Hi,
The presence of FJR units in italy during the fall of 1944 and in 1945 is very well documented.
According to Christopher Ailsby (Hiltler's sky warriors - Spellmount editions -2000) and James Lucas (Storming Eagles - Cassel Publications; New Ed editions - 2001)there were FJR units fighting in Italy until the surrendering of the german forces on early May 1945. These units, 1st and 4th FJR divisions, fought hard in the Appennines (Gothic line), Po Valley and Adriatic coast. After crossing the Po River (24-25 April 1945), the two divisions tried to reach the so called Blue line or Adige line, a last defensive position in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. The 4th division split in 3 groups which headed to Rovereto, Trento and Belluno. The 1st division tried to reach Rovereto as a complete unit. The rapid advance of the US 88th Division and the capture of the towns of Parma, Piacenza and Verona smashed the FJR rearguards and chased the survivors of the two divisions until the end of the hostilities.
So in my opinion the final answer to Cody should be: "YES, German FJR were still active in Italy in 1945!
cheers
Stefano
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