The Parachute Regiment

The “PARAS” provide the capability to deploy at very short notice, by air, worldwide. They are trained to an exacting standard and form the spearhead of the UK’s rapid intervention strategy. They are professional, resilient, brave and self-reliant.

• Military Parachutist: Key to hostile entry
• Agile, lightly equipped warriors
• High levels of Physical robustness
• Versatility in operations and training
• Self reliant in the field
• Innovative in problem solving
• Resilient, mentally tough we bend not break
• Loyal and committed to our friends

Previous deployments:

• Afghanistan - 2,3 and 4 PARA 
• Sierra Leone - 1 and 2 PARA

We have an open and engaging  recruiting team who guide and help future “Paras” through the process of joining.  We recruit for the whole Regiment, both our Regular Army and Army Reserve.

Merville Barracks is a modern, purpose built barracks for 16 Air Assault Brigade. Many units are based there including 2 and 3 PARA, Artillery, Medics, Signallers, Logisticians as well as 16 Brigade Combat Team Headquarters. 

• 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment

  Merville Barracks, Colchester 01206 817083

• 3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment

  Merville Barracks, Colchester 01206 817083

• 4th Battalion the Parachute Regiment

  Thornbury Barracks, Leeds 01904 664566

Following Winston Churchill’s decree in 1940, troops began training for airborne operations and The Parachute Regiment was formed on 1 Aug 1942 at a time of Total War. Letter from Churchill to Ismay requesting corp of 5,000 parachute troops. | ParaData

The “PARAS” earn their reputation for daring and their nickname 'The Red Devils' in North Africa, Italy, Normandy, Arnhem the Rhine crossing.
1942 - 1943 | ParaData
1944 - 1945 | ParaData

Post-war the Battalions conduct a series of operational tours in Palestine, Malaya, Suez, Cyprus, Jordan, Radfan, Borneo and Aden.
1946 - 1948 | ParaData
1948 - 1955 | ParaData
1956 - 1969 | ParaData

The Parachute Regiment rotates through emergency and residential tours of duty in Northern Ireland and counter insurgency operations at home as well as operational duty to stabilise threatened areas during the Cold War.  Throughout a turbulent period acts of bravery stand out, including Sgt Michael Willetts who was awarded the George Cross, the highest award for gallantry not in direct combat, for actions in Northern Ireland.
1969 - 1980 | ParaData

Following the invasion of the Falkland Islands, 2 and 3 PARA fight with distinction at Goose Green, wireless Ridge and Mount Longdon.  Many Parachute Regiment personnel were decorated for gallantry for operations in the Falkland Islands, including the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in combat, was awarded to Lt Col Herbert Jones and Sgt Ian McKay.
Falklands (Operation Corporate) | ParaData

The Regiment was involved in operations in Kosovo, Sierra Leone and Rwanda, as well as continued tours of Northern Ireland.
1991 - 2000 | ParaData

The Regiment took part in operations in Iraq and in Afghanistan, where they were the first troops on the ground in 2001 and the last troops to leave in 2021.  Throughout this period of conflict many members of the regiment were decorated with gallantry and state awards, however, the Victoria Cross was awarded to Cpl Bryan Budd and LCpl Josh Leakey as well as the George Cross awarded to Cpl Mark Wright, for actions which are still talked about and respected by Paratroopers today.