Yearbook 2020

The Journal of The Parachute Regiment and Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces

The Parachute Regiment Charter

“What manner of men are these who wear the maroon red ? 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 air and by doing so have conquered fear. Their duty lies in the van of the battle: they are proud of this honour and have never failed in any task. They have the highest standards in all things, whether it be skill in battle or smartness in the execution of all peace time duties. They have shown themselves to be as tenacious and determined in defence as they are courageous in attack. They are, in fact, men apart – every man an Emperor.” Field Marshal The Viscount Montgomery of Alamein The Past The Future The Regimental Charter The Parachute Regiment was formed These special capabilities are The Parachute Regiment provides the to provide the arm of the demanded more than ever in an capability to deploy an infantry force Airborne formations raised during evolving operational environment at short notice, in the vanguard of the Second World War, in order to where complexity, ambiguity and operations and in the most demanding deliver a specialised operational confusion abound. The requirement of circumstances. have capability. Airborne forces were for speedy, preventive deployments two unique roles: they are trained and required to operate at reach, with a is still paramount, where airborne ready to form the spearhead of the light logistic footprint, often beyond soldiers may have to operate at the Army’s rapid intervention capability; traditional lines of support. Special limits of endurance and sustainability. and they are an integral part of the qualities were therefore demanded of They must be light and agile, ready Special Forces. The the airborne soldier, whether launched to deploy at short notice, inherently Parachute Regiment’s watchwords are into battle by parachute or glider. self-reliant and innovative, with the professionalism, resilience, discipline, He was required to be physically skill at arms, cunning and boldness versatility, courage and self-reliance. fit and mentally robust. He had to to bring all their firepower to bear. It is light by design, and is expert at demonstrate motivation, self-reliance, They have to be a highly disciplined air-land deployments, by helicopter, initiative and intelligence. Through and professionally competent aeroplane or parachute. Airborne rigorous selection and hard training, force, deployable by helicopter, soldiers stand ready to conduct a the airborne soldier was expected aeroplane or parachute. Attaining range of missions from prevention to develop a temper of mind that this professional standard requires and pre emption tasks, to complex, bred resilience, self-confidence and motivated volunteers whose qualities high intensity war fighting. The a fierce determination to succeed, are above the norm. In sustaining the Parachute Regiment’s approach to the whatever the difficulties. These specialised capability that remains the training and selection of its soldiers qualities, constantly sought through hallmark of The Parachute Regiment, continues to foster those qualities of training and selection, have continued appropriate selection and training is resilience and versatility recognised to be nurtured through subsequent as critical now as it ever was. by its founding fathers as the rock on generations, and have proved a which its particular value is built. It winning factor time and again on remains a force for good and for all operations to the present day. seasons in the Army.

2 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS Kingdom, along with American and Middle Eastern exercises. 2 PARA have returned from Operations TORAL in , SHADER in the Middle East and have completed their validation Exercise WESSEX STORM on . 3 PARA were the Air Manoeuvre Battlegroup for all of the year and they deployed a rifle company to the Balkans on Operation ELGIN, the European Union’s Quick Response Force for Bosnia, and had a company deployed in the Middle East on Op SHADER. 4 PARA have continued to support both 2 and 3 PARA, by reinforcing them with enthusiastic and well trained reservists, including on Operation TORAL and with the Lead Assault Force deployment to Ukraine. The pandemic has restricted much sport and adventurous training, however three Regimental soldiers have recently been selected for Team GB in Bobsleigh and the Red Devils are looking forward to returning to a busy tandem and display programme in 2021. The Regiment embraced the need to deliver remote commemorations for Normandy and ; these were very well received by the virtual audience. Our annual services at the National Memorial Arboretum and St Lawrence Jewry were also held online, with great success. The Parachute Regiment Charity and Airborne Forces Security Fund merged successfully to form The Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces Charity. Whilst fundraising was challenging given the pandemic FOREWORD restrictions, it still was able to help veterans by Lieutenant General Sir John Lorimer KCB DSO MBE, in need through grants and other assistance. The Parachute Regimental Association has Commandant The Parachute Regiment been magnificent in keeping in touch and In 2020, despite all its trials and tribulations, The supporting its more vulnerable members. The Charity’s Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces have hampers have also been very well received. Many of our been extremely busy, with personnel deploying on standard fundraising activities had to be cancelled, but we operations in the Middle East, Afghanistan, Eastern did adapt and the virtual PARAS’10 runs were very well Europe and the Balkans. Our battalions have had it all: supported. operations, training, all the normal commitments and, I hope that everyone has maintained a sense of of course, the additional constraints of the pandemic. ‘infectious optimism’ throughout a year that has tested As a Regiment, our soldiers and officers have us all in so many ways. With the vaccine now being continued to live up to our motto: ‘Ready for Anything’. distributed throughout the United Kingdom, we can only 2020 presented significant challenges in delivering pray that 2021 offers us some hope and respite. In the potential recruits to PARA Coy in Catterick. However, meantime, we must drive on, despite the challenges. recruitment is still strong and in the current economic Looking ahead, I hand over as Colonel Commandant to climate, we may see even more young, good quality Major General Andy Harrison, after over 6 years in post. individuals looking to join the Regiment. The enduring I am most grateful for the terrific support that everyone success of ‘The PARAs: Men of War’ TV documentary has provided me since 2014. I know that you will support keeps people going to Army Recruitment Offices, with General Andy in the same way, as he picks up the reins. It the intention of joining up. Overall, Regimental manning is our intent that he assumes the role in July – on the same is in an even better position than this time last year; we day the three regular battalions are presented their new are 97% manned and 89% deployable. RHQ PARA’s Colours by the Colonel-in-Chief in Colchester. assessment is that we will be at 100% manning in the May I wish you all a safe and healthy 2021; and once regular battalions by April 2021. again, thank you for all your support during my time as 1 PARA are still indispensable, successfully supporting Colonel Commandant. It has been a privilege to serve the United Kingdom Special Forces. The Battalion has Regiment and Airborne Forces in this role. maintained contingency abroad, as well as in the United Utrinque Paratus et Ad Unum Omnes.

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Foreword 3

16 Air Asslt Bde 5 1 PARA 7 2 PARA 9 3 PARA 18 4 PARA 27 ITC Catterick 35 IBS Brecon 38 The Red Devils 40 The Pathfinders 42 16 Mil Int Coy 44 7 Para Regt RHA 46 23 Para Engr Regt 48 13 Air Asslt Sp Regt RLC 50 16 Med Regt RAMC 51 156 Provo Coy RMP 52 1 RGR 54 Support Our Paras 56 Airborne Assault Museum 64 News 65 PRA 77 Airborne Riders 92 Obituaries 100 The Last Post 122

Cover: Green On Photograph by Sgt Tom Evans MoD Crown Copyright 2020

Pegasus is published once a year. Our deadline is 15 December 2021. Articles and pictures should be sent to the Regimental Secretary [email protected] Editor-in-chief Lt Col Liam Cradden MBE Editor Maj Adam Jowett “A year not Pegasus Manager [email protected] For all enquiries, telephone: 01206 817088 All text published by Pegasus is Crown Copyright. Images published in Pegasus are the copyright of the quite like individuals who supplied them as well as the agencies from which pictures were sourced. With thanks to: 16 Air Asslt Bde D E&C, Army Headquarters any other.” Richard Watt Arjan Vrieze, tracesofwar.com and many individual contributors.

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It is impossible to write about 2020, the 80th year of Setting best practice for coping through the crisis the Airborne Forces, without reflecting on the impact Brigade used what many perceived as “dead time” to COVID-19 has had. Whilst COVID-19 has affected increase our personnel and vehicle availability; as a result, every aspect of our lives this year, Headquarters 16 Air our overall readiness is now higher than ever. The Brigade Assault Brigade has continued to deliver on its outputs also supported Op RESCRIPT by sending planners into in support of the wider brigade and remains as ready key government departments and to Op BROADSHARE, as ever to deploy leading the UK’s Global Response the deployment of an Intensive Care Unit capability to Force. the Falklands Islands, bolstering the existing three-bed Several significant workforce changes occurred in quick intensive care unit at the King Edward Memorial Hospital succession over the summer; Brigadier James Martin in Port Stanley. DSO OBE MC assumed command of the Brigade in July The small team of 6 soldiers from 16 Medical arriving with a new Deputy Commander, Colonel Martyn Regiment took ventilators, oxygen and medication for Wills MBE. The Deputy Chief of Staff, David Crosbie, two beds, and the nurses to run them so that they were a left on promotion to attend ACSC and a significant completely self-sufficient addition to the hospital. proportion of the Brigade staff posted in/out once the The Brigade HQ was also heavily involved in initial COVID lockdown restrictions were lifted. The new influencing Project Phoenix, the Field Army plan to return staff line-up brought a renewed rigour to the HQ, keen to work post-COVID, again setting the tone and pace. to return to some semblance of normality and ensure remained the most useful, usable and Op SOLIDARITY ultimately used Brigade in the . On return from a shortened summer leave, the Lead Assault Force (LAF) and 16 Air Assault Brigade HQ COVID-19 (Forward) went into isolation ahead of a short notice In March, the county went into a national lockdown deployment to Ukraine, the latest in a series of Western with the government guidance being “Stay Home, Save Balkans and Black Sea Regional Exercises designed to Lives, Protect the NHS.” The tension of complying with advance Euro-Atlantic Security interoperability and government guidelines to work from home against the reassure regional allies. requirements to ensure we are well trained and ready, both The 250-strong force, made up of personnel from to support the national effort in combating COVID-19 The Parachute Regiment, Royal Horse , Royal and remain at Very High Readiness for operations and Engineers, Royal Signals, and The other essential national Defence tasks, was a delicate Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers flew direct balancing act which the Brigade rose to. from RAF Brize Norton and, alongside 200 troops from

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 5 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces operations worldwide.

