In the spring of 1944, the German armed forces were under enormous pressure on several fronts. Intense fighting took place, particularly in Italy and southern Ukraine, with paratroopers and regular ground troops primarily involved.

In Italy, German paratroopers played a crucial role in defending strategic points such as Monte Cassino and Nettuno. The heavily fortified Abbey of Monte Cassino became a symbol of fierce resistance against the Allied attacks. German paratroopers, known for their discipline and combat experience, held their ground there for weeks under heavy artillery and bombing fire. Photographs show them in action with 8 cm GrW 34 mortars and fighting in the ruins of the city—a testament to their pivotal role in this costly battle.

At the same time, German soldiers were being trained in anti-tank warfare in southern Ukraine. Photographs show training scenes with the Panzerfaust—a portable anti-tank weapon developed for close-quarters combat against Soviet tanks. This training was part of the preparations for the expected massive Soviet offensives in the east.

In a quieter scene, soldiers rest in the shadow of a gigantic Me 323 transport aircraft – an image that reflects the troops’ hard daily routine between deployment and recreation.

The events of spring 1944 demonstrate once again the complexity of the war: brutal front-line fighting in Italy, tactical training in the East, and brief respites from the chaos—all part of the Wehrmacht’s final year in World War II.