‘File 28/1 I Defence against parachutists, obstruction of aerodromes and landing grounds, etc’ [‎5r] (9/40)

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MOST SECRET.
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Copy of a note dated the 1st June 194C recorded by the
General Staff.
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1. Attacks by parachutists and air borne troops on aerodromes
etc. have usually been made betvjeen three hours before and three
after sunrise but may be expected at any time. Attacks have
sometimes been preceded by bombing and machine gun attacks to
neutralise local defences. Parachute troops often attempt to
overpov/er the defenders and to isolate the aerodrome by cutting
communications, and by attacking control rooms and headquarters.
They may also attempt to destroy aircraft. Troops have also been
landed from gliders which carry ten to twenty men. Any obstruc
tions on the aerodrome have then been cleared to enable troops
carriers to land. Twleve parachutists can jump from some type
of aircraft in six to ten seconds from a height of three hundred
parachutists appear to surrender, though they have a grenade in
each hand. Uniform,when worn, has been a green combination suit
with a badge consisting of a v/reath encircling a diving eagle.
On other occasions parachutists have been disguised as British
soldiers, clergymen, nuns or ordinary civilians.
2. Most of the equipment of parachutists is in containers
dropped separately also by parachute, it may consist of mortars,
automatic weapons, grenades, flame throwers, auto-cycles,
bicycles and even motor cycle side-cars fitted with machine guns.
Parachutists and troop carrying aircraft have often been protected
by fighter aircraft which remained overhead during the whole
action. Prom one type of aircraft parachutists have been deplaned
at the rate of one thousand troops her hour. Each of these air
craft carried twelve to twentyfive men according to the arms and
equipment carried • Air.transported troops may land on any
available space other than an aerodrome having no regard to
whether the aircraft crashes or not. The latter are fitted with
machine guns for air defence and with others for use on the
ground. Usually the plan and orders have been known only to
officers. If the officer has been shot the remainder have some
times surrendered. Alternatively they have easily been rendered
ineffective .
3. We are warned to beware of possible use of non-persistent
gas before and during an attack. This may be delivered by bomb,
spray or grenades. Parachutists require time after landing to
unpack their equipment and rally etc., and for several minutes
they are relatively defenceless, and are relatively easily dealt
with. It is therefore imperative to avoid being surprised
by attack by troops from the air and to counter-attack immediately
before they have had time to become formidable. If the advanced
party of parachutists has been neutralised transport aircraft may
land expecting little resistance and the enemy troops can be
overwhelmed as they deplane. It is important to impress on all
that the sequence of action must be, -
feet. This has often been carried out unobserved. Sometimes
(a) to avoid surprise
(b) to take prompt action against parachute troops
(c) to prepare defensive plans against transport aircraft
SECRET.
Copy of a note dated the 26th June 1940 recorded k
by the General Staff.