The 1st Airborne Division was formed on 1st November 1941 with its Headquarters initially in King Charles Street London (known as 'The Dungeon Party'), until moving to Syrencote House at Figheldean in Wiltshire.
Its primary campaigns were brigade actions in North Africa and Sicily, landing as a division in Italy in 1943. It was not used for the D-Day landings and was on stand-by for numerous cancelled actions until the ill-fated MARKET-GARDEN Operation in September 1944. It was virtually wiped out during the fighting around Arnhem and Oosterbeek. It was disbanded on 15th November 1945 after participating in the Liberation of Norway and Denmark.
Order of Battle:
Attached Units:
Commanders:
See also: HQ 1st Airborne Division
Airborne Assault Museum
