3./SS-Fallschirmjäger-Batallion 600.
Zehden Bridgehead
Men of the SS-Fallschirmjäger-Batallion 600 as part of Kampfgruppe Solar in the Zehdenbridgehead.