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| 4th Parachute Division | |
|---|---|
| German:4. Fallschirmjäger-Division | |
 Divisional insignia | |
| Active | 1943–45 |
| Country |  Germany |
| Branch | Luftwaffe |
| Type | Fallschirmjäger |
| Size | Division |
| Part of | I Parachute Corps |
| Engagements | Battle of Anzio |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Heinrich Trettner |
The4th Parachute Division, (German:4. Fallschirmjäger-Division), was adivisional-sized formation in theLuftwaffe duringWorld War II.
It was formed inVenice,Italy, in November 1943, from elements of the2 Fallschirmjäger Division and the XII Battalion of the Italian paratrooper regiment184th Infantry Regiment "Nembo".[1] Its first combat action was against theAlliedlandings at Anzio (Operation Shingle) as part of theI. Fallschirm Korps in January 1944.[1]
After Anzio, the division fought a rear guard action in front ofRome, and was the last German unit to leave the city on 4 June; it withdrew towardsViterboSienaFirenze and then managed to halt the Allies at theFuta pass.[2]
In the winter of 1944/1945 it was positioned on theGothic Line. In March 1945, the division had to send the II Battalion,12 Fallschirmjäger Regiment and the 2nd Company from thePionier Battalion to the new10 Fallschirmjager Division, which was being formed inAustria.[2] It then fought atRimini andBologna and surrendered to the Allies on May 2, 1945.[3]
The division has been implicated in Pedescala massacre (Veneto), between 30 April and 2 May 1945, when 63 civilians were executed.[4][5]
Structure of the division:[6]
 Luftwaffe parachute divisions during World War II | |
|---|---|
