2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment

2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment
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Unit name	2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment
Native name	2 PARA
Caption	Cap badge of the Parachute Regiment
Dates	1942–present
Type	Infantry
Role	Airborne assault
Size	Battalion
Command structure	Parachute Regiment, 16 Air Assault Brigade
Garrison	Colchester Garrison
Nickname	Red Devils
Motto	Utrinque Paratus
Colors	Maroon
Anniversaries	Operation Biting

2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment is a regular infantry battalion of the Parachute Regiment, formed during Second World War airborne expansion and operating as part of 16 Air Assault Brigade. The battalion has served in major post‑war operations including Suez Crisis, Falklands War, Gulf War, Iraq War, and War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), earning a reputation among British airborne forces alongside units such as the 1st Battalion, Parachute Regiment and 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment. Its history intersects with figures and formations like Major John Frost, Brigadier Gerald Lathbury, Airborne Forces Depot, No. 1 Parachute Training School RAF, and operational partners including Royal Marines, Royal Air Force Regiment, United States Army 82nd Airborne Division, and Polish 6th Airborne Brigade.

History

The battalion was raised in 1942 during the expansion of British Army airborne capability under the direction of Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Major General Frederick Browning. Early wartime service included operations in North Africa and preparations for Operation Overlord alongside units of British 6th Airborne Division and formations such as Glider Pilot Regiment and Special Air Service. In Operation Market Garden 1944 the battalion fought in the Battle of Arnhem with leaders including Lieutenant Colonel John Frost; the action is associated with the films A Bridge Too Far and books by Cornelius Ryan. Post‑1945 the unit took part in occupation duties, counter‑insurgency in Palestine (1945–1948), and was deployed during the Suez Crisis with connections to Operation Musketeer planning. During the Cold War the battalion served on standby for NATO contingencies, contributing to operations in Cyprus and responding to crises such as the Brunei Revolt. In 1982 elements deployed to the Falklands War supporting operations like Operation Corporate, cooperating with the Royal Navy and units such as 3 Commando Brigade. Late 20th and early 21st century service includes deployments for Operation Granby in the Gulf War (1990–1991), Operation Telic in Iraq War, and multinational counter‑insurgency under Operation Herrick in Helmand Province during the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), often operating alongside ISAF units and NATO partners.

Organization and Role

2 PARA operates within the Parachute Regiment matrix as an airborne infantry battalion assigned to 16 Air Assault Brigade, routinely coordinating with formations including Airborne Forces Command and the Army Air Corps. Its role emphasizes rapid deployment, parachute insertion, seizing key terrain, and holding objectives for follow‑on forces such as Household Cavalry Regiment and Royal Anglian Regiment. The battalion’s internal subunits include rifle companies with designations drawn from regimental tradition, a headquarters company, and a support company providing mortar, anti‑tank, and reconnaissance elements working with assets like the FV432 and air support from RAF Chinook and A400M Atlas. Command relationships extend to joint formations such as Joint Helicopter Command and interoperability frameworks including Combined Joint Task Force structures.

Operational Deployments

Operational history spans Operation Biting‑style raids in Second World War operations to modern expeditionary campaigns. In North Africa Campaign and Italian Campaign the battalion contributed to amphibious and airborne actions coordinated with Mediterranean Allied Air Forces. The Battle of Arnhem remains a defining action with extensive losses and strategic implications for Operation Market Garden. Post‑war deployments include the Palestine Mandate disturbances, participation in Operation Musketeer during the Suez Crisis, counter‑insurgency in Malaya Emergency, and intervention readiness during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. In the 1980s the battalion reinforced operations in the Falklands War theatre, and later deployed to Kuwait for Gulf War operations with coalition partners such as the United States Central Command and Royal Australian Regiment. 21st century missions encompass Operation Telic in Iraq, training and partnered operations with Iraqi Security Forces, and repeated tours during Operation Herrick in Afghanistan conducting air assault, village stability operations, and close‑combat tasks with units like US Marines and German Bundeswehr contingents.

Training and Selection

Parachute qualification is completed at No. 1 Parachute Training School RAF with jumps from aircraft like the Hercules C-130. Prospective members undergo the Parachute Regiment's selection including endurance marches, navigation, and airborne exercises influenced by standards set by figures such as Brigadier Edwin Flavell. Pre‑deployment training integrates live‑fire ranges at locations like Wartime Ranges and collective exercises with Exercise Joint Warrior, Saber Strike, and Cold Response to maintain readiness for parachute and air assault operations. Specialist trade training covers reconnaissance, signals, mortar crews, anti‑tank teams using systems like the Javelin (missile), and medical training aligned with Defence Medical Services protocols.

Equipment and Insignia

Standard personal equipment includes weapons such as the L85A2/A3 rifle family, L7A2 GPMG, 9mm Glock 17 sidearms for certain roles, and support weapons like the L16 81mm mortar and Javelin (missile). Mobility and insertion platforms used historically include Horsa glider, Airspeed Horsa, C-47 Skytrain, and modern lift from CH-47 Chinook and Airbus A400M Atlas. Insignia features the maroon beret associated with Airborne Forces, the cap badge of the Parachute Regiment, and unit tactical recognition marks used within NATO exercises. The battalion inherits traditions such as the nickname Red Devils, parade customs linked to Trooping the Colour, and regimental music performed by the Parachute Regiment Band.

Battle Honours and Awards

Battle honours attributed across regimental history include engagements like Arnhem, El Alamein, and Falklands Islands. Decorations awarded to members have included the Victoria Cross, Military Cross, and Distinguished Service Order among others earned by personnel in actions spanning from Second World War operations to Afghanistan. Collective citations and unit commendations have been granted in recognition of performance during multinational operations with NATO and United Nations mandates. The battalion’s honours are preserved in regimental museums such as the Airborne Assault Museum.

Notable Personnel

Individuals associated with the battalion include wartime leaders and decorated soldiers who later featured in public life and military history, interacting with personalities like Bernard Montgomery, William Torrance Bissett, and contemporaries in airborne doctrine such as Hopkinson (soldier). Alumni have served in senior appointments across the British Army, contributed to historiography of airborne warfare alongside authors like Anthony Beevor and Max Hastings, and participated in commemorations with organizations such as the Royal British Legion and Airborne Assault Normandy Trust.

Category:Parachute Regiment