Ex WESSEX STORM Ahead of assuming Air Manoeuvre Battle Group 1 (AMBG 1) in 2021, 2 PARA’s validation FTX (Ex ASKARI STORM) in Kenya was cancelled (COVID!) and quickly re-planned as Ex WESSEX STORM on the not so sunny fields of Salisbury Plain. It was one of the few opportunities to conduct significant training alongside our partner nations this year, Ex WESSEX STORM 5/20 saw participation from our French ACJEF partners 11e Brigade Parachutiste and the US 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. With future conflicts likely manifesting quickly, training serials alongside our allies are invaluable Above: 3 PARA Anti- provide DZ overwatch on Operation SOLIDARITY in for increasing our mutual understanding Ukraine of Techniques, Tactics and Procedures, strengthening our interoperability and the 80th Separate Air Assault Brigade (SAAB) of the ensuring we are ready and able to work alongside each Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU), jumped into Ternivsky other. in a significant demonstration of 16 Air Assault Brigade’s A number of key personnel from across 2 PARA ability to project force to a place of our choosing in and the HQ conducted familiarisation on the French support of our allies. parachute system and A400M, a fantastic opportunity Op SOLIDARITY saw the LAF working alongside and one that both increases the Brigade’s capability and the AFU, commanded by General Moysuik, with both cements the bonds of friendship, specifically between 2nd forces demonstrating their weapons, vehicles, equipment Battalion The Parachute Regiment and 2e Régiment and sharing best practice from our own operational Étranger de Parachutiste (2REP). experiences. It culminated in a wide wet gap crossing The pinnacle of the exercise was the largest aviation of some 500m+ over the River Dnieper, the site of one assault conducted in the UK onto Imber Village with of the largest operations in World War II on the Eastern some 9 x Chinook, 6 x Puma, 4 x Apache and 4 x Front. Wildcat from 1 Aviation Brigade in support. Launched from Keevil Airfield, which had been seized the previous Ex CERBERUS day by overhead parachute assault and secured by follow The Ex PEGASUS CRAWL, WALK, RUN Command on Rapid Air Land using a range of aircraft (C130J and Post Exercise (CPX) series put the new staff through its A400M). An impressive spectacle and demonstration of the paces ensuring it was match fit for its FA Cup final – Ex Air Manoeuvre capability the Brigade can bring to bear. CERBERUS. This was a 3rd (UK) Division exercise, As 2020 draws to a close, the Brigade is poised and ready involving some 2400 personnel from across the country for to meet the challenges of 2021. Ad Unum Omnes! and resulted in the validation of a number Below: Paratroopers wait to mount Puma helicopters during Ex WESSEX STORM of Brigade Headquarters; 16 Air Asslt Bde, 7 Bde, 20 Bde, 101 Log Bde and Aviation Task Force 4 (ATF-4), the largest group of training audiences validated on a single exercise in the UK. 16 Air Assault Brigade, was the Advanced Force for the Iron Division, conducted several planning cycles set in a peer-on-peer warfighting scenario and executed using simulation in a coalition context. Even the added complexities of operating under threat of chemical attack or receiving orders to conduct a Battalion SEIZE and SECURE operation of an airfield within 4 hours was not enough to trip the HQ! Performing well above the standard, the Brigade HQ was validated (as it is required to do so every 2 years) to assume readiness for contingency

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1st Battalion The Parachute Regiment

1 PARA has had another successful and rewarding understandably hampered by the UK’s first lockdown, year. Whilst the pandemic posed a threat to our ability and many exercises had to be cancelled. Nonetheless, the to continue to deliver against our non-discretionary company deployed numerous small teams on defence tasks, it was also an opportunity to generate positive engagement tasks. This was well received, and the teams change in a ‘new normal’. The paratroopers are proving achieved their training objectives. themselves to be – as ever – up to the challenge of In addition, the company provided manpower for a adapting and innovating; they remain the heart of our small element on a large domestic exercise. The highlight operational success. Officers, soldiers and our civilian of the training conducted during this period has been a staff have been recognised for their contributions this Company level demanding exercise in Brecon, focusing year, multiple 2 Star Commendations and an MBE for on basic soldiering that tested the full rank spectrum. our J1 Clerk. The Company was tested and assured as we close out our rotation on global response. Despite the limitations A Company imposed by the pandemic this has been a busy period for The company handed over the contingency commitment B Coy. As we move into 2021 the company looks towards in the summer and began the build up to operations PDT and deploying on operations in the middle of next amidst the pandemic. A challenging and fast-paced period year. reacting to different restrictions, at time of writing the Company Group is in a good place to deploy on various C Company overseas operations. Currently deployed on operations, we have had a very busy second half to the year. Preparing for operations is B Company never without challenge, layered with the complexities of During the past six months B Coy has maintained the the pandemic, our soldiers proved ready for anything. We combined contingency commitment for both domestic look forward to consolidating as a Company at the end of and global readiness. Much of the training pipeline was the year and a safe return from operations. In 2021 we will

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 7 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces in interoperability, the demand for paratroopers in Support Coy remains undiminished. Juggling all our commitments, our soldiers have still been able to get away on varied and unique training opportunities in the UK. The Company has welcomed completely new Coy HQ personalities. S Coy look forward to the opportunity to once again exercise overseas at scale in 2021 and continue to pursue excellence in all aspects of support weapons.

R Company Like all other sub-units, R Coy was disrupted by the pandemic, although the tempo of our operational and defence engagements tasks remain unchanged. Our specialists Above: Remembrance Day commemorations at St Athan conducted within COVID restrictions have been incredibly busy through begin the well establish training pathway as we approach this period, balancing significant training demands and the contingency commitments. We have had a hugely support to overseas tasks. The Company conducted a rewarding and enjoyable tour; paratroopers remain at the successful autumn cadre in October and our Sniper heart of our operational successes. Platoon is preparing to send representation to the premier marksmanship school in the world in Texas, USA. Our F Company J6 Platoon remains a demanding and exciting place for F Coy safely returned to the UK earlier this year after paratroopers to serve; they are in constant operational operations overseas. After a period of well-deserved leave, demand and benefit from specialist training. the Coy began training for contingency operations and In sum, R Coy remains well placed as we look forward welcomed new members to the company who had just to the challenges of 2021. completed the Operational Assurance Cadre Below: Paratroopers are put through their paces in the skills house during the OAC (OAC). The Coy carried out a refresh of close quarter shooting fundamentals and test. In addition, the company conducted LFTT progression to demonstrate core skills of basic soldering executed to the highest standard. Our live firing package progressed up Coy level operations in urban and rural environment; throughout we were well supported by aviation assets and supporting fires. F Coy was tested both its conventional and more specialist roles as we integrated other teams from across the Unit into the Company Group. We now look forward to a reduced tempo in the approach to Christmas prior to assuming a contingency commitment early next year.

S Company Throughout the turbulent and unpredictable global climate, S Coy have continued to provide support to all our operational commitments as well as leading the way on developing new and exciting methods of delivering heavy weapons and mortaring. Through its demanding requirement to man operations, readiness and forge a path

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2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment 2 PARA has enjoyed a year packed with overseas and skeletal command structure, the ROG tirelessly supported deployed activity. Most notably, Op TORAL 9 saw the families and soldiers, whilst still engaging those in the UK battlegroup deploy for the first time in 10 years as with interesting and valuable activity. The ROG deployed part of the Security Force. Companies were troops to Kenya to support 3 PARA’s Ex ASKARI dispersed across Kabul City, Afghanistan, at key sites STORM, and also to Oman to support Ex WINGED providing protection in support of the NATO Train, LEOPARD. Perhaps the best illustration of the year is Advise, Assist mission. Over 400 officers and soldiers expressed when considering that at one point, 2 PARA from 16 Air Assault Brigade deployed, 321 from 2 was deployed to four countries simultaneously. PARA. At the end of the year, 2 PARA switched focus to For many, this was the first operational deployment; for Ex WESSEX STORM, a battlegroup-level exercise in all, this was a great opportunity to work within the heart Salisbury Plain. This was in place of another iteration of of Afghanistan’s capital city. The initiative and hard work Ex ASKARI STORM in Kenya. What was lost in terms from across the ranks was rightfully recognised through of climatic challenges, was bettered with the opportunity Honours and Awards. There are too many to list here, but to work with numerous air and aviation assets. The the battalion was awarded nine 3* Deputy Commander Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise (CALFEX) saw each Resolute Support Commendations (Lt Gen Hill), twenty Company Group (including our partnered French Foreign 1* Commander Kabul Security Force Commendations. A Legion Company) move over 17km by day and by night, special mention must go to LCpl Sedeqi who was awarded with support from a Patrol, Sniper team, Anti- an MBE (yes – an MBE!) for his work in the Intelligence section, Machine Gun section, mounted Fire Support Cell, where he prompted unforeseen and unmatched Group, Mortar line, Artillery, Engineers. What a range! Ex impacts across the strategic space. Congratulations to all WESSEX STORM was a great opportunity to improve on an exceptional deployment; the ethos and effectiveness air skills; the battalion was facilitated with a full suite of of 2 PARA has been noted across the international aircraft to conduct realistic and demanding air manoeuvre community and fellow British Army units. training. The deployed elements of 2 PARA were fully Although COVID presented a challenge for the supported by the Rear Operations Group (ROG). With a majority of the year, the ingenuity and determination of

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 9 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces had to balance their mourning whilst continuing to remain focused on providing operational outputs. This they did, and of particular note is Pte Mitchell who was awarded a 1* Commendation. Several private contractors were severely injured during an attack on their vehicle. The QRF deployed and Pte Mitchell was at the forefront. He worked with the Combat Medical Technician, and their combined efforts were critical to saving the lives of all three contractors, ensuring they could be evacuated to hospital. As the tour ended, the truly unexpected happened when COVID arrived (it certainly wasn’t a serial during pre-deployment training). However, A Company adapted and overcame, despite the tour being extended and Above: 2 PARA Rapid Air Land from A400M on WESSEX STORM the constrained and frustrating living conditions. all ranks has made training and operations work. Closing Since returning from operations, we off 2020, there are several personnel changes within the have continued to work with COVID force protection Battalion Headquarters. Lt Col Taylor prepares to depart measures and adapted to ensure we can continue to train after over two years in command. He will be replaced and remain prepared for anything. In July, we deployed to by Lt Col Middleton at the start of 2021. WO1 (RSM) Sennybridge for company-level training, focusing on our Hobbs has commissioned and is now serving the battalion core skills, which were then tested during a battlegroup as the Unit Welfare Officer; WO1 (RSM) Marsden is exercise in September. All of this set us up well for the now in-post as the RSM after completing his RQMS (T) challenges of a six-week Air Manoeuvre Battlegroup appointment. Congratulations must go to Maj Hitchins, validation exercise on Salisbury Plain: Ex WESSEX who has promoted and is now completing ACSC STORM. This was a demanding but exciting training (virtually). We welcome Maj Moffat from the SCOTS, event. We even had the chance to test all ranks in a his successor, who has quickly become the COVID-lead subterranean environment at Corsham Mines. for 2 PARA. He has taken a particular interest in trialling It hasn’t all been work. LCpl Jack has represented both autonomous robotic vehicles. The team-sheet for 2021 is 2 PARA and the Infantry through his football skills, and strong; 2 PARA is well-set and ready to assume the Air Sgt Hughes has demonstrated the family ethos of the Manoeuvre Battlegroup role, and the inherent challenges Regiment, supporting an injured Falklands veteran at the that come with this, in July. Phoenix Heroes 48-hour carp fishing event. There have been a few farewells; Maj Thwaite has A Company moved to the sunny climates of Cyprus; Lt Gartside What a year… full of the highs that come with operational has moved to the colder climates of Harrogate. We deployments and demanding training but set against the congratulate Lt Frost who has been selected as the next uncertainty and unfamiliar environment of a global pandemic. Even as late as February, Below: Paratroopers conduct urban training at Copehill Down Village nobody would have believed what was to come and it is evidence of the quality of our people that they have delivered everything asked of them. The start of 2020 saw A Company deployed on operations, the majority on Op TORAL 9 as the New Kabul Compound Force Protection Company. The role included providing Advisor Force Protection for tasks within Kabul City in addition to a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) to deploy in support of Afghan Security Forces. The tour had high and low points. Tragically Pte Berry died; the eulogies from his peers were testament of what an exceptional character and friend he was. The A Company paratroopers

10 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS Patrols Platoon Commander. Fortunately, the NCOs have remained to welcome the new officers. 2020 has been like many years in some regards, operational deployments and major exercises, but set against the unique environment of the horrendously named ‘new normal’, which is anything but normal. What has been normal is the tremendous way A Company’s paratroopers have performed: exactly what should be expected from soldiers of The Parachute Regiment.

