The Parachute Regiment

The Parachute Regiment The Official Page of The Parachute Regiment, HM Forces The Official Page of The Parachute Regiment, HM Forces.

As allies during World War II and still working together to counter common threats as NATO partners today, the bonds bet...
08/09/2026

As allies during World War II and still working together to counter common threats as NATO partners today, the bonds between British and Polish Airborne Forces remain close and enduring.
The Parachute Regiment mascot Pegasus was keen to grab a selfie with Polish Defence Attaché Colonel Rafał Nowak during a weekend of events when the close ties between Polish Airborne Forces and the people of Fife, were commemorated in Scotland.
Polish paratroopers of the Polish 1st Independent Parachute Brigade, commanded by General Stanisław Sosabowski, were stationed and trained in the Fife region during World War II and those unique ties were commemorated across a busy few days of activities.

Today we pause to honour Cpl Mark Wright GC, whose sacrifice 20 years ago today epitomises the bravery, resilience and s...
06/09/2026

Today we pause to honour Cpl Mark Wright GC, whose sacrifice 20 years ago today epitomises the bravery, resilience and selfless loyalty that exists within the special men and women of The Parachute Regiment.

From July 2006, Cpl Wright was deployed as part of a Fire Support Group of 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (3 PARA), holding a high ridge feature near the Kajaki Dam in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

On 6 September, the leader of a sniper patrol, tasked with engaging a group of Taliban fighters, was heading down a steep slope when he initiated a mine and sustained severe injuries.

Cpl Wright, who was aged 27 at the time, gathered a number of men and rushed to assist and, realising that the casualty was likely to die before a full mine clearance could be effected, he led his men into the minefield.

Exercising effective and decisive command, he began organising the casualty evacuation, however, a second mine was initiated, leaving a second soldier with severe injuries.

Cpl Wright, again at enormous personal risk, immediately moved to the new casualty and began rendering life-saving assistance until one of the medical orderlies could take over.

Cpl Wright ordered all non-essential personnel to stay out of the minefield and continued to move around and control the incident, but during an attempted helicopter evacuation, a third mine was initiated, which left Cpl Wright with serious injuries himself, along with one of the medical orderlies.

The initiation of a fourth mine caused further injury to both Cpl Wright and others, meaning there were now seven casualties still in the minefield, three of whom had lost limbs.

Despite this horrific situation and the serious injuries he had himself sustained, Cpl Wright continued to command and control the incident, remaining conscious for the majority of the time, continually shouting encouragement to those around him and maintaining morale and calm amongst the wounded men.

The injured were eventually airlifted out, but Corporal Wright died while on the rescue helicopter of the wounds he had sustained during the incident.

For acts of the greatest gallantry and complete disregard for his own safety in striving to save others, Cpl Wright was posthumously awarded the George Cross.

For more on the heroic actions of Cpl Mark Wright GC, see the entry on ParaData: www.paradata.org.uk/content/4639554-corporal-mark-wright

The opening of the UK’s first memorial solely dedicated to veterans and members of the Armed Forces who have died by su*...
05/09/2026

The opening of the UK’s first memorial solely dedicated to veterans and members of the Armed Forces who have died by su***de is taking place on Sunday 13th September.

Located at the National Memorial Arboretum, The Elysium Memorial offers families, friends and colleagues a dedicated place to remember their loved ones, honour their service, and reflect together.

On arrival at the memorial, guests will receive a formal welcome outlining the purpose of the memorial and what it represents. Speeches of thanks will then be given.

The lament Flowers of the Forest will be played by a piper, before a Chaplain/Padre will lead the dedication and offer prayers and a ribbon cutting ceremony will be followed by The Funeral performed by the trumpet player.

Guests will then be invited to lay their own wreaths, speak with representatives from the Elysium Memorial Foundation, and share stories and memories of their loved ones.

The Elysium Memorial charity's ongoing mission is to reduce the risk of su***de by raising awareness of the complexities of mental health faced by those who have served or are still serving.

