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Polish Airborne Forces

In 1936 the Poles opened a parachute training school at Legionowo near Warsaw, run on the same lines and much influenced by the Russian experience.

Japanese Airborne Forces

Training for Japanese paratroopers began in early 1940 at four training schools at Shimonsiki, Shizvoka, Hiroshima and Himeji.

South African Airborne Forces

The first South African airborne unit formed in August 1943 when an Air Force parachute platoon was established. It was disbanded before its training was completed.

Para humour

Theirs Is the Glory (1946)

"They have written in letters of fire an immortal page of history. Their manner of passing shall be carried like a banner borne high by all those who shall come after.

Parachute Regimental Association

The Parachute Regimental Association is a cornerstone of the family of Regimental charities.

British Army of the Rhine (BAOR)

Parachute Development

This history is currently being researched. Help us improve ParaData by sending us your comments and images about this unit.

Regimental Mascots

The Parachute Regiment pony mascots date back to 1950 when Pegasus I, a black New Forest pony, was presented to 1 PARA by the Lt. Ben Arkle.

A Bridge Too Far (1977)

The year 1977 saw the release of the movie A Bridge Too Far, which now ranks as one of the epics of World War II.

The Longest Day (1966)

Feature film detailing actions of the coup de main assault on Pegasus Bridge on 5-6th June 1944, produced in 1966. --- This article is currently being researched.

Parachute packing

Parachute packing was of critical importance for both the delivery of Paratroopers and their equipment and follow up resupply.  

Commemorations

Operation Hasty

By May 1944 the 2nd (Independent) Parachute Brigade had been withdrawn from the ‘line’ near the Cassino sector and been placed in reserve at Portecagnano and Filignano near Salerno.

Mention In Despatches citation for Lt G A Paull, July 1948.

The War Office, - 23rd July 1948.

A letter from Major Paull in THE ARNHEM VETERANS' CLUB (1944) Newsletter 1983.

‘An unpleasant incident.’ ‘I wonder if there is any record of the following incident, I would be interested to know if there are any members who were involved.

Personal Accounts of the Battle of Arnhem

Please click on a name in the list below to view their personal account

No 2 Commando and 11 SAS Battalion Roll of Honour

The following personnel died in parachute training accidents while serving with No 2 Commando and 11 SAS Battalion in the UK.

Other articles connected with 11 SAS Battalion

Please click on a link below for the article.

Extended biographical and personal account of Major Dick Hargreaves MC

Dick Hargreaves joined the Territorial Army in May 1939 as a Fusilier in the 12th Battalion Royal Fusiliers, whilst working as a receptionist at the Berkeley Hotel, London, having served 20 months

Personal account of Cpl Walter 'Bill' Collings.

At Arnhem, Cpl Walter 'Bill' Collings had obtained the rank of Corporal and commanded No 1 Section of A Company's 10th Platoon.

Daily Telegraph Obituary for Lt Col Larry Orpen-Smellie

Lieutenant-Colonel Larry Orpen-Smellie, who has died aged 72, was one of the country's leading rifle shots; indeed, he put shooting so high on his list of priorities that it may have cost him the c

2 PARA Northern Ireland Tour Dates

  Op BANNER Feb-Jun 70 4 Months Op BANNER Apr-Aug 71 4 Months

Daily Telegraph obituary for Major Roy Farran DSO MC

Major Roy Farran, who died on Friday night aged 85, was one of the most highly decorated soldiers of the Second World War; he was awarded the DSO, three MCs, the Croix de Guerre and the American Le

Lt Peter Jackson MC in Italy, 1943.

A detachment from 2 SAS, under the command of Major Symes landed with the 1st Airborne Division at dusk on 10 September 1943 at the Italian port of Taranto.

Pegasus Journal Obituary for Sir John Killick GCMG

Britain's envoy successively to the Soviet Union and NATO, Sir John Killick, who has died aged 84, was one of the distinguished breed of diplomats who joined the Foreign Office straight from wartim

Pegasus Journal Obituary for Captain Alex Fairey

Alex Fairey, late of Support Company 3 PARA, was tragically killed on 5 Nov 97 while riding home on his motorcycle. He was 26 years old.

Pegasus Journal Obituary for Archie Bookless MC

Major Bookless passed away peacefully in Ottawa, Canada in his 90th year.

Daily Telegraph Obituary for Eric Newby CBE MC

Eric Newby, who died on Friday aged 86, was the author of some of the best books in the canon of English travel writing, notably A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush and Love and War in the Apennines.

Testimony of Sgt Frederick Glover, A Company, 9th Parachute Battalion, 6th Airborne Division.

Testimony: Sgt Frederick Glover. A Company, 9th Parachute Battalion, 6th Airborne Division.