B Company B Company began the year where it left off in 2019 – on operations. Routine activity in Kabul was punctuated by the Mazari Day shooting, an incident that saw 32 civilians killed and another 60 injured. It was the first Above: A medals parade with a difference for those who deployed on OP TORAL major incident since the signing of the US- peace agreement. B Company provided some of that saw us complete a comprehensive live firing package, the first troops to arrive at the scene. The troops skilfully culminating with a land-on Helicopter Assault Force and professionally put into practice all that had been (HAF) mission with 3 Chinooks. rehearsed in training. We were well-placed to support local Following summer leave, B Company were straight security partners in dealing with the situation; the team back into action on Ex BLUE MAKITA. This exercise saw certainly got their ‘big day out’ in downtown Kabul. the company conduct the break-in for the battalion on to Despite significant COVID cases in the region, the Imber Village. We were fortunate enough to be augmented discipline and professional approach to the pandemic with our 173rd US Airborne colleagues on Ex WESSEX meant that support to operational output was never in STORM. Becoming a four-platoon company certainly jeopardy. Full credit must go to the most junior members added an element of complexity but for the better. for protecting our ability to operate. We were still able to Two B Company personnel were recognised at the support the Afghanistan National Army Officer Academy’s Regimental dinner night: Cpl Karaiskos, for his role on the mentors in the delivery of training to the 5,000th Officer 4 PARA training team, and CSgt Lambie for his work in Cadet; a significant milestone to the UK’s support to Falklands Platoon at PARA Company. Pte Shonfield’s and Afghanistan’s national security architecture. Pte Limbu’s 1* Commendations were also notable success We managed to conduct a medals parade for those stories, stemming from their excellent attention to detail deployed on Op TORAL. The occasion was a special event and soldiering prowess on Op TORAL 9. for all involved, where the contribution and hard work of This year saw the departure of Lt Corbett, WO2 (CSM) all those deployed was rightly celebrated. McGlynn and Sgt Bradley to PARA Company. CSgt B Company returned to work in July and were quick O’Donnell has moved back to the Operational Readiness to re-adjust back to conventional airborne soldiering. Wing at 1 PARA. Our ‘part-time PARA’, Lt Kirkwood This kicked off with Ex BLUE SHIELD in Sennybridge, RM, returned to the Corps as a Troop Commander at the Below: B Company 2 PARA conduct a live fire company attack on Salisbury Plain, as part of Commando Training Centre. We thank Ex WESSEX STORM them all for their sterling efforts and wish them best of luck for the future. Our link-up continued with the arrival of Lt Hallam on a short-term secondment from 45 Commando. Both RM Officers have added real value to the team, hopefully taking some useful lessons and ideas back to the Corps as well. CSgt Lambie has taken over the store and WO2 (CSM) Scott is now in-post as our senior soldier. This has been an exceptional year, both away on operations and with a renewed focus on airborne soldiering. B Company maintains a happy and healthy working environment that breeds determination to succeed and

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Above: 2 PARA conduct Battle Group Aviation Assault on WESSEX STORM an insatiable appetite for challenge. We look forward to RAF Honington. This facility allowed us to practise urban what comes next in 2021 and remain (as always), ready for room clearance drills in all light conditions with furniture, anything. debris and a speaker system to enhance the realism of the training. The final serials consisted of ‘blue bolt’ clearances C (Bruneval) Company using ‘simmunition’, against a live enemy which challenged Despite the reduction in activity due to COVID, this year Ptes and commanders alike. has still been exciting and challenging for C (Bruneval) The year was capped off by Ex WESSEX STORM, Company. The start of 2020 saw us split across multiple the capstone validation exercise on Salisbury Plain. deployments. A large number of soldiers deployed to Kabul Testing conditions and being driven hard gave us the on Op TORAL 9, and a select group deployed at short opportunity to show what we are made of. Determination, notice on Op SHADER. In and amongst all this activity, professionalism and teamwork was evident throughout. We C (Bruneval) Company also supported readiness taskings thoroughly enjoyed looking back to our roots, operating within 16 Air Assault Brigade. with airframes and working at pace. Following an unusual post-operational tour leave during WO2 (CSM) Hasty and Maj McMahon made time for the UK’s lockdown, we began build-up training for 2 a few beers to say goodbye to Lt Waters (PARA Coy), Sgt PARA’s high readiness commitment as the Air Manoeuvre Fitzpatrick (Training Wing) and to welcome Lt Meikle Battlegroup. This training began with Ex BLUE SHIELD, (RM), Lt Jordan (RM), 2Lt Fennell, 2Lt Thomas, Sgt a ‘back to basics’ exercise including live fire tactical training Satchell (3 PARA) and Sgt Satchwell (PARA Coy). to refresh conventional soldiering skills. We worked Ex WESSEX STORM provided fantastic training through multiple repetitions, relishing the opportunity opportunities; we had support from both air and aviation, to get back to what we do best: field soldiering! There albeit with the inherent frictions that come with working was also opportunity to relax and begin to cohere as a alongside the RAF! This was a great opportunity to company again after spending months apart. improve our air skills and get ready to operate out of Ex BLUE MAKITA swiftly followed. This saw the aircraft. C (Bruneval) Coy finished the year in a strong battalion deploy to Salisbury Plain to rehearse the position to take on 2021, whatever it may bring. mechanisms that go with operating at the battlegroup- level. For C (Bruneval) Company, this meant practising D Company independent movement in support of the wider 2020 has been a milestone year for D Company; it saw battlegroup effort, including: raids, operating in built-up our specialist paratroopers on operations for the first time areas, and fighting in woods and forests. Final training in years, executing as one of two battlegroups on Op prior to validation on Ex WESSEX STORM involved TORAL 9 as well as other tasks in support of national fitness, navigation, medical, and signals training. The security objectives. The company distinguished itself highlight of this period was the Close Quarters Battle throughout:The Signals Platoon expertly maintaining (CQB) training conducted at the urban skills facility in vital communications across four disparate nodes in Kabul;

12 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS Patrols and Snipers Pl provided security for the Brigadier culmination in 2 PARA being validated for high readiness commanding the Kabul Security Force (KSF) and the has been rewarding for all members of the platoon and is staff providing the horsepower to keep KSF running a testament to their hard work and technical ability. The smoothly through intense periods of transition. On return Signals Platoon has had a fantastic year, now having the to the UK, D Company immediately shifted focus to Ex most operational experience within its ranks than it has WESSEX STORM, the validation exercise that will allow had for ten years. 2 PARA to assume the Air Manoeuvre Battlegroup role in 2021. COVID has been the undercurrent throughout Patrols and Snipers Platoon the year, but the paratroopers of D Company were Most of the platoon deployed on Op TORAL 9 in resilient and disciplined, adhering relentlessly to protection a force protection role. The team conducted escort measures and not letting the uncertainty affect them in a and security patrols, as well as the softer ‘find’, ‘feel’ single instance. and ‘understand’ tasks around Kabul in support of the This year has seen the departure of the former . Working as part Company Commander from the USA, now Lt Col of the 2 YORKS Battlegroup, the platoon upheld the Bush, who left to take command of a Stryker Battalion finest traditions of The Parachute Regiment. Sgt Fox in . His replacement, Maj Showman (also from received a 3* Commendation for his efforts to promote the USA), initially served as SO2 J3/5 for KSF and later helicopter reconnaissance, and both LCpl Fogarty and enjoying the fine December weather on Salisbury Plain. LCpl O’Donnell received a 1* Commendation for their This year also marks the departure of WO2 (CSM) Ireland, reconnaissance packs – all highly deserving. who leaves the company in the capable hands of WO2 (CSM) McMahon, to become RQ (T) at the Military Training and Mobilisation Centre.

Signals Platoon At the turn of the year, the Signals Platoon was still deployed on Op TORAL 9 in Kabul, Afghanistan. The platoon supported elements of 2 PARA in several locations around Kabul, fulfilling a range of roles from communication detachment commanders, signallers, foxhound drivers and task line guardian angels. After some well-deserved post- operational tour leave, the Signals Platoon re-convened in Colchester at the end of June with empty wallets and full lockdown beer bellies. The team hit the ground running in order to support the company detachments Above: 2 PARA rehearse Close Quarter Battle drills on Ex BLUE SHIELD, a two-week exercise on Salisbury Plain to shake-out the battalion The platoon returned from operations in April for a and retrain in conventional soldering skills after being well-deserved leave period. The usual churn continued dedicated to the unique nature of Op TORAL 9 for for some during this time: both Cpl Warburton and Cpl the previous 12-months. The Battlegroup Headquarters Hawthorne attended the Section Commanders’ Battle element also used this as an opportunity to practise the Course. Incredibly, both achieved ‘double distinctions’ and combat estimate and planning process. top student awards, setting the standard and example for The next stop was a battlegroup-led exercise back on others to follow. Salisbury Plain in September, to hone manoeuvre and skills Once reconvened in Colchester, the platoon deployed ahead of the upcoming validation exercise: Ex WESSEX on Ex BLUE SHIELD on Sennybridge Training Area. STORM. The Signals Platoon took full advantage of the This two-week package gave the soldiers a chance to CO’s Innovation Fund and experimented with new tents return to a conventional role, having spent the bulk of and generators to enable more agile command and control. the past 18 months in a contingency role. It also provided The platoon also implemented a new computer system consolidation that enabled the platoon to complete vital in MAIN Headquarters, allowing collaborative working preparation for readiness in 2021. between staff, and giving the tent a very modern look. On returning to work in September, the platoon Validation this year took place on Salisbury Plain, instead participated in Ex DELTA TITAN. This exercise was of the usual stomping ground in Kenya. based around the Battlecraft Syllabus model and provided The year has been run at a fast pace despite the an opportunity to refine conventional skills at the lowest pandemic, from Kabul to Kenya… well Salisbury, but its level. Driver training took precedence during this period;

