Awesome Un-Opened WW2 Luftwaffe Parachute!

Published on August 18, 2023
Duration: 15:56

This video details an unissued WW2 German Luftwaffe RZ20 parachute, mailed back from Europe by Sergeant Andrew Jairus of the 44th Armored Battalion. The parachute, dated 1944, was likely never used due to the Luftwaffe's reduced capacity for large-scale paratrooper assaults by that time. The video highlights the parachute's improvements over earlier models, such as the RZ16 used in the Battle of Crete, and discusses the 'L2' proof mark found on various Luftwaffe paratrooper equipment.

Quick Summary

The RZ20 was an improved WW2 German Luftwaffe parachute, developed after the Battle of Crete to address issues like difficult detachment and canopy visibility. By 1944, many RZ20s remained unused due to the Luftwaffe's reduced paratrooper assault capacity, and they often featured an 'L2' proof mark on their buckles.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: WW2 Mail-Back Items
  2. 00:15Unboxing the German Parachute Canister
  3. 00:30Unissued Condition Parachute
  4. 00:40Mail-Back vs. Bring-Back
  5. 01:00Sergeant Andrew Jairus and the 44th Armored Battalion
  6. 01:18Patton's Army and the European Campaign
  7. 01:43Three Parachutes Mailed Home
  8. 02:10Other Parachutes from the 44th Battalion
  9. 02:31Army Post Addresses and Destinations
  10. 03:01Postage Stamps and Shipping Costs
  11. 03:16German Markings and U.S. Army Inspection
  12. 03:46Parachute Model: RZ20
  13. 03:55Lessons from the Battle of Crete
  14. 04:23Parachute Improvements
  15. 04:28Maker and Date: 1944
  16. 04:37Reason for Unused Parachutes
  17. 05:31Opening the Canister
  18. 05:35Pristine Condition and No Musty Smell
  19. 05:45Inspection Markings and Addresses
  20. 06:09The Parachute Bag
  21. 06:13Weight of the Parachute (Approx. 48 lbs)
  22. 06:30Revealing the Unissued Parachute
  23. 06:42German Tags and Buckles
  24. 06:51The 'L2' Proof Mark
  25. 07:03L2 Proof on a 1940 Kragoff
  26. 07:12Paratrooper Gravity Knives and Holsters
  27. 07:31Luftwaffe Paratrooper Gear and Weapons
  28. 07:53Battle of Crete Details
  29. 08:04Parachute Models Used in Crete vs. RZ20
  30. 08:17Paratrooper Loadout in Crete
  31. 08:43Luger and K98 in Crete
  32. 09:02Problems Encountered in Crete
  33. 09:23Unopened Parachute Value
  34. 09:31Camouflaged Parachutes
  35. 09:39Equipment Drop Issues in Crete
  36. 09:47Heavy Losses in Crete
  37. 10:04Hitler's Reaction to Crete Losses
  38. 10:24MG34 and Weapon Cumbersomeness
  39. 10:50Development of the FG42
  40. 11:09Trying on the Parachute
  41. 11:15Buckle Design and Functionality
  42. 11:36Difficulty in Detaching Parachutes
  43. 11:43Putting on the Life Vest Straps
  44. 12:03The Improvement: Quick Release Button
  45. 12:22Hooking onto the Line
  46. 12:39Original Key and Backup Reserve
  47. 12:50The 'Key' and Original Seal
  48. 13:03HE-111 and Junkers Ju 52 Aircraft
  49. 13:34Paratroopers Dropped from Ju 52
  50. 13:47Parachute Intactness and Value
  51. 13:54Online Pricing of Similar Items
  52. 14:02Research and Consignment Information
  53. 14:14Research on the 44th Armored Battalion
  54. 14:19Container Markings
  55. 14:22Jairus's Return Address and Recipient
  56. 14:33Parachute Divisions Encountered by Patton's Army
  57. 14:53The Other Two Parachutes
  58. 15:05Typed Out Research and Addresses
  59. 15:14Anna Peterson in Wheeling, West Virginia
  60. 15:23Concluding Thoughts on War History
  61. 15:30Transition to Collecting Guns
  62. 15:35Museum Quality Piece
  63. 15:43Shipping Considerations
  64. 15:50Call to Action: Like and Subscribe

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the RZ20 parachute?

The RZ20 was a German Luftwaffe parachute model from WW2, representing an improvement over earlier designs like the RZ16 used in the Battle of Crete. It featured a quicker release mechanism and was likely camouflaged, addressing issues of difficult detachment and high visibility.

Why were many WW2 German parachutes unused by 1944?

By 1944, the Luftwaffe had significantly reduced capacity for large-scale paratrooper assaults due to a lack of transport planes. Consequently, many parachutes remained in storage, and paratroopers were often integrated into elite ground units.

What does the 'L2' proof mark signify on German paratrooper gear?

The 'L2' proof mark is a quality control stamp found on various German Luftwaffe paratrooper equipment, including parachute buckles, gravity knives, and holsters. It indicates that the item met specific manufacturing and operational standards for paratrooper use.

How did the Battle of Crete influence German paratrooper equipment?

The Battle of Crete revealed critical flaws in German paratrooper operations, including parachute design issues, cumbersome weapon carriage (like the MG34), and logistical problems with equipment drops. These lessons led to improvements like the RZ20 parachute and the development of specialized weapons like the FG42 rifle.

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