A History of Ireland in Song

Parachute Regiment

The Parachute Regiment of the British Army, more commonly known as "the Paras" or "the Red Berets", is one of that army's élite units.

"They are firstly, all volunteers and are then toughened by hard physical training. As a result they have that infectious optimism and that offensive eagerness which comes from physical well-being. They have jumped from the skies and by doing so have conquered fear. Their duty lies in the van of battle: They are proud of their honour and have never failed in any task. They have the highest standards in all things, whether it be skills in battle or smartness in execution of all peacetime duties. They have shown themselves to be as tenacious and determined in defence as they are courageous in attack."

"Recruit training in the Parachute Regiment is arguably the toughest and most professional in the world today. All instructors at the training establishments are amongst the best officers and non-commissioned officers from the Regiment. Training is hard, but it must be remembered that it is preparation for service in the finest Regiment in the British Army."

The Para's battle record backs up these claims. The first British airborne unit was formed in 1940, and since then they have been in the thick of the fighting whenever Britain has been at war. In the Second World War, they fought in many raids on German-occupied Europe, at D-Day, and at Arnhem. Notable post-war engagements include Suez, Cyprus, Aden, the Falklands War — and of course Ireland.

Today, "The Regiment is made up of three regular Battalions, 1, 2 and 3 PARA and one Territorial Army Battalion, 4 PARA (V). Each Battalion is up to 550 men strong. All of these men will have passed the physical selection course, P-Company and are all qualified military Parachutists. One battalion is always in the Airborne Battlegroup role (ABBG), ready to be deployed very quickly anywhere in the world."

(All quotes from the Paras' website).

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