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 13 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces the platoon now has a mobile capability which has been Standards gapped for almost ten-years. Thanks to the hard work Course in of many, the Intelligence Surveillance Target Acquisition Warminster. Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capability now includes six Following Revised Weapons-Mounted Installation Kits (RWMIKs). summer leave, The platoon then deployed on Ex BLUE MAKITA where the platoon they worked alongside the newly formed ISTAR Group deployed on in support of battlegroup-led missions. The platoon closed numerous the year out deployed on Ex WESSEX STORM, where all exercises, the past six-months’ training were validated and tested. working This period has seen a transformation in the Patrols and towards the Snipers Platoon. The Platoon Commander changed hands resumption whereby Capt Aymard handed over the reins to Capt Frost. of the Air A fond farewell goes to Cpl Smithurst. He has hung up his Manoeuvre binoculars to train recruits at PARA Company: God help Battlegroup us! role. The platoon Assault Engineers (AE) Platoon continues to The Assault Engineers Platoon have had an excellent year, perform well supporting the wider 2 PARA Battlegroup. The platoon on courses. deployed on Op TORAL 9, integrated across all protection Four Ptes have functions with representation across the Kabul Base completed Cluster. On return from operations and leave, the platoon the Potential began a long rebuilding process under the direction of Sgt Junior NCO Abols, the new Platoon Sergeant. The vision is to return Cadre (Drill the platoon to Op HERRICK-era capability in terms of and Duties); both manpower and equipment by the summer of 2021. Pte Anderson This project is already well underway. and Pte Above: 2 PARA Mortars live firing during the During the summer training period, the platoon Horgan both Mortar Cadre conducted low-level training in camp, Explosive Method achieved an of Entry (EMOE) ranges, counter-mobility training, and A- grade. At the Specialist Weapons School, three LCpls tree felling. The team also began planning for the first have completed the Mortar Standards Course, and Cpl Assault Engineers cadre for several years. Tasker has completed the Mortar Advanced Course, all During large-scale exercises at the back end of 2020, performing well above the already high course standards. the platoon supported Rifle Company training, becoming The platoon has bid farewell to some long-serving experts on the Infantry Assault Bridge. The ranges members. Cpl Pott promoted to Sgt and has now provided the soldiers with great opportunities to practise reallocated to 3 PARA. Sgt Franklin has posted to 4 live the skills they have refined for months. While the year PARA after 10 unbroken years in the platoon; Sgt Griffith ahead will not be without its challenges, the platoon is posted to the Parachute Training Support Unit at Brize looking forward to meeting them head on! Norton, and Sgt Richardson has posted to an exciting new role in the cyber world. After 13 unbroken years in the Support Company platoon, CSgt ‘The Wizard’ Deacon has left for pastures This year has seen a wide variety of activity for Support new at 4 PARA as the Senior Permanent Instructor. The Company. It began with the vast majority deployed on platoon is indebted to them all and we wish them luck in operations, a period of post-operational tour leave, and their new endeavours. Their replacements, in line with the then an interesting training progression to be ready to take Regiment’s cross-pollination policy, bring a plethora of over high readiness early in 2021. From the Company recent operational experience. Headquarters, Maj Ratcliff has handed over to Maj Bryning to head to Shrivenham for Staff College. WO2 Machine Gun Platoon (CSM) Bullingham departed for the Military Training Following some well-deserved post-operational tour and Mobilisation Centre and has been replaced by WO2 leave, the platoon reconvened and immediately began (CSM) Hope, returning from the Specialist Weapons progression activity to prepare for Ex WESSEX STORM. School. The priority has been to requalify the platoon in their core competencies, ensuring any skill fade over the past Mortar Platoon year is quickly rectified. The standard of teaching by the Following the return from operations, the platoon section commanders continues to be excellent, especially reformed in June for the annual cadre on Salisbury Plain. during a four-week exercise on Salisbury Plain. Only a This saw 11 new Ptes qualify as Mortarman, while 10 tracer ban prevented the platoon fully requalifying. existing mortarmen completed the Mortar Executive After summer leave, the focus quickly changed to Cadre. Sgt Chester and Sgt Sheed equipped these ensuring the platoon learnt the skills required to act as a students well, in preparation for attendance on the Mortar mounted Fire Support Group. A short live firing package

14 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS followed, prior to deployment on Ex WESSEX STORM. This year we have said farewell to Sgt Oellermann, who The exercise has proven a unique opportunity to train, has been posted to PARA Company as a Sgt Instructor, despite a national lockdown, and the end result will see the and to Sgt Smith who has been posted to the Specialist platoon in the best possible place to assume readiness in Weapon School. Sgt Lloyd has arrived from PARA 2021. Company, and Sgt Fraenzel from the Military Training Sgt Nelson has been posted to PARA Company where and Mobilisation Centre, as our new section commanders. he will be an invaluable resource to his training team. They join at an exciting time. Finally, we welcome CSgt Curtis to the platoon as the new 2IC. Headquarters Company At the start of the New Year, Headquarters Company Anti-Tank Platoon was split to the four winds, across the Rear Operations Since recovery from operations and post-operational tour Group (ROG) and operations. Maj Turner was in Kabul, leave, the platoon’s efforts have been geared towards Ex as Deputy Chief of Staff of the Kabul Security Force, WESSEX STORM and the resumption of UK readiness WO2 (CSM) Gayer ran the ROG, and CSgt Wilson was as the Air Manoeuvre Battlegroup. A successful cadre fortunate to deploy to Kabul as a Multiple Commander period in July saw a fresh crop of new, enthusiastic Ptes With a UK lockdown in force and weeks of post- joining our ranks. This pushed manning to 100%, a operational tour leave to be enjoyed, the company didn’t privilege the platoon has gone without for some time. reform properly until July. On return, the focus quickly ‘Back to basics’ has been the overarching aim of this shifted to preparing for audits and inspections, but also year, refreshing our specialist skill set. Mobility training recreating the Battlegroup Logistics Officer team. was conducted in the form of Revised Weapons-Mounted Installation Kit (RWMIK) driver and commander courses, Quartermaster’s Department and an invaluable Platform Weapon Operators course on It is almost a cliché, but the logistic plates of the Salisbury Plain in concert with Machine Gun Platoon. Quartermaster’s Department never stop spinning. Maj Thereby, we can now provide the battlegroup with the Ewen (from the ROG) and Capt Getty (from Kabul) ability to man and operate a fully-resourced mounted worked incessantly on the ROG working in tandem Fire Support Group. Joint live firing was conducted with QM (T) - Capt Si Getty - who was deployed with French counterparts from 2 Régiment Étranger de working feverously to bring the battalion back from two Parachutists, which saw Javelin, NLAW, Milan, ERYX operational tours. Capt Getty and WO2 (RQMS) Skinner and AT4 rockets fired in an impressive show of capability. also found the time to organise and compete in a deployed We have continued to build these key relationships and PARAS’10 competition in Kabul. Over £3,000 was interoperability procedures with these important partners raised for SUPPORT OUR PARAS. through joint training and an understanding of each The annual logistics inspections came and went with yet other’s tactics and procedures. another high performance attributed to the department.

Below: Support Company 2 PARA provide Fire Support for a Company Live Fire attack

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 15 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces Adaptable as ever, the team have done a sterling job of support the various sub-unit deployments. overcoming the ever-changing requirements to enable The Rheinmetall Mission Master autonomous robotic a challenging training progression on Ex WESSEX vehicle has played a key part in the LAD’s development; STORM, despite all other constraints. specifically, Sgt Besperat qualified as a level-3 expert on the platform. We say farewell to WO2 (AQMS) Upton Motor Transport Platoon who leaves not only on promotion but having received Sgt Abotsi’s impressive work in Kabul must not go a 1* Commendation for his efforts in Kabul. He is ably unmentioned. He completely overhauled the Civilian replaced by WO2 (AQMS) Rose who brings yet another Armoured Vehicle (CAV) fleet to significantly increase gear and a wealth of expertise. capability; he was rightfully recognised for his efforts with a 1* Commendation. Capt Lane, the MTO, was fortunate Catering Platoon enough to pretend to be Special Forces whilst deployed Like most of the battalion, the Catering Platoon has but continued to ensure driving training continued to supported events across the world. This saw the chefs prepare the battalion for the future. support not only our own soldiers, but also the contracts The platoon was tasked with implementing the team. On return from operations, the focus quickly Rheinmetall Mission Master autonomous vehicle platform shifted to deploying field kitchens on large-scale exercises. on Ex WESSEX STORM. This is an intriguing concept The quality of the food – and service – has been utterly with lots of promise, so watch this space. exceptional, as ever. WO2 (RCWO) Keech has moved to Brigade Light Aid Detachment Headquarters as the Brigade Catering Warrant Officer The Light Aid Detachment (LAD) has remained an (BCWO), replaced by WO2 (RCWO) Sillence who has integral part of the battalion, supporting all activity. The a plethora of experiences within the Brigade already. team remain utterly committed and are often found Sgt Gurung has moved on promotion whilst Sgt working late in the day in pursuit of perfection. The Cranston-Walters swaps his blue flash for a green one. An LAD has overseen many changes, switching focus from exceptional year from the team. supporting Jackal to the much simpler Revised Weapons- Mounted Installation Kit (RWMIK). In the run up to Ex Welfare Department WESSEX STORM, the detachment shaped all equipment After the Christmas festivities had become a distant support, whilst also maintaining normal battle rhythm to memory, families started counting down to the end of Below: Ex WESSEX STORM saw 2 PARA train with both French and US counterparts on Salisbury Plain, ready to take over as the Air Manoeuvre Battlegroup role in 2021

16 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS Corps (AGC) detachment more than any other. With the requirement for multiple clerks to deploy, Capt Harley had minimal support with which to service the important activity within the Rear Operations Group (ROG). It is not surprising, therefore, that awards were aplenty for the team, to Capt Harley, SSgt Speer, Cpl Gurung, LCpl Annett. ‘Soldier First’ training packages, exercises, and the Command and Staff Trainer (CAST) reflect only some of the activity that the team has supported this year. The detachment has also been working alongside the Signals Platoon to make both hardware and software improvements. To do so, the team conducted various Above: 2 PARA having disembarked from RAF and French A400Ms on WESSEX STORM training sessions on Electronic operational deployments. The Welfare Department came Working Practices (EWP) and the in to action, organising trips to ‘Harry Potter Studios’ and recording, management and movement of information. ‘Jump Street’, certainly welcome distractions. In a clear demonstration of the strength of the team, The COVID lockdown presented a significant test for there was an incredible number of promotions this year, Capt Groves and his team. How does someone get food unmatched anywhere else in both the AGC and in 2 for their young children, when their partner is deployed, PARA. To Sgt: Cpl Balaam, Cpl Gurung, Cpl Mamicha; to the childminder can’t help, with no access to a car? The Cpl: LCpl Annett, LCpl Weatherston; to LCpl: Pte Haque. Welfare team forced solutions through, ably supported by members of the Rear Operations Group (ROG), Regimental Aid Post providing struggling families with assistance to ease the During Op TORAL 9, the daily concern was from the stress during this unprecedented event. For their efforts, non-kinetic ever-present threat of a diarrhoea or vomiting the ROG was awarded the Colonel-in-Chief Trophy by outbreak. However, COVID presented an entirely new Lt Gen Sir Lorimer (virtually): the best sub-unit across the challenge, especially with so much of the force deployed Regiment. This was thoroughly deserved; well done to the The Regimental Aid Post (RAP) were exemplary, team, made up of all ranks. working around the clock to react to short-notice changes Post-lockdown, the team changed tack to delivering fun to direction, innovatively finding solutions with little and excitement to our families. The Welfare team spent support. Pandemic aside, the RAP’s Battlefield Advanced £10,000 on vouchers for activities that enabled families Trauma Life Support (BATLS) instructors used every to enjoy themselves inside their own bubble. After a hectic opportunity to enhance medical training through multiple couple of years in-post, Capt Groves moved to Battalion Team Medic courses and realistic training events. Sgt Headquarters as the Training Officer (which may or may Browne and Cpl McCarron were recognised for their not be a rest). On behalf of the families and soldiers of 2 immense support whilst deployed. PARA, thank you for all your hard work and efforts. On return from post-operational tour leave, the RAP Newly commissioned Capt Hobbs took quickly to reformed and quickly reset to its normal configuration the role, looking for his own methods to deliver fun and to support an array of exercises. We bid farewell to Sgt respite for families. Firstly, a rather different Halloween. Roddis; congratulations on being selected for a Late Entry Fun was brought to the doors this year, in the form of (LE) commission. Sgt Stewart moves on promotion and sweets and treats delivered by the Welfare Department Sgt Browne will take over as the Med Sgt, an impressive (who were suitably dressed to scare for the occasion). start so far. Maj Baum has left for pastures new after a Sadly, we say goodbye to Padre Harding who has had year in-post. Within a week of arriving at 2 PARA, his an enormous impact across all our soldiers and their replacement, Maj Henderson, was pulled away to support families. The most Airborne of Padres (reference ‘gringo’ Ex JOINT ENDEAVOUR, returning just in time for Ex moustache), he did more than shepherd his flock, he WESSEX STORM. increased it tenfold. He has left for a sunnier climate in Similarly to the start of the year, the RAP was on Cyprus, handing over to Padre Meikle who we first met in their feet throughout Ex WESSEX STORM, supporting Kabul at the start of the year, as Padre 2 YORKS. COVID isolation and quarantine requirements. The exercise wouldn’t have worked without their non-stop Adjutant General Corps Detachment efforts. The year’s deployments stretched the Adjutant General A year not quite like any other; a first-rate effort.

