German Gebirgsjäger (Mountain Troops)

Germany’s tough mountain troops fought in all European theatres during WWII as well as Africa and the Steppes of Russia – not many other corps of specialist troops can say the same.

Their place in German military traditions predates World War 1 and they are considered as an élite corps.

Gebirgsjäger were identified by the edelweiss insignia worn on their sleeves and their caps.

On April 20, 1945, seven Gebirgsjägers of the 5th Division made a night climb up the Northeast face of Roc Belleface and succeeded in dislodging the French garrison's defenses.

After some additional combat actions, the division assembled for the last time and marched in full order eastwards toward Milan. After fighting with Italian Partisans, they went into American captivity just north of Turin.