11 SAS Battalion was formed from No 2 Commando on 21 November 1940, retaining the No 2 Commando CO Lt Col CIA Jackson. In 1941 he was succeeded by Lt Col EE Down.
The battalion retained its Commando structure, of 22 eight-men teams trained to infantry section standard. This was increased to 10 because the numbers conformed to a Whitley aircraft ‘stick’ of parachutists.
‘X’Troop from 11th SAS , consisting of seven officers and 28 men conducted the Tragino Aquaduct Raid in Italy on 10/11 February 1941. This was the first British parachute operation of the war.
By August 1941 the unit reorganised into a conventional headquarters and four infantry companies battalion pattern.
On 15 September 1941 the unit name changed to the 1st Parachute Battalion.
Commanding Officers:
| 1940-41 | Lt Col CIA Jackson |
| 1941 | Lt Col EE Down |
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