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 17 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment

For many, 2020 will be remembered for the impact of that log!). COVID-19. For 3 PARA, the global pandemic gave us a 3 PARA has demonstrated the effectiveness and few extra weeks at home and some additional planning utility of Airborne Forces across the spectrum of conflict factors to consider as we pressed on through a manic this year: parachuting into Ukraine to deter potential year of operational deployments, commitments and adversaries (Op SOLIDARITY); demonstrating our ability other tasks. to project to Africa to conduct a NEO (Ex ASKARI 2020 was supposed to begin with a fairly standard STORM) or clear streets of rowdy crowds in the UK; deployment to Kenya for Ex ASKARI STORM, but and deploying on operations around the world, all while crisis in the Middle East meant A Company and those holding troops at VHR to respond to crisis. It’s been busy, who were due to support our Exercise remained in the but we are mostly happy paratroopers having had plenty of UK. We built another exercise in flight and exploited time in the field (where the Gungy Third loves to be) and the opportunity to conduct a non-combatant evacuation on operations, improving ourselves as a fighting force and operation to demonstrate our wider utility beyond demonstrating that the Reg remains a force for good and warfighting. We returned to the UK to find a country for all seasons. Airborne. in the midst of a pandemic and soon found ourselves in lockdown and forced to adopt some novel remote A Company working practices. We were the first unit to begin training 2020 for A Company has been a year of reacting to the again though, and our experiences informed some of the impact of global events. As tensions in the Middle East collective training policies that have enabled the Army to reached dangerous levels in January, A Coy was held back get back into the field. We had to train though, not just in the UK at VHR as the AMBG’s Lead Company Group because 3 PARA loves the field, but because we were due (LCG) whilst the remainder of the battalion deployed to to assume the Army’s Very High Readiness (VHR) Air Kenya on Ex ASKARI STORM. With the same training Manoeuvre Battlegroup (AMBG-1) in June. objectives to meet as the battalion in Kenya we quickly Since then, we have deployed over 300 on operations in planned our own series of exercises, allowing us to the Balkans, Middle East and Ukraine, delivered countless reach our company validation whilst also enhancing our other outputs, and conducted an excellent set of specialist readiness in the event of any deployment. The rumours platoon cadres (important ‘Regification’ for our Toms) that the only planning guidance was to use as many to bring Support and D (Patrols) Companies up to full training areas as possible were false, although we managed strength. The Rifle Companies have taken a bit of a hit to sample the delights of Lydd, Thetford and Brecon. As there, so we’re placing a lot of trust in Depot to keep those felt by the battalion, the Army and the international media, Joes coming through (see you in the Reg, Joe – stay on an unexpected event of unprecedented proportions hit

18 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS A Company in March - the inaugural LCG Volleyball patrolling through to a sobering visit to the Srebrenica Championships. Although ESPN pulled out at the last Memorial museum. minute, it was their loss as Machine Guns defeated 1 Since our return we have re-focused on urban training Platoon in a hotly contested final; the subsequent request and re-building the Company after the Specialist Platoon for a Guns compulsory drug test was perceived as bad cadres. The soldiers have once again excelled themselves form. during a challenging year and continue to maintain the As COVID hit and 3 PARA moved into lockdown, standard. We have said goodbye to Maj Jackson, WO2 it was clear that training wouldn’t stop. Preparation for Bull, a raft of Pl Comds and NCOs and 13 Toms as they Battalion urban exercise and public order training as well move over to the Specialist Platoons. All will be missed as an impending deployment to Bosnia as part of the but A Coy will continue to maintain the standards of its enduring Intermediate Regional Reserve Coy (IRRC) forebears. ensured that the Company had plenty of material for distance learning; using the internet for something B Company educational was for some a revolutionary experience! 2020 has been an exciting year for B Company, even As we returned to work in May and Gillette once again with the many challenges that COVID-19 has brought. benefitted from Army regulations, we finally had the The early part of the year saw B Coy hand over LCG to chance to practise public order in person. The enthusiasm A Coy, and then deploy with the rest of the battalion to for this sort of training has been a recurring theme this Kenya for Ex ASKARI STORM. A challenging exercise, year and if anybody ever feels the need to question the but a fantastic opportunity to train in some of the harshest ferocity of a paratrooper in action, they should watch a terrain on the planet. Tom targeting their mates in the shield wall for a good On return to the UK, the impact of the COVID-19 shoeing while playing enemy! epidemic was just becoming apparent. In order to protect The theme for summer was more training, covering our people and their families, B Coy had to disperse, and urban and Bosnia specific training for Op ELGIN. The join the rest of the nation working from home. With challenge of converting to Foxhound vehicles was as alien a little imagination (and a lot of technology) the Coy to paratroopers as inviting the Adjutant on a night out made the most of this. The highlight being a combined but was attacked with the professionalism that we would effort to run 8,000 miles to Mt Longdon, in time for expect; conducting GPMG shoots from moving vehicles the anniversary of the battle. In total the company raised was a real highlight and a reward for the dedication that £1500 for SUPPORT OUR PARAS. Many thanks to all the Company had shown throughout another period of our supporters, and the Paratroopers from B Coy’s ‘Class of intensive training. 82’ who joined us on Strava and put the miles in. August saw a two-month deployment to Bosnia via a As we got to grips with operating under COVID-19 two-week all-expenses paid stay at Swynnerton Camp; conditions, it became clear that with the right safety with facilities from WW2 and a menu from Crimea, it measures, we could still train effectively as a Coy. B Coy was quarantine that was universally regarded as the most came together for multiple exercises to prepare for re- challenging part of the deployment. Once we deployed, assuming LCG in September, including urban operations we launched into training with other nations under the and public order training, all without any cases of COVID. EUFOR banner; our Below: 3 PARA conduct urban training with Ukrainian Paratroopers departure from the EU and the increasing acceptance that this would be the last such deployment didn’t prevent all parties from getting the best from the experience. The validation exercise in Capljina gave us the opportunity to move the Company in Foxhounds through the mountains and conduct a number of tactical actions. It also gave the REME the opportunity to send part of Bosnia back into the Dark Ages by knocking over an electricity pylon. Outside of training, we took every opportunity to experience the Company in a range of activity from local civil engagement during routine

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 19 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces C Company C Coy’s 2020 has been a tale of three halves: Kenya at the beginning of the year and urban training at the back-end have sandwiched a COVID filling. Ex ASKARI STORM was atypical, testing the battalion in a NEO environment before allowing the Rifle Coys to excel at their bread and butter activity (the bakery metaphors stop here). C Coy demonstrated their flexibility during the NEO, drawing particular praise for their ability to respond to situations across the spectrum of conflict. The COVID phase of the year posed a significant risk to C Coy being prepared to take over the Lead Company Group (LCG) commitment in May. This was managed by Above: 3 PARA Mortars fire the 81mm mortar on Salisbury Plain dispersing the Coy and conducting training at reach through a range September saw B Coy reassume LCG and immediately of platforms, and co-locating to achieve the necessary demonstrate its readiness by isolating for a very short training to meet our requirements as the lead for the notice deployment. B Coy jumped into Ukraine, as AMBG. Urban and public order training rounded this off, part of Ex JOINT ENDEAVOUR. B Coy, along with with the Regimental Medical Officer earning his pay by attachments, formed the fighting component of 16 weaving some medical magic to allow the Coy to maintain Brigade’s Lead Assault Force (LAF). This 250-strong its readiness. airborne force strategically inserted into Ukraine and Handing over the LCG gave the Coy the space to conducted a partnered opposed river crossing alongside conduct Air Assault training with Puma helicopters from our brothers and sisters in the Ukrainian 80th Separate the RAF and the well-trodden paths of the Brecon Air Assault Brigade. A historic jump and a fantastic Beacons for navigation, culminating in the Fan Dance. The chance to train in a challenging environment. The cadre period was successful with C Coy soldiers providing exercise culminated in a 551m river crossing, with B Coy the most privates to D and Sp Coys. This was due to the elements air assaulting on to the far bank (all within range Toms grafting across each of the cadres and Pte Walmsley of Russian federation artillery), while the president of earning particular mention as Top Student on the Sigs Ukraine watched. cadre. The Coy ends the year as it started, with a kernel of The end of the year saw many of B Coy’s senior exceptional NCOs and a raft of keen junior soldiers, ready soldiers move to D and Sp Coy to start careers in specialist to be crafted into an exceptionally capable fighting force platoons. The remainder of the Coy, reinforced by new made up of gungy paratroopers. arrivals, went off on exercise to master fighting in the There have been a number of moves both into and urban environment, followed by a well-earned Christmas out of the Coy, as part of the usual churn of soldiers and break. young officers. Lts George Sinclair and Hugh Risk have Sadly, B Coy has had to say goodbye to some old moved to 1 PARA, and Lt Jordan Emmitt AAC, who was friends. CSM Barrett has become RQMS at the Infantry attached to us for a short period, returns to his Apache Battle School. CSgt Smith MC is now CSM Smith MC flight training (yawn). and has moved down the corridor to A Coy. Sgt Miskella Maj Louis MacLaren moved across from D (Patrols) has left 5 Pl 3 PARA and moved to 5 Pl 2 PARA. Cpl Coy in September to cover Maj Howard’s temporary Taylor has left Coy HQ on promotion and is now 3 absence (on operations), at the same time as 2Lt Ben Arkell PARA’s Provost Sgt. We’ve also said goodbye to Cpls took over 7 Pl. Ben’s achievements at RMAS, P Coy Fairbairn and Whybrow. and IBS preceded him so, to keep his ego in check, Sgt We have the pleasure of welcoming many new faces to Denikiewicz was appointed as his Pl Sgt. CSgt Wiltshire the Coy. Capt Joyce has joined B Coy from 4 PARA as has taken over the stores and, combined with the CSM, our Coy 2IC. WO2 Hunt took over as CSM at the start there is now a worrying number of blackshirts in senior of the COVID Pandemic, CSgt Humphreys joined us as positions in the Coy. The Coy is well-set for the New Year CQMS just in time to deploy to Ukraine. Sgt Thomas has with gruelling Brecon exercises planned for January, to joined us from A Coy to become Pl Sgt 5 Pl. Cpls Porter make the most of the climate. With two potential Section and Williams have joined the Guards PARA Pl. 2021 Commanders on SCBC and another soldier on Drill promises to be another exciting year, that B Coy are very and Duties, the future of the Coy is assured and having much looking forward to. overcome and excelled this year it has proved it is ready for anything.

