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Chapter 4: Deployment to the Netherlands

Abschnitt (Sector) Haarlem. This sector was under the command of Jäger Regiment 32. (Luftwaffe) which was one of the constituent infantry regiments of 16. Luftwaffenfelddivision (Air Force Field Division) a recently created, and in reality still forming, poor quality infantry division. It was rated by the Wehrmacht at this time as an "occupation" unit, composed of soldiers, which despite being purely ground troops (i.e. not airborne or paratroops) and administratively a part of the Luftwaffe. Like all Luftwaffenfelddivisionen it was eventually transferred to the authority of the Heer (Army). I./(ind.) I.R.950 was subordinated to the tactical control of 16. Luftwaffenfelddivision which had its headquarters in Amstelveen, immediately to the south of Amsterdam. 16. Luftwaffenfelddivision had been assigned to the coastal defence of the province of North Holland.

Unloading some of the Nachrichtenzug’s equipment. Note the large reels of telephone cable. (War Photo Holland)

Unloading some of the Nachrichtenzug’s equipment. Note the large reels of telephone cable. (War Photo Holland)



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What others say about the book:

"a most valuable and timely contribution to the literature of the war ... does much to redress the tabloid version of the Second World War the world has accepted"

Mihir Bose, Author, Journalist, Broadcaster, former BBC Edito and Biographer of Subhas Chandra Bose.


"A priori we never really know what will lead to success: When all is said and done, the attempt to set up an Indian Legion certainly seemed a worthwhile effort for the Indian side and, for probably other rea­sons, for the various German actors, as well. I sincerely hope that this book will be of interest to many people concerned with the topic of Indo-German rela­tions in a historic perspective and with this little-known part of British colonial history. "

Prof. Dr. Anita B. Pfaff, daughter of
Subhas Chandra Bose.