RARE Gebirgstjager Auf Kreta Book WW2 Paratroopers in Crete 5th Mountain Div.

Description

A very rare book.  I believe this is before the also very rare book "GEBIRGSJAEGER IN GRIECHENLAND UND AUF KRETA" and is probably the basis for that book.  There is a printed dedication in the front as shown, and it appears that it is dedicated to an officer who actually was part of the campaign.  I think the name at the top is Johan Th?? Werbingen
The printed dedication is from Julius 'Papa' Ringel (16 November 1889 – 11 February 1967), an Austrian general in the armed forces of Nazi Germany during World War II. He fought in the Western and Eastern fronts, as well as the Balkan Campaign. Ringel commanded the 3rd Mountain Division, 5th Mountain Division, LXIX Corps, Wehrkreis XI and the Army Corps Ringel.  He was a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves.
Ringel commanded the paratroopers from the 5th Mountain division who jumped in to Crete and captured the airfield, thus enabling the Germans to reinforce the airfield and eventually capture the island.
Here is a very rough translation from google of the dedication:
hann Sauer
weger
frim (falsit.
Prensa fighter! You have made the. Word of the Führer true that nothing is impossible for the German soldier.
Continue so wish him Endsiegfrir props midpyurm!
Hirver die Hauns!
Ringel
gennys in. dir. Ror.
Original rough transcription by Google docs:
hann Sauer
weger
frim
(falsit.
Prensa kämpfer! Ihr habt das. Wort das führers wahr gemacht, daß dem deutschen Soldaten nichts unmöglich ist.
Weiter so wish him Endsiegfrir props midpyurm !
Hirver die Hauns!
Ringel
gennys in. dir. Ror.
Translation of foreword:
FOREWORD
del
The book "Gebirgsjäger auf Kreta" describes the struggle of the "Gams" division, which was subordinate to the commanding general of the parachute and airborne troops, for and touched Crete, the struggle against an inexorable nature and an opponent who was far superior in man and material the struggle of the paratroopers, unless it is only for understanding the struggles of the Division of significance.
It bears witness to the decisive role of this mountain division in the victory of German arms in Crete.
the work was written in a collaborative work of the leadership and fighters. the The editor thanks all comrades who have helped with their reports, pictures and stories, especially the editor, Sonderführer Sepp Dobiasch.
This work is a memorial for our fallen comrades.
MAJOR FLECKER IC
First page of book:
THE ISLAND OF CRETE
The south-east campaign of 1941 was crowned by the Eroberg Kreta, a company that ushered in a new chapter in war history with the daring of the car, the manner in which it was carried out and the hardness of the battle. The air force and paratroopers created the basis for this victory over the British world power, mountain fighters expanded and held it. The great southeast campaign preceded the unique battle for Crete.
When the mountain division "Gams" marched out of their homeland towards the end of February 1941, the Alps greeted them once again in all their beauty, strength and warmth. Clear, sunny winter days, which were already filled with the first light and splendor of early spring, gave the departing hunters a farewell party in their homeland. At that time none of them had any inkling of what lay ahead and which spaces had to be crossed before the German flag waved victoriously in the sea wind on Crete.
At the beginning of March the division was unloaded in Romania, the columns marched to the Danube. Rain poured in endless downpours, paths and streets were often groundless. A war bridge connected the Romanian with the Bulgarian bank; storms and floods of the broad, giant yellow river tore it apart once; it was immediately restored.
Measures 8 by 5
Box J 07012021
Weight 1pound