20 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS D (Ptls) Company members of the platoon have gained civilian qualifications Coy Headquarters to fly drones. Flying is buckshee so now they’re a bit like As for so many organisations, 2020 has been a unique Apache pilots with ally webbing. Lots of units are using year for D (Ptls) Coy. A Coy already widespread across the drones, but the Patrols have developed some TTPs that battalion became even more dispersed, communicating should bring genuinely useful capability to the PARA Bns; over skype and emails! Despite the obvious difficulties we look forward to proving that next year. In between we busily supported the battalion on operations and the larger battalion level exercises the Platoon have taken exercises in the UK and overseas. In the Autumn all every opportunity to deliver lower level training whether platoons delivered excellent cadres despite the restrictions that be a navigation week down in Brecon or medical and difficulties caused by COVID 19. At times the training alongside the Pathfinders. It is our mastery of basic management of ‘bubbles’ and ‘cohorts’ proving more skills that gives us the edge as paratroopers, arriving at the complex than the tracking of sniper sections, recce patrols battlefield in the right place and ready to fight! Several and signals dets. As a result of all the hard work, the Coy individuals have performed well on Drill and Duties is fully manned with soldiers who have completed an gaining top grades and distinctions. arduous selection process and the future looks bright. As always there have been several changes of personnel Sniper Platoon during the year. Maj Louis Maclaren has moved 40m The Sniper Platoon continues to contribute towards the down the corridor becoming OC C Coy and was replaced Battle Group find and strike capabilities with the flexibility by Maj Ian McCaul. In December CSgt Andrew Cross to work as a platoon or be sent out to the Rifle Coys. completed his 22 years of service and was replaced as This ability to deploy in small teams offers plenty of Assistant Intelligence Officer by Sgt Joe Hill. opportunities to deploy abroad. Following the battalion’s Although there has been limited opportunity for sport deployment to Kenya on Ex ASKARI STORM members and adventure training, D (Ptls) Coy has participated on the platoon have jumped into Ukraine and deployed where possible. Members of the Coy have represented the to Bosnia with A Coy. This year Cpl Rogerson became battalion in a range of sports from football to British Army the first member of the platoon to ‘deploy’ over Zoom Warrior Fitness. Overall we remain fit and motivated and as part of a Short Term Training Team, delivering Jungle well placed to provide 3 PARA with snipers, recce soldiers Warfare instruction to Densus 88 (Indonesia’s Special and signallers. We now look forward to 2021 and the build Counter Terrorism Unit). The benefits of working from up to in April. the comfort of a hotel in Folkstone were negated by the time difference, which required a nocturnal pattern of Patrols Platoon life, and he got no Living Overseas Allowance! In June, Captain Max Ramsden took over from Karl Christie the Sniper Platoon sent a pair to the HDPRCC sniper and has performed exceptionally well on the Light Role competition, finishing second in a competitive field. Recce Commanders’ Course. Capt Christie moves on to Much of this year’s training has been focused on the urban teach at the Infantry Battle School. CSgt Craig Greenfield environment which has meant the Platoon has worked has moved across to the Signals Store as CQMS and has Below: .50 Live Firing from WMIK on 3 PARA’s Support Company Cadres been replaced by CSgt Dean Dunne who has joined from 2 PARA. Early on in the year, Ex ASKARI STORM offered an excellent opportunity to develop the platoon’s mounted capability, increasing our range and improving our ability to move quickly across the battlefield. Since returning, our main effort has been mastering the urban environment, the most likely location for future operations. It is here we have trained to establish urban observation posts and developed our ability to conduct raids. The platoon has also invested into trialling the use of Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS, commonly known as drones). Several

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 21 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces taken over as the Company Quartermaster Sergeant (CQMS) for the Signals Platoon and Cpl Saville who re-joins the platoon to head up the Alternate Command Post. In addition, CSgt Canter says farewell to the Platoon Store and takes on the role of Bowman Systems Manager (BSM), a pivotal role within 3 PARA with a steep learning curve. Finally, congratulations to the newly promoted WO2 Dudley who steps in as the new RSWO, having formerly served as the BSM. The year kicked off with a bang as the battalion deployed to Kenya on Ex ASKARI STORM, seeing the platoon conduct trials on new equipment and tactics, techniques Above: Fire Control during an urban assault and procedures. This entailed the use of specialist power-management hard carrying out urban stalks and establishing observation equipment, which allowed our Main Command Post to posts, either in wood lines looking into a town or from run silently for a period without the use of generators or within buildings. Alongside the more regular exercises, the running of an engine of any kind (which was weird!). the Platoon has developed its fast roping competencies, Arriving back from Kenya, the Platoon locked down giving us another method entry into complex terrain. along with the rest of the nation. Work did not stop, The patrol medics have also delivered some and the Platoon continued earning their pay remotely. invaluable advanced training to the Platoon, an important This entailed an intensive remote training program capability when operating in small teams at reach. There for our signallers and myriad Skype meetings for the have been some excellent performances on career courses staff. Lockdown also presented an opportunity for the with members of the platoon gaining distinctions on Drill CQMS to conduct essential activity in the stores, with and Duties and, in October, the Top Student. Five soldiers consummate support from Private Wright. who performed well on the cadres have recently moved Private O’Keefe nobly exemplified the Army value of across from the Rifle Coys. selfless commitment by carrying out voluntary work at his hometown of Seaham: assisting civil authorities and Signals Platoon emergency services whilst delivering food and supplies Changing personalities, overseas exercises, contribution to to vulnerable people within his community. A Parachute global operations and an ongoing worldwide pandemic: Regiment veteran who was coordinating the work noticed it is true that every entry into the Pegasus Journal seems his efforts and contacted D (Ptls) Coy to praise O’Keefe’s to be ‘a busy period for the Signals Platoon’, but this efforts. His contribution ensured that vulnerable citizens one is perhaps one of the most extraordinary. Interest of the Seaham community were supported during the in remote working has intensified and appetite for a lockdown period. Fantastic work. dispersed staff to work collaboratively is greater than As government regulations eased, Battalion training rose ever before. COVID-19 has arguably accelerated this commensurately. Amongst other exercises, the Platoon century’s characteristic information age, and this places took part in Ex GREEN STRIKE, which saw our a greater emphasis on the Signals Platoon’s core business Regimental Signallers practice achieving communications of Communication Information Systems (CIS) than ever in an urban setting: increasingly relevant in the current before. operating environment. First, we say a sad farewell to several members of the The Signals Platoon sent a detachment to Bosnia platoon. WO2 Hughes, who served as the Regimental with A Coy on Op ELGIN’s ‘Operational Rehearsal Signals Warrant Officer (RSWO) and was a well-known 2’, which saw a multi-national force rehearse several face around the battalion, has moved on and is now operational contingency plans. During this year’s rehearsal, broadening his skills as an analyst at the Land Warfare the detachment provided communications services in a Centre. Cpl Young has been posted to the Infantry complex environment, whilst practising contingency plans Training Centre in Catterick as an instructor. Cpl Pryor such as securing legacy weapon and ammunition storage has left the Army to begin his civilian career. Other sites and recovering liaison and observation teams from soldiers have moved on to specialist duties elsewhere in the dispersed locations. This was achieved using a mixture of Regiment. To all those leaving us: goodbye for now, and highly specialised communications equipment. safe landings. Towards the latter portion of the year, the platoon ran We welcome back both CSgt Greenfield who has its specialist cadre on (STANTA)

22 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS in Thetford, Norfolk. The cadre takes place annually, 2021 fully manned and in a good position for what will be and trains paratroopers to specialise as radio operators undoubtedly another busy year. whilst providing fundamental insight into survivability and emission control (EMCON) on the multi-domain Machine Gun Platoon battlefield. There was a special focus on beyond line of 2020 has been one of the busiest years for the Machine sight (BLOS) systems including High-frequency (HF) and Gun Platoon. This year has incorporated multiple overseas Tactical Satellite (TacSat) communications: anticipating exercises as well as supporting multinational operations. deployment on global operations and working at reach as At the start of the year, whilst COVID was building in the part of the Air Manoeuvre Battlegroup (AMBG). Some UK, the Machine Gun Platoon tucked itself away in an students go on to join the platoon, whilst others return isolated corner of Kenya (Archers Post). During the first to the rifle companies to distribute the critical skills and phase of Ex ASKARI STORM the platoon spent time on knowledge among their platoons. RWMIKs, revisiting and relearning some of the long-lost At the time of writing, the platoon is preparing to skills of RWMIK off-road driver training. With RWMIK support Ex GREEN CITADEL, a demanding urban training complete, the platoon turned its attention to live skills package which will take place on STANTA. This firing. This period was cut extremely short after causing will test not only our Regimental Signallers’ ability to an almighty bush fire that resulted in the platoon spending communicate in the urban environment, but also presents the remainder of the day fire beating. However, more an opportunity to maintain services between multiple luck was had during the CALFEX phase using just ball Command Posts. This will be excellent preparation for our ammunition. Returning from Kenya saw the Battalion go battlegroup validation on Ex JOINT WARRIOR in 2021, into the national lock-down, however, A Coy’s Machine on which the Signals Platoon will play a vital role. Gun detachment (MG Det) still needed to prepare to deploy to Bosnia. Support Company Below: ASKARI STORM in Kenya offered challenging conditions for 3 PARA training Coy Headquarters As is now the normal, it has been a relentlessly busy year for Sp Coy. The Coy has seen elements deployed across multiple countries on operations and training, whilst also maximising every opportunity to train in the UK. This year has been unique against the backdrop of COVID-19 but the pace has not let up for the soldiers of Sp Coy. There have been the inevitable inflows and outflows of key characters and the Coy bid farewell to CSgt Carr who had spent 20 uninterrupted years in 3 PARA’s Mortar Platoons. Mortars also said farewell to Sgt Pinnock who is now interrogating unfortunate souls at SERE school. Sgt Bishop, Cpl Buchanan and LCpl Dovey jumped shipped to 1 PARA and Capt Newnham transitioned to HQ Coy as OC and unofficial title of head LE. CSgt White has moved to IBS Brunei after many years loyal service to the Anti-Tank Platoon and Sgt Wiltshire moved across to C Coy. Anti-Tanks also said farewell to Sgt Spence who has gone back to Scotland as a PSI in 4 PARA. The Coy has seen an influx of new personalities; we have welcomed Capt Sutton, CSgt Stitt, Sgt Tutt and Sgt Poll to the Anti-Tank Pl. Mortars have a new platoon commander in Capt Barrows and Sgt Potts has joined the platoon from 2 PARA. Sp Coy go into

