British Parachute Regiment

British Parachute Regiment
Unit name	Parachute Regiment
Caption	The Parachute Regiment cap badge, featuring Bellerophon riding Pegasus
Dates	1942–present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	British Army
Type	Airborne Infantry
Role	Parachute Infantry
Size	Four battalions
Command structure	16 Air Assault Brigade
Garrison	Merville Barracks, Colchester
Nickname	The Paras
Motto	Utrinque Paratus (Ready for Anything)
March	Quick: "Ride of the Valkyries", Slow: "The Purple Light"
Battles	Second World War, Palestine Emergency, Suez Crisis, Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation, The Troubles, Falklands War, Gulf War, Kosovo War, War in Afghanistan, Iraq War
Colonel of the regiment	Lieutenant General Sir John Lorimer
Notable commanders	Major General Richard Gale, Brigadier James Hill, Major General Eric Bols
Identification symbol label	Tactical Recognition Flash

British Parachute Regiment. The Parachute Regiment, known as "The Paras," is the elite airborne infantry regiment of the British Army. Formed in 1942 during the Second World War, it has a distinguished history of rapid deployment and high-intensity combat. The regiment forms the core of the 16 Air Assault Brigade, the British Army's global response force, and is renowned for its rigorous selection process and distinctive maroon beret.

History

The regiment was established on the orders of Prime Minister Winston Churchill, inspired by the successes of German Fallschirmjäger units. Its first major operation was the disastrous Battle of Arnhem, part of Operation Market Garden in 1944, where it displayed legendary tenacity. Post-war, it saw action in the Palestine Emergency and played a key role in the Suez Crisis during the Battle of Port Said. During The Troubles in Northern Ireland, it was involved in the contentious Bloody Sunday incident in Derry. The regiment's most celebrated modern victory was during the Falklands War, particularly at the Battle of Goose Green led by Lieutenant Colonel H. Jones, who was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross.

Organisation

The regiment currently comprises four battalions. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Battalions are regular infantry, while the 4th Battalion is a Army Reserve unit. All are under the operational command of 16 Air Assault Brigade, headquartered at Merville Barracks in Colchester. The 2nd Battalion is permanently assigned to the Special Forces Support Group, providing direct support to the Special Air Service and Special Boat Service. This structure allows for a mix of conventional airborne operations and specialised, high-readiness tasks.

Training and selection

All volunteers, regardless of prior service, must pass the gruelling Pre-Parachute Selection (P Company) course held at the Infantry Battle School in Brecon. The course tests physical endurance, mental resilience and military skills through timed marches over the Pen y Fan and demanding assault courses. Successful candidates earn the coveted maroon beret before undergoing basic parachute training at RAF Brize Norton, where they must complete eight descents from aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules to receive their Parachutist Badge.

Equipment and uniform

Soldiers are equipped with the standard SA80 rifle family, including the L85A2 and L85A3. They utilise the MTP camouflage pattern for operational dress. The regiment's most iconic item of uniform is the maroon beret, first worn by British airborne forces in 1942. The beret is worn with the distinctive cap badge depicting Bellerophon astride the winged horse Pegasus, a design created by the novelist Daphne du Maurier. For parachute operations, they use the Low-Level Parachute and are trained to jump from altitudes as low as 250 feet.

Operations and deployments

Since 2000, the regiment has been continuously deployed on global operations. It saw intense combat in Helmand Province during the War in Afghanistan, and conducted numerous operations across Iraq following the 2003 invasion of Iraq. More recently, battalions have been deployed on training missions in Ukraine and Kenya, and have provided short-notice reinforcement to NATO's eastern flank. The regiment maintains a constant high-readiness state as the spearhead of the British Army's air assault capability.

Traditions and insignia

The regimental motto is Utrinque Paratus, meaning "Ready for Anything." Its quick march is "Ride of the Valkyries" by Richard Wagner, and its slow march is "The Purple Light." The Pegasus emblem is displayed on its Tactical Recognition Flash. A unique tradition is the "Regimental Stick," carried by the battalion Regimental Sergeant Major. The regiment also commemorates its founding and its fallen on Pegasus Day each year, recalling the capture of the Pegasus Bridge during the Normandy landings.

Notable members

Many members have achieved high rank or great acclaim. Lieutenant Colonel H. Jones was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions at Goose Green. General Sir Mike Jackson, former Chief of the General Staff, served with the regiment in Belfast and the Balkans. The famed explorer and author Sir Ranulph Fiennes was an officer in the regiment. Renowned figures from the Second World War include Major General Richard Gale, the first commander of the 6th Airborne Division, and Brigadier James Hill, a legendary commander at the Battle of Breville.

Category:Airborne units and formations of the British Army Category:Military units and formations established in 1942