Parachute Regiment (United Kingdom)

Parachute Regiment (United Kingdom)
Unit name	Parachute Regiment
Caption	The beret badge of the Parachute Regiment
Dates	1942–present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	British Army
Type	Airborne Infantry
Role	Airborne Infantry, Special reconnaissance
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 Legion"
Battles	Second World War, Suez Crisis, Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation, The Troubles, Falklands War, Gulf War, Kosovo War, War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), Iraq War
Colonel of the regiment	Lieutenant General Sir John Lorimer
Notable commanders	Major General Richard Gale, Brigadier James Hill
Identification symbol	Maroon beret
Identification symbol label	Beret

Parachute Regiment (United Kingdom). The Parachute Regiment, colloquially known as The Paras, is the elite airborne infantry regiment of the British Army. First 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 the distinctive maroon beret worn by its personnel.

History

The regiment was established on the orders of Prime Minister Winston Churchill following the successful German paratrooper operations in the Battle of France. Its first major action was the disastrous Bruneval Raid in 1942. During the Normandy landings, battalions of the regiment, as part of the 6th Airborne Division, secured vital bridges in the landing zones and fought at the Battle of Merville Gun Battery. The regiment also saw action at the Battle of Arnhem as part of Operation Market Garden. Post-war, it was involved in counter-insurgency campaigns, including operations during the Malayan Emergency and the Cyprus Emergency.

Organisation

The regiment currently comprises four battalions. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Battalions are regular infantry units, while the 4th Battalion is a Army Reserve unit. All regular battalions are permanently under the command of 16 Air Assault Brigade, based at Merville Barracks in Colchester. The structure allows for one battalion to be held at high readiness as the Air Assault Task Force.

Training and selection

All volunteers, regardless of prior service, must pass the gruelling Pre-Parachute Selection course, known as P Company, held at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick Garrison. The course tests physical endurance, mental resilience and military skills through a series of timed marches, log races, and an assault course. Successful candidates then undergo basic parachute training at RAF Brize Norton to earn their parachute wings. Further specialist training includes courses in pathfinder and sniper skills.

Uniform and insignia

The regiment's most recognisable item of dress is the maroon beret, authorised in 1942. The beret badge features an open parachute flanked by wings, with the regimental motto Utrinque Paratus. The parachute wings are worn on the right shoulder. The regiment's tactical recognition flash is a dark blue rectangle with a light blue central stripe. For ceremonial duties, members wear the standard Number 2 Dress with regimental accoutrements.

Operations and deployments

In the post-war era, the regiment saw combat during the Suez Crisis and the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation. It was heavily deployed throughout The Troubles in Northern Ireland, with notable engagements including the Battle of the Bogside and Operation Banner. In 1982, the 2nd Battalion fought at the Battle of Goose Green and the Battle of Wireless Ridge during the Falklands War. More recently, battalions have seen extensive service in Sierra Leone, the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) and the Iraq War.

Notable members

Many former members have achieved prominence in various fields. Renowned military figures include John Frost, who commanded at Arnhem, and General Mike Jackson, later Chief of the General Staff. Andy McNab and Chris Ryan, both former members of the regiment's SAS attached squadron, became best-selling authors. The actor Sean Connery served in the regiment during his national service.

Alliances

The Parachute Regiment maintains formal alliances with several Commonwealth and allied airborne forces. These include the Canadian Special Operations Regiment, the Australian Special Air Service Regiment, and the United States Army's 75th Ranger Regiment. It also has a long-standing alliance with the Netherlands' 11 Luchtmobiele Brigade and the French Army's 11e Brigade Parachutiste.

Category:Airborne units and formations of the British Army Category:Military units and formations established in 1942 Category:Parachute Regiment (United Kingdom)