HQ 1st Parachute Brigade formed the headquarters for operations of the 1st Parachute Brigade.

On 15th September 1941 authorisation was given for the formation of the 1st Parachute Brigade under Brigadier Richard N Gale. It was first employed operationally during the North African campaign where it was nick-named the ‘Red Devils’ by the Germans. It fought in Sicily, Italy and Arnhem with the 1st Airborne Division and also took part in the Liberation of Denmark.

In 1946 it was deployed to Palestine with the 6th Airborne Division and disbanded in 1948.

Brigade Commanders:

• Brig R.N. Gale. 5 Sep 1941
• Brig E.W.C. Flavell. 18 Apr 1942
• Brig G.W. Lathbury 28 Apr 1943 (WIA 18 Sep 1944)
• Lt-Col J.D. Frost (acting). 19 Sep 1944. (WIA 20 Sep 1944)
• Brig G.W. Lathbury. 23 Oct 1944
• Lt-Col A.H. Pepys (acting. 1 Jun 1945
• Brig E.E.G.L. Searight 12 Jul 1945. [Left 19 Jul 1945]
• Brig S.J.L. Hill. 30 Jul 1945
• Brig R.H. Bellamy DSO

See also: 1st Parachute Brigade