III Battalion was transferred to Rome over seven days, from 12 February to 19 February 1944, likely as an agreement between Hofer and Wolff. The transfer was carried out with great difficulty because of ongoing battles at Monte Cassino and at Anzio. Theoretically, III Battalion was under the command of Wolff, but was "de facto" commanded by "Luftwaffe" General Kurt Mälzer. After being captured, Wolff stated that III Battalion had been made available to Albert Kesselring upon his request to conduct police duties in Rome and to protect the Vatican. Previously, this had been carried out by the 2nd "Fallschirmjäger" Division.