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 23 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces In Bosnia, the MG Det was expected to integrate and just spreading the Mortar line!). We’re expecting that conduct low-level training with Bosnian, Turkish, Austrian concept to be incorporated into doctrine, which is and Hungarian troops. This included cross-training on an exciting development and a proud contribution to weapons systems, equipment and some TTPs (we kept the advancement of Infantry Mortaring. After a mega some to ourselves though). The Det also participated in dismounted live-firing period up to section level (we did patrols in the northern cities of Bosnia and located and some gravel-belly live firing, not just ally mortaring – marked several future heli-landing sights. Returning to the we’re paratroopers too), we moved our focus back to live UK saw a brief spell of summer leave. mortaring, putting the concept of dispersed barrels to the A short notice call-back was issued to B Coy and test with a two day live firing package, coordinated with its MG Det. They were to jump into Ukraine via a the 105mm guns from F Battery (who are ok, but we’re 3 short period in COVID isolation. This was an exercise PARA’s only guaranteed indirect fire support). This placed in developing relationships and sharing best practices the mortar platoon in a good position for the CALFEX (again we didn’t reveal all). The exercise culminated in phase as we fired each company through their live attacks. a multinational training exercise with the machine gun Upon returning to the UK, the Brigade was placed section providing fire support from the home bank. into a national lockdown and the Platoon demonstrated Sp Coy cadres in the final part of the year enabled a lot of airborne initiative to maintain training at distance some invaluable live firing and more importantly, time with a remote phys programme that ensured we returned spent as a platoon following so much of the year seeing to Colchester in a good position. On return from the dets distributed throughout the world concurrently. The lockdown the Platoon was broken down to Coy Dets to invaluable training finished with a Christmas meal that conduct public order training. rounded off an excellent period of training. Immediately after summer leave, the LCG was called upon at very short notice to conduct a multi-national Mortar Platoon joint Airborne Exercise into Ukraine. The Mortar Platoon 3 PARA’s Mortar Platoon have had a very busy and deployed a section and jumped into eastern Europe with successful 2020. The year has incorporated multiple full scale mortar equipment knowing they were the only overseas exercises. In January the Mortar Platoon deployed indirect fire the LCG had in support. The final quarter was to on Ex ASKARI STORM to Kenya , spending most dominated by our annual cadre that provided more live of our time in the harsh conditions of Archers Post. firing and resulted in 3 new mortarmen. 3 PARA Mortars All three sections spent the first two weeks perfecting are now fully-manned, well-drilled and in position to the concept of dispersed barrels (proper dispersion, not continue leading infantry mortaring. Below: 3 PARA Mortars overwatch the resupply DZ on Operation SOLIDARITY

24 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS Anti-Tank Platoon 2020 has been a year like no other with the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, even so the Anti-Tank Pl has been incredible busy including seeing members of the Platoon deploy on operations. During the early part of the year the Platoon were kept busy taking part in overseas exercises, supporting Battalion and Company level exercises, delivering RWMIK driver courses to units across the brigade and periods of COVID-19 lockdown. The end of July saw the Platoon make maximum use of the cross-pollination policy, seeing an influx of a new Pl Comd, 2IC and two Sect Comds’s coming in from across the Regiment, coupled with the highly merited promotion of Cpl Smith who filled the remaining Section Commander slot whilst providing the much needed continuity. After a well-deserved summer leave, the Platoon supported high-profile deployments to Ukraine and Bosnia while preparing for. the annual cadre period. The cadre was delivered successfully providing qualified Javelin gunners to the rifle companies whilst ensuring that the platoon is fully manned. The cadre included firing NLAW and Javelin and the Platoon hosted elements of PF and 13AASR to complete their annual NLAW firing; all this culminated in a complex multi-layered combined Sp Coy shoot. Ally. The Platoon is now focused on re-developing its mounted skills alongside the Machine Gun Platoon with whom we provide 3 PARA’s RWMIK-mounted Above: Taking aim during Ex ASKARI STORM Fire Support Groups. The end of the year we say farewell to Cpl Munce and Cpl Smith and wish them a strange concept for many. As ever, HQ Coy personnel well in their further endeavours, they will be sorely missed. have been involved in every operational and exercise activity, and many, such as Cpl Kebede (A Coy’s Ammo HQ Company Storeman in Bosnia) have received praise for their efforts. The year began with HQ Coy deploying to Kenya for Ex September to December was the busiest part of the ASKARI STORM. During the exercise all departments year. In late August, when the Bde’s Lead Assault Force were praised for their hard work. None more so than was activated at short notice, the QM (Maj Gurney) and the catering department under RCWO Catling. The G4 RQMS (WO2 Firth) and their team created a quarantine feed-back from the BATUK staff was all positive. The facility for the full 250-strong force. This was a large QM (Maj Gurney) and his team were rewarded with an undertaking with all members of HQ Coy involved, extra holiday in Kenya after the deployment, courtesy of many having worked over Summer Leave to get A Coy COVID-19. Once the Battle Group returned to the UK out the door to Bosnia. August bank holiday weekend the COVID-19 crisis began. The Motor Transport Platoon, passed quickly for most of us this year! September saw Quartermaster’s Department and REME Light Aid every Medic in the RAP and most of the Chefs in the Detachment continued to work throughout though, using Catering Platoon deployed on three separate operations; the rare opportunity to improve the Battalion’s ageing the MT in work every weekend to support the plethora vehicle fleet availability which is currently the highest it’s of commitments; and the RAO’s Department conducting been for a while (vehicles are back in regular use now multiple readiness assurance checks for companies going though, so maintaining this will be a challenge!). out the door. Over the summer and while most of the Army were During the last part of the year, HQ Coy has locked down, 3 PARA deployed on several exercises as concentrated on A1 and A2 Trg. This has been led by part of its essential pre-AMBG training. This was only QM(T) Capt Proud and MTO Capt Perzylo. Both possible thanks to the hard work of the Regimental Aid spending time educating other members of the BG on Post (under Maj Buckland-Hoby and Sgt Owen) and the the echelon system and practising TTPs with the CQMSs. QM’s Dept, who developed ways of keeping the troops Throughout all this, HQ Coy has found time to maintain safe from COVID while enabling training. The Med our soldiering core skills, conducting rifle and pistol ranges Plans and risk mitigations they developed have informed and MATTS. Sgt Wilkinson, the Regimental Accountant, numerous Army Force Health Protection Policies. has been the Coy lead for weapon handling tests and she Including facemasks and hand sanitizer for a 3 PARA has set a high standard for the PARA Reg instructors to exercise, which normally just needs rations and ammo, was follow!

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 25 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces Buchanan and Cpl Garrett raced at the ‘WOR Series’ in the South West and came away with a top 10 position in the sportsman class, whilst Capt Barrows went over the bars to crash hard at Ripon on his first race after returning to the UK (but still securing a finish in the sportsman class). The Team had a great day out at Fatcat Motopark practicing for Hawkstone, the most prestigious civilian event on the calendar, and riders are now starting to show some consistent speed. Fast Eddy’s Original at Hawkstone Park was a challenging mix of Motocross and Enduro over a twisty, sand and wooded course. Cpl Buchanan came away with sixth in the novice class, an outstanding performance at a national event. Those not in quarantine are now preparing for the Army Enduro champs where silverware is Above: Rapid emplaning onto Ukranian Mi 8 assault helicopter to be defended - no pressure Cpl Fairburn, LCpl Garrett and Pte Coleman! During the year we have seen; the departure of Maj Philbin to ICSC(L), both RQs have commissioned Bobsleigh (congratulations to Capts Morton and Eastwood) and The Army Sports Control Board has directed that the moved to 1 PARA, the RAWO WO2 Douglas has moved Army will not be participating in Winter Sports this to the SERE School and Sgt Rai has completed 22 season due to the current COVID pandemic. To that end years of service in the Army. A very busy year as normal the PARA Reg Ice Sports Team (PRIST) will not be for HQ Coy. Every department has maximised the competing at any Army Championships and Inter-Service combat effectiveness of 3 PARA BG and has consistently Championships this season. LCpl Nick Gleeson, (3 PARA) demonstrated they are ready for anything. Pte Luke Dawes and Pte Oliver Butterworth (2 PARA) have successfully been selected to compete for Team GB in Update from the Battalion Messes the up and coming bobsleigh season though. This provides Activity in the all three messes was thwarted by social them the opportunity to go forward and fight for a place distancing and a wholesale ban on social gathering within to be selected to represent at the next Winter Olympics in defence estate. The messes have had to adapt to conducting 2022. We wish them luck! mess meetings remotely and initiating distributed voting practices to keep routine business moving. Although Golf there is no events or functions to report on this year the The Parachute Regiment’s Golf Team (centred on 3 Battalion’s messes look ahead excitedly to 2021 with PARA!) participated in a competitive match against headline events such as the presentation of the new Moor Park on 22nd Sept; the Regiment’s links to Moor Regimental Colours to look forwarded to. Park stem from WW2, where the Airborne elements of were planned. Moor Sports and Adventure Training Park were victors on the day in a close fought but very friendly competition that enhanced the relationship Boxing further. The Team also participated in the Inter Divisional The 3 PARA Boxing Team started this year’s season as the Championships at Catterick Golf Course in September Army Major Units Championships from September 2019. in harrowing conditions, but were unable to bring back The team was set for another extremely strong defence any silverware, although an enjoyable tournament was and was in full time training until March 2020, when had by all. The annual match against the Marines was the restrictions of COVID-19 prevented the finals from unfortunately cancelled due to COVID but will be taking place in Aldershot. Army Boxing is currently still rescheduled for 2021 and the Team are relishing the on hold which has meant 2 PARA’s turn at retaining the opportunity to win back the Op CORPORATE Trophy, ‘King’s Shield’ also cancelled for season 2020/21. Despite which has annoyingly been held by the Royal Marines for these setbacks the future looks promising, depth has been the past fives years. created across the team, not just in our boxers but also our coaches at a regimental level. This will make the team Football more unstoppable and feared than we were before and After re-growing a fantastic team during a successful but ready to compete in the 2021/22 season of the Army ultimately disappointing season last year, the Battalion’s Major Units Competition. Football Team made it to the quarter finals of both the Army and Infantry Cups this year, only for it to be Enduro cancelled due to COVID-19. We’re ready to go again The Parachute Regiment Enduro Team has continued as soon as games re-start – expect some silverware for 3 to develop its reputation within Army Enduro. Cpl PARA!