The charity’s aim is to make the subject easier to talk about for both those who have suffered a loss and those who are struggling with su***de ideation. By making people aware of the memorial it is hoped that they will find some comfort and also bring the subject out of the shadows.

This event is free to attend you do not need to book NMA tickets, however if you are travelling by car you will need to pay car park, which you can do in advance at £5.

For more details about the event please go to Elysium Memorial Dedication page on the National Memorial Arboretum website: https://www.thenma.org.uk/what's-on/events/elysium-memorial-dedication-ceremony

02/09/2026

Demonstrating that being Airborne is more than just jumping from an airplane with a parachute on your back, 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment have been building operational capabilities alongside RAF personnel of the UK Chinook Force.

Helicopter insertion is a vital capability in the Regiment’s role as the core of the spearhead of the country’s defence activities and its ability to rapidly deploy with lethal versatility in any theatre of action, anywhere around the world.

Exercise GREYHOUND THUNDER saw 3 PARA join personnel from RAF 18 squadron and 27 squadron at Airfield in Hampshire.

It was designed to build operational experience and enhance the readiness of both aircrew and soldier personnel, while validating the tactics, techniques and procedures required to operate effectively in complex and contested environments.

The exercise culminated in a series of realistic day and night missions that tested planning, coordination, command and control, and force integration, providing valuable opportunities to develop proficiency, resilience and interoperability across participating units.

Once again proving that Paras are Ready for Anything – Utrinque Paratus.

If you want to be your best, you have to be part of The Best - come and join us: https://jobs.army.mod.uk/roles/infantry/paratrooper/

Today we remember the men of 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (2 PARA) and The Queen’s Own Highlanders who lost the...
27/08/2026

Today we remember the men of 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (2 PARA) and The Queen’s Own Highlanders who lost their lives or were wounded in a terrorist attack at Warrenpoint in Northern Ireland on 27 August 1979.

It resulted in the British Army’s greatest loss of life in a single incident in Northern Ireland with 18 men killed.

It occurred during a 20-month tour of duty in Northern Ireland for 2 PARA when a convoy carrying men of 3 Platoon, A-Company was travelling along the coastal road towards the company base at Newry.

As the convoy drew level with a lay-by close to Narrow Water Castle, Provisional IRA terrorists remotely triggered a bomb containing 700lb of explosives, which had been situated in a trailer parked in the lay-by.

The rear 4-ton truck of the convoy, which carried 9 men, took the full force of the explosion and of these, only 1 survived unhurt. The other vehicles in the convoy halted and their occupants ran back to help their comrades.

Further support and medical assistance was soon at the scene and an incident control point was set up next to a gate house by the side of the road.

Just before 1700hrs a second explosion occurred. This was a 1,000lb bomb, initiated by radio control and concealed inside the gate house lodge, demolishing the building and killing a further 12 men and seriously wounding 3 more.

Six men from 2 PARA were killed in the first explosion, with the second blast killing a further 10 from 2 PARA along with 2 from The Queen’s Own Highlanders, including Commanding Officer of the Highlanders, Lieutenant Colonel David Blair.

There was also a civilian casualty, with a young tourist named Michael Hudson unfortunately mistaken for a terrorist and shot after the second bomb explosion.

Men killed in the first bomb explosion: 2 PARA: Cpl JC Giles (3 Platoon, A-Company), L/Cpl CG Ireland (3 Platoon, A-Company), Pte GI Barnes (3 Platoon, A-Company), Pte JA Jones (3 Platoon, A-Company), Pte RDV Jones (3 Platoon, A-Company), Pte M Woods (3 Platoon, A-Company).

