“The paratroopers of Ringler’s heavy-MG half-platoon were dropped behind Sgt. Ballet’s position. They had problems from the beginning and after three unsuccessful attempts broke off their attack. Our fire complicated their operation. The first paratroopers jumped in seconds from the Ju 52 over the Carabiniers’ trenches. That was so unexpected that nobody reacted or fired. By the time the second aircraft came in we were ready. As soon as it crossed the Canal and flew towards us we opened fire with our MGs from Ballet’s trenches and mine. The first man jumped, but his parachute failed to deploy. The second tangled with a high-tension cable and the third was fatally wounded²⁵. The drop was suspended as the pilot decided to ascend to 200 metres and head for Hees²⁶. I could clearly see the open door and the rest of the group in the interior of the Ju 52. After the Ju 52 had crossed above the road, the other paratroopers jumped, but far from where planned, well west of our position, on flat and open terrain west of the Vroenhoven road (Grotebaan) and the water tower. Now we had the enemy at our backs, which was not good. After they had grouped up they set out for their original objective but we prevented all movement. All German attacks on my position between 1130 and 1300 hrs were fought off.”