Fortunino Matania, R.I. (1881-1963)

"Without doubt the most important news in connection with the invasion of Holland and Belgium has been the employment of Germany's parachute troops. The idea of dropping armed troops by air was not a German one; it was first developed by the U.S.S.R. army and used by it against the Finns. The Germans have seized upon the idea in the hope that with larger number than those employed by Russia, a serious dislocation can be brought about behind the main defence lines. Immediately the storm broke on Holland on the morning of Friday (May 10) parachute troops were released in many parts of Holland and an attempt to seize The Hague and Rotterdam stood out as major objectives. The types of men employed on this parachute service differ considerably and the equipment they carry varies with the task before them. They may be intended to hold an aerodrome, seize the heart of a city, or for some smaller act of sabotage. They are said to carry folding bicycles for greater mobility and light quick-firing guns for attack and defense."