Men killed in the second bomb explosion: 2 PARA: Maj PJ Fursman (OC A-Company), L/Cpl DF Blair (OC’s Radio Op, A-Company), WOII W Beard (Drum Major, Medium Machine Gun Platoon), Sgt IA Rogers (Pl Sgt, Medium Machine Gun Platoon), Cpl NJ Andrews (Medium Machine Gun Platoon), Cpl L Jones (Medium Machine Gun Platoon), Pte R Dunn (Medium Machine Gun Platoon), Pte RN England (Medium Machine Gun Platoon), Pte TR Vance (Medium Machine Gun Platoon), Pte AG Wood (Medium Machine Gun Platoon). The Queen’s Own Highlanders: Lt-Col DNA Blair (CO: 1 QOHLDRS), L/Cpl V MacLeod (CO’s Radio Op, 1 QOHLDRS).

Men wounded at Warrenpoint: 2 PARA: Pte PM Burns (3 Platoon, A-Company), Pte T Caughey (3 Platoon, A-Company), Cpl NH Porter (3 Platoon, A-Company), Cpl SJ Webb (Medium Machine Gun Platoon), Pte MJ Furrow (Medium Machine Gun Platoon).
www.paradata.org.uk/content/4663972-warrenpoint-27-august-1979



Ahead of the summer leave period, a significant ceremony took place at Colchester’s Merville Barracks. The parade squar...
24/08/2026

Ahead of the summer leave period, a significant ceremony took place at Colchester’s Merville Barracks.

The parade square at the home of 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team saw soldiers from 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (3 PARA) receiving medals in recognition of recent activities in support of national security priorities.

Medals presented to 3 PARA personnel included the General Service Medal with the Global Operations clasp and the Wider Service Medal.

There were also Long Service and Good Conduct medals presented to 3 PARA soldiers, as well as an Accumulated Service Medal.

Today marks 25 years since the start of Op BESSEMER, when the professionalism and versatility of The Parachute Regiment’...
22/08/2026

Today marks 25 years since the start of Op BESSEMER, when the professionalism and versatility of The Parachute Regiment’s soldiers and their ability to seamlessly integrate alongside NATO allies in peacekeeping and combat roles was vital in helping to maintain stability and security during a period of extreme tension in the Balkans.

After growing hostility in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM – now North Macedonia) between the ethnic Albanian National Liberation Army (NLA) and Macedonian Security Forces, a NATO-brokered peace agreement was signed between the two parties on 13 August 2001.

16 Air Assault Brigade had been standing by to support a NATO deployment to the region and the Brigade Advance Party deployed to Skopje.

Once deployed, HQ 16 Air Assault Brigade became Headquarters of the TASK FORCE HARVEST Brigade. In total, the Brigade comprised 15 nations and numbered 4,720 at its maximum strength, with Battlegroups provided by the UK (2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment – 2 PARA), France, Italy and Greece.

The tour to Macedonia represented the first operational deployment for 2 PARA outside of Northern Ireland since the Falklands War (Op CORPORATE) in 1982.

The Brigade’s mission was to ‘Deploy to collect and dispose of NLA weapons and am******on in order to help restore the stability in FYROM’ and it was an excellent opportunity for 2 PARA to experience multinational peacekeeping operations.

As the NLA operated primarily in the mountains of Western Macedonia, the terrain was eminently suitable for light operations. 2 PARA took under command 9 Para Sqn RE and the Dutch Coy for all missions, with an Italian Mechanised Sqn also placed under command for the third mission to Brodec.

B Company also conducted missions with the French 2 REI, and C (Gurkha) Company independent missions with the Harvest Liaison Teams (Special Forces).
2 PARA successfully conducted 3 major arms collection operations.

The main Brigade elements operated from a concentration area based to the south of Skopje and a total of 11 collection operations were conducted, with 3,875 weapons recovered and more than 400,000 rounds of varying calibres of am******on destroyed.

While the overall Operation was a success, 16 Air Assault Brigade recorded the tragic loss of Sapper Collins, of 9 Para Sqn RE, who was killed in a stone attack on a 9 Squadron vehicle on the night of 26 August, just prior to the first mission at Brodec.

Having started their deployment in mid-August, the last of 2 PARA’s personnel recovered to the UK on 12 October.

