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.

Order of Battle:

• 1st Bn Parachute Regiment: 15 Sep 1941 - 30 May 1945
• 2nd Bn Parachute Regiment: 30 Sep 1941 - 5 Aug 1945
• 3rd Bn Parachute Regiment: 1 Oct 1941 - 8 May 1945, (re-assigned 6 AB Div in Palestine)
• 4th Parachute Bn: 1 Jan 1942 - 31 Jul 1942
• 1st Bn Parachute Regiment [2]: returned 31 Jul 1945
• 2nd Bn Parachute Regiment [2]: returned 31 Jul 1945
• 17th Bn Parachute Regiment: 14 Aug 1945

Attached Units 1942-43

• 1st Parachute Sqn RE: 23 Sep 1942 - 6 May 1945
• 16th Parachute Field Ambulance: 23 Sep 1942 - 6 May 1945

Assigned Units May to Jul 1945

• ‘B’ Coy, 13th Bn Parachute Regiment: 10 May 1945 - 16 May 1945
• 1st Royal Dragoons {armoured cars}: 10 May 1945 - 18 Jul 1945
• 2nd Bn KRRC {motor bn}: 10 May 1945 - 18 Jul 1945

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:  HQ & Defence Platoon 1st Parachute Brigade