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THE AIRBORNE EMBLEM The emblem of Airborne Forces is Bellerophon mounted on the winged horse Pegasus. The first recorded instance of an 'Airborne warrior', his exploits are recorded in Greek mythology where he is chiefly famous for the slaying of the fire-breathing monster Chimaera. Mounted on Pegasus with a spear in his hand, Bellerophon rode into the air, swooped down upon the monster and destroyed it. This emblem was chosen by the late Lieutenant General Sir Frederick 'Boy' Browning, GCVO KBE CB DSO DL, when he was appointed to raise Airborne Forces in 1941. Major Edward Seago designed the logo in May 1942, to be worn on the arm by all airborne soldiers. The colour maroon was chosen by General Browning when the Regiment was formed, as tradition demanded. ...Regimental Colonel in Chief of The Parachute Regiment is HRH Prince Charles. Although never having served with the Regiment, Prince Charles has done a number of parachute jumps and has earned his 'wings'. REGIMENTAL BATTLE HONOURS BRUNEVAL (Operation Biting) On the night of 27th/28th February 1942 'C' Company of the 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment under the command of Major J D Frost was dropped by 51 Squadron RAF on the north coast of enemy occupied France near Le Havre. The object of the operation was to secure German radar equipment from the station at Bruneval in order to assess the advance of German technology in this field. The raid was a brilliant success, and for the loss of 3 killed, 2 missing and 7 wounded the essential equipment together with some technicians and the Royal Navy evacuated the Company from the beaches. The operation acted as a tonic to public morale and is the first Battle honour awarded to The Regiment. TAMERA (Tunisia) On 27th March 1943, 1st Parachute Brigade under the command of Brigadier E W C Flavell consisting of 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions The Parachute Regiment took part in a vital sector of the Axis defensive system known as the TAMERA position. By last light on 30 March, after very heavy fighting, all the enemy resistance had ceased and all objectives had been secured. Enemy losses were severe and 1170 Germans including Parachute Troops and 550 Italians were taken prisoner by the Brigade. THE RHINE CROSSING (Operation Varsity) At 1000hrs on 24th March 1945 the 6th British Airborne Division under the command of Major General E L Bols and including 7th, 8th, 9th, 12th, 13th Battalions and 22 independent Company (Pathfinders) The Parachute Regiment, together with 17th US Airborne Division were dropped on the east bank of the Rhine near Wesel, the last barrier of Nazi Germany. Dropping on top of the enemy's defences and gun areas, casualties were initially heavy, particularly amongst the gliderborne elements. By 1530hrs, however, they had secured all their objectives and had linked up with the ground forces that had crossed the river by direct assault. In this battle Corporal F J Topham of 1 Canadian Parachute Battalion 3 Parachute Brigade won the Victoria Cross. This was the final and major airborne assault of WW 2. 6 Airborne Division subsequently spearheading the advance into Germany were the first Allied troops to link up with the Russian Army at Wismar on the Baltic. NORMANDY LANDING (Operation Overlord) On 'D' Day, 6th June 1944, the 6th British Airborne Division under the command of Major General R N Gale and including 7th, 8th, 9th, 12th, 13th Battalions and 22nd Independent Parachute Company (Pathfinders) of The Parachute Regiment, was given the task of protecting the flank of the seaborne invasion. Their area extended from Ouistreham to Caen and included the double water obstacle of the river Orne and the Caen canal. Dropping after midnight in marginal wind conditions the units were widely scattered. Despite this, all objectives were secured on time. From 7th June until 16th August the Division held their position against violent German counter attacks and subsequently, in the general breakout, advanced to the river Seine which they reached on the 26th August 1944. BACK TO CORNWALL PARA HOME PAGE |