In all, 2 PARA played a significant and high-profile role in FYROM and on its departure, its mission was judged to have been a complete success which greatly contributed to the long-term stability of the region.

Pictures courtesy of Maj-Gen Clive 'Chip' Chapman CB BA (Commanding Officer 2 PARA during Op BESSEMER) & Sgt Bob Hilton

See the ParaData entry on Op BESSEMER: https://paradata.org.uk/content/4634946

Today we pause to commemorate and honour the life, service and sacrifice of a true Parachute Regiment hero - Corporal Br...
20/08/2026

Today we pause to commemorate and honour the life, service and sacrifice of a true Parachute Regiment hero - Corporal Bryan James Budd VC.

Corporal Budd lost his life 20 years ago today while serving with A Coy 3 PARA in Afghanistan.

On 27th July 2006, whilst on a routine patrol, the 29-year-old's section identified two enemy gunmen on the roof of a building in the centre of Sangin. During the ensuing firefight, two of Corporal Budd's section were hit.

Under fire, he personally led the attack on the building where the enemy fire was heaviest. This courageous action proved decisive in breaking the enemy and was undertaken at great personal risk, allowing his wounded colleague to be evacuated to safety where he subsequently received life-saving treatment.

A month later, on 20th August 2006, Corporal Budd was leading his section near Sangin District Centre. Corporal Budd identified a number of enemy fighters who he decided to assault and ordered his men to follow him. As they moved forward, the section came under heavy fire that incapacitated three of his men. Corporal Budd continued the assault on his own and despite being wounded, continued to move forward, attacking the enemy as he rushed their position.

Inspired by Corporal Budd's example, the rest of the platoon reorganised and phased forward their attack, eventually forcing the enemy’s withdrawal.

Corporal Budd subsequently died of his wounds. His conspicuous gallantry during these two engagements saved the lives of many of his colleagues. His determination to press home a single-handed assault against a superior enemy force despite his wounds stands out as a premeditated act of inspirational leadership and supreme valour.

For this action he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.

For more on the heroic actions of Cpl Bryan Budd VC, see the entry on ParaData: https://paradata.org.uk/content/4638834

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be an Infantry soldier in the British Army, including the paratroopers of The ...
19/08/2026

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be an Infantry soldier in the British Army, including the paratroopers of The Parachute Regiment, Infantry Experience '26 Warminster is your chance to find out!

Click on this link for more information and to register:
➡ https://jobs.army.mod.uk/meet-your-army/168611/

Taking place between 10am and 4pm on Wednesday 26 August at Headquarters Infantry in Warminster, Infantry Experience '26 Warminster is a free one-day event for visitors to learn more about careers in the British Army’s Infantry regiments, including The Parachute Regiment.

Whether you are considering a career in the Armed Forces, a parent or guardian of someone who is, or just curious, this event will provide the opportunity to:

Experience Infantry training on the indoor weapons simulator range
See Infantry tactics in a combat demonstration
Get hands-on with the latest Infantry kit and equipment
Spend time with serving Infantry soldiers and find out what life is really like as one of the Army’s close combat professionals

All for free in one packed day with the Infantry in Warminster! Lunch is even included.

So, if you are between the ages of 15 and 34 years get involved and register today!

Parents/guardians are also encouraged to attend.

Date: Wednesday 26 August 2026
Time: 10:00 - 16:00
Place: Headquarters Infantry
Waterloo Lines
Imber Road
Warminster
BA12 0DJ

“(It) allows us to obfuscate and mask our activity and by creating presence or signature where we are not, which helps u...
18/08/2026

“(It) allows us to obfuscate and mask our activity and by creating presence or signature where we are not, which helps us hide and be more survivable.”

Watch a new video exploring the formation of 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment’s new Phantom Platoon and how they are leading the way in driving forward the UK’s technological adaptation on the modern battlefield. ⬇️

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nU0IdctsPck

🆎🟦

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