Red Devils (Parachute Regiment display team)

Red Devils (Parachute Regiment display team)
Unit name	Red Devils
Caption	Red Devils display at an airshow
Dates	1964–present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Parachute Regiment
Role	Parachute display team
Garrison	Colchester
Colors	Red

Red Devils (Parachute Regiment display team) The Red Devils are the parachute display team of the Parachute Regiment, renowned for precision skydiving displays at public events across the United Kingdom and internationally. Established in the 1960s, the team has performed at Royal International Air Tattoo, Trooping the Colour, Edinburgh Festival, and ceremonies linked to Remembrance Sunday, building links with British Forces ceremonies and civil aviation events. Their displays often feature members drawn from battalions such as the 1 PARA and are supported by units including the Royal Air Force and the Army Air Corps.

History

Formed in the 1960s amid interest generated by postwar airborne operations like the Suez Crisis and anniversaries of the Airborne Forces, the team traces roots to display teams that commemorated operations such as Operation Overlord and the Battle of Arnhem. Early appearances were at venues including Windsor Castle engagements and state events for figures like Queen Elizabeth II and visits tied to the Commonwealth. Over decades the team expanded its international itinerary to include NATO exercises, appearances in Germany, France, and at commemorations for the D-Day landings. The Red Devils have evolved alongside developments in parachute technology from round canopies used in postwar airborne units to modern ram-air parachutes adopted by units influenced by innovations in Royal Air Force parachuting and civilian sport parachuting communities like British Skydiving.

Organization and Personnel

Personnel are volunteers selected from serving members of the Parachute Regiment, often from battalions such as 2 PARA and 3 PARA, with postings coordinated through headquarters at locations such as Colchester Garrison. Team composition typically includes jumpers, coaches, riggers, medical staff linked to the Defence Medical Services, and public relations liaisons who liaise with event organizers including Ministry of Defence event teams and civilian promoters. Leadership structures mirror military appointments with a team captain and training officer drawn from experienced non-commissioned officers and officers who may have served in operations like Iraq War and War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), bringing operational parachute experience from deployments alongside formations such as 3 Commando Brigade or units operating from RAF Akrotiri.

Training and Safety

Training regimens incorporate progressive canopy handling and formation freefall coached using methods influenced by national programs such as UK Parachute Association standards and international techniques seen at United States Army Airborne School and civilian centers like Skydive Hibaldstow. Safety protocols coordinate with aviation authorities including the Civil Aviation Authority (United Kingdom) and involve medevac coordination with units akin to Royal Air Force Airborne Forces. Exercises simulate operations reminiscent of historic airborne insertions like Operation Market Garden while emphasizing public-display-specific drills used at events such as the Royal International Air Tattoo. Medical preparedness reflects lessons from conflict theatres such as Falklands War casualty management and modern combat casualty care doctrines.

Equipment and Aircraft

The team uses performance parachutes from manufacturers used by military and sporting parachutists, paralleling equipment used by units at airfields such as RAF Brize Norton and civilian drop zones like Tatenhill Airfield. Display jumps are typically launched from transport aircraft historically employed for airborne forces, including types associated with Royal Air Force Transport Command like the Hercules C-130 and earlier types such as the Handley Page Hastings era, as well as contracted civilian aircraft similar to those operated by companies supporting displays at the Royal International Air Tattoo. Harnesses, automatic activation devices, altimeters and reserve systems follow standards akin to equipment certified by the Civil Aviation Authority (United Kingdom) and NATO safety protocols.

Notable Displays and Events

Notable performances include displays at the Royal International Air Tattoo, Wembley Stadium appearances for national sporting events, ceremonial jumps onto Windsor Castle lawns during jubilees for Queen Elizabeth II, and commemorative landings for D-Day anniversaries at locations like Sword Beach. The team has supported state events such as Trooping the Colour and performed alongside formations from the Red Arrows at joint spectacles. Internationally, exhibitions at NATO gatherings, displays at festivals like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and remembrance events in Normandy have showcased cooperation with allied airborne units from United States Army, French Army, and German Bundeswehr parachute formations.

Incidents and Accidents

Over its history, the team has experienced incidents typical of high-risk parachuting, including canopy entanglements, hard landings and mid-air incidents that prompted investigations by authorities such as the Ministry of Defence and civilian regulators like the Civil Aviation Authority (United Kingdom). Lessons learned have driven procedural changes reflecting safety improvements also seen in responses to accidents involving civilian teams like those at Black Knights Parachute Centre and military inquiries similar in scope to boards convened after incidents in theaters like Iraq and Afghanistan. Safety outcomes have influenced training updates and equipment upgrades paralleling reforms following high-profile parachuting accidents in other nations, including studies emanating from United States Parachute Association data.

Cultural Impact and Media Coverage

The Red Devils have become cultural fixtures at national celebrations, featuring in broadcasts by networks such as the BBC, ITV, and international outlets covering events like VE Day and major sporting finals at venues including Wembley Stadium. Media portrayals highlight links to historical airborne actions like Operation Market Garden and public commemorations such as Remembrance Sunday ceremonies. Their presence has inspired civilian parachute clubs, appearances in documentaries about airborne history alongside archives from institutions like the Imperial War Museum and features in newspapers such as The Times, The Guardian, and tabloids covering national ceremonies. The team's public engagements contribute to recruitment narratives for units including the Parachute Regiment and inform exhibitions at military museums and heritage sites.

Category:Parachute Regiment Category:British military display teams