26 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS

4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment

4 PARA have achieved a great deal in 2020 and receiving commendations for their outstanding efforts. have continued to provide a key capability to 16 Air Two of the soldiers enjoyed the experience so much that Assault Brigade and further establish our reputation they completed Reserve to Regular transfers into 2 PARA as the Army’s premier Reserve battalion. We upon their return. We wish them a long and successful deployed paratroopers on operations with 2 PARA Regular career. to Afghanistan, deployed an independent platoon to The training highlight of 2020 was Ex BLACK Kenya to provide BATUK with Force Protection, and MARAUDER. 130 members of 4 PARA deployed supported both 2 and 3 PARA on numerous exercises to Brecon and conducted a Live Fire Tactical Training in the UK and overseas. (LFTT) progression. This started at the individual level, Our officers and soldiers consistently proved themselves progressing through to Fire Team, Section, Platoon to be the finest in Reserve Forces, with outstanding and culminating in a Company Group live fire attack performances on exercises and on courses, working supported by our own Machine Gun and Mortar Platoons; alongside and standing out amongst their Regular a unique set of capabilities within the Army Reserve. The counterparts. Tactical training was complemented by exercise was supported throughout by a fantastic amount superb adventurous training activities, including skiing in of aviation. This allowed the entire Company to conduct a , prior to travel restrictions. The attractiveness of 4 ship CH47 insertion into the final attack, accompanied 4 PARA’s ‘offer’ is reflected by our excellent recruiting by 2 Apache Attack Helicopters. The paratroopers figures which are currently the highest in living memory displayed very high levels of fitness, robustness and low and remain the highest in the Army Reserve. level skills and drills throughout the exercise, and the final 4 PARA deployed 19 soldiers with 2 PARA to attack was an excellent display of what 4 PARA is capable Afghanistan on OP TORAL. They had an excellent of. tour, performing superbly and in the finest traditions The normal commemorative and community of 4 PARA and The Parachute Regiment, with many engagement events have sadly been scaled back or

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 27 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces cancelled altogether this year. However, small scale events enabled the Coy to bid farewell to OC Maj Bob McKay have still taken place such as a virtual St Lawrence Jewry on promotion to Lt Colonel. Service Colour Party and other events local to our ARCs. Throughout the year, A Coy has done everything that it Our hard work in our HQ location has been recognised feasibly could to continue to deliver training and provide by Leeds City Council who have awarded 4 PARA the soldiers for exercises and operations to 2 and 3 PARA. Freedom of The City; a great honour. The bestowing event During ‘Lockdown 1’, we adapted to the circumstances took place, virtually, in November and 4 PARA plan to and continued to conduct lessons online with some exercise the right in June/July 2021 by marching through excellent Zoom instruction. the city. Many company members also regularly produced some As this article is written, a platoon of 32 members of very impressive (possibly dodgy) Strava statistics which 4 PARA are deployed to Kenya, providing BATUK with would indicate potential for national squad membership in some sporting pursuits. The other most notable event of our OBUA package was the Dalbeattie exercise Ex BLACK BREAK IN 1. The Coy practised break in and room clearance by day and night in a superb now-derelict former ammunition production factory of Castle Edingham. 12 Officer cadets from Glasgow UOTC joined us for the weekend, some of whom have now transferred to the Coy. Just as importantly, the word has got around the 4 UOTCs in Scotland that 4 PARA is the unit to be in. EX BLACK MARAUDER was another highlight. A Coy prepared well for this exercise with 3 Live Firing training weekends, going from zeroing through to the ACMT, IBSR then pairs and fire team, fire and manoeuvre, all at Barrybuddan Training Area. Approximately 45 members of the Coy completed the ACMT. This whole process was excellent preparation for BLACK MARAUDER which delivered live Above: GPMG Gunner on Ex BLACK MARAUDER section and platoon attacks and then culminated in a demanding Coy Live attack supported by essential Force Protection; they are doing an excellent job. a section of MMG, provided by A Coy Machine Gun Reports coming back from the deployed platoon are all Platoon. very positive and they are making the most of this fantastic Prior to the Annual Training Exercise, the Coy also opportunity. Outside of their normal duties, they have squeezed in an excellent Team Medic Cadre weekend at access to some great opportunities, including a trek to the Garelochead. Our thanks to Sgt Abusin HQ Coy and our summit of Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain in own CMTs LCpls Munnik and Ferns for fully qualifying Africa. We wish them a safe and successful deployment and 23 soldiers from the Coy as Team Medics. In addition to look forward to their safe return in the new year. this training, the majority then completed another day of We say farewell to our Training WO, WO2 Darren medical training at the Glasgow ARC where they were Chambers, who will shortly complete a full, Regular awarded the First Aid in the Workplace certificate. career, and we hope will now transition into the battalion The most significant development of the year for A as a Reservist. 4 PARA also sees a change of leadership. Coy has without a doubt been the reformation of the Lt Col Andy Wareing has handed over command of the GPMG SF platoon. Our thanks to CSgt McMahon and battalion to Lt Col Rick Lewin, and WO1 (now Capt) Jim Sgt Stitt ably supported by CSgt Law, Cpl Gallagher Shimmins also handed over the RSM position to WO1 and Cpl Clements for delivering the excellent training. Scott Evans. We thank Andy and Jim for their inspired 27 members of the Coy are now fully trained machine leadership and contribution to 4 PARA and wish them all gunners and we have continued to develop the capability the best in the future. as much as we feasibly can. We are already planning our next Cadre for May 2021 and we are doing everything we A Company can in order to get key personnel qualified at the Specialist A Coy started off the year with a 3-month OBUA Weapons School. package. We were lucky enough to use the excellent Fire In November the Coy delivered Live Firing support and Rescue facility in Cambuslang, which doubles up for to PARA Coy 2ITB. A fully manned section of 3 guns us as a perfect building for OBUA training (thank you commanded by Cpl Gallagher with the requisite safety to the Scottish Fire Service). This training weekend also elements deployed to Quickening Cote, Otterburn to involved a visit from the CO and RSM who enjoyed a provide MMG SF fire support, enhancing the live Pl great Burns Night supper at the ARC and the evening also attack for the next Recruit Pl due to complete CIC

28 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS and join 2 PARA. The section fired from 3 different The beginning of 2020 saw a focus on OBUA, which is positions, completing 2 bounds with full SF kit and 14,000 a series of progressive weekends in the South of rounds of ammunition over the very difficult terrain of building up to a demanding final exercise on Salisbury Quickening Cote. It was a great day for A Coy and the Plain before the first national lockdown. recruits and we are already looking at future dates to During lockdown, soldiers from across B Coy deliver similar support to PARA Coy. volunteered to support AMBG and RESCRIPT, with Our 3 Pl Commanders have recently completed the many placed on shortened notice to move. B Coy’s OC Reservist Platoon Commander’s Course and we have 4 was mobilised and assigned to the Department of Health Cpls preparing for PSBC and 5 LCpls preparing for SCBC on a fast-paced, high priority programme to create in the New Year, COVID permitting. Career courses are NHS Test & Trace, the Joint Biosecurity Centre and the key to the Coy itself and to be able to deliver properly National Institute for Health Protection. qualified Junior commanders to 2 and 3 PARA. OC B Coy twice received staff recognition awards Adventure Training has to a certain extent taken a back for his excellent contributions and on completion of the seat this year due to the obvious difficulties with COVID mobilisation, was seconded into the NHS so that his skills but again we have done our best to deliver where possible. could be retained. Soldiers from the Coy, including one of Lt Douglas and CSM Morris led a determined team our Pl Sgts and one of our newest recruits, also mobilised of mountaineers on a demanding 48-hour route in the in late 2020 in support of 4 PARA’s Force Protection Cairngorms. The typical Scottish Highlands seasonal task in BATUK, Kenya. They are currently providing vital weather made this exercise even more challenging. The support to BATUK and will be there through to early best Gore-Tex available could not prevent the 70 to 2021. 80mph wind and accompanying horizontal deluge of rain Over lockdown, B Coy also took the lead on 4 PARA’s from drenching the troops but these determined hikers involvement in the ‘2.6 Challenge’, a national charity continued undaunted and scaled the 3,400ft Ben Bheoill. fundraising event organised on the day that the London This was a great exercise that delivered a good base of Marathon would have taken place. B Coy ran a virtual mountaineering skills and knowledge to all those who (lockdown-compliant) race from Arnhem to London, took part. with two teams competing to win. All money raised was We have also continued with our Devizes to donated to SUPPORT OUR PARAS. Westminster Canoe Race preparation. The OC and Lt A highlight of 2020 has been the progress made in Douglas completed the route from Devizes to London in establishing a new 4 PARA Detachment at Colchester. September over a 4-day period at a respectable pace. Both Building work at the Army Reserve Centre is nearing A and B Coys are looking forward to entering a Bn team completion and B Coy is looking forward to formally into this demanding 125-mile 24-hour challenge during opening the Det in the coming months. This is an exciting Easter of 2021. opportunity to increase the Bn’s footprint and to give We are now focused on and coming to the end of those leaving Regular service more opportunities in the the Patrols Phase of our Annual Training Cycle. We have Army Reserve. focused on Recce patrols, Observation patrols, Ambushes This year also saw B Coy deliver a very successful and Raids and will soon deploy on our final patrols combined Mortar numbers and execs cadre, in which exercise which will involve a relatively long insertion of members of the Mortar Platoon provided training to 20km followed by Recce Patrols prior to offensive action on the Below: Urban training exercise Barrybuddan Trg area. We then look forward to celebrating Christmas as best we can during these difficult times and then we launch ourselves into our OBUA package for the final quarter of training year 2020/21. This has been a great year for the Coy with many challenges and successes and after the Christmas break, we will tackle 2021 with renewed vigour and determination.

B Company B Coy’s experience of 2020 has been shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has presented both challenges and opportunities. Our priority has been to adapt and find ways to continue delivering high quality training and outputs.

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 29 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces soldiers from B and D Coys before moving to Salisbury Plain for live firing. Over the course of the year, we have had several changes in key appointments. After three years as the Senior Permanent Staff Instructor, CSgt Castell has handed over CSgt Deacon. Our CSM, WO2 Heaton, has handed over to WO2 Cooper after 2.5 years. Our Coy 2IC, Capt Jell, has been mobilised to deploy on operations. He hands over to Capt Garner. We wish them all the best, in particular Above: Rehearsing Patrolling SOPs CSgt Castell whose hard work throughout his posting, along with the impact he has jumping in as part of the LAF and 1 +15 to volunteer had in driving standards up, deserves particular recognition. and conduct Force Protection Pl duties in BATUK which is still ongoing. Mobilisation through MTMC proved C Company challenging and our readiness as a company has sharpened The Whole Force Concept (One Army) has never been immeasurably. more prevalent for the company than this Training Year. Professionalising the Bn, and preparing the companies Unprecedented times creating a challenging environment are something the whole COC is particularly focused on in which to train and operate, opportunities to serve with going forward. The HOTO with 1 RGR in Kenya now our sister Bn’s and to undertake a deployment, usually sees 1+30 from 4 PARA conduct rotational security tasks conducted by Regular sub-units, have become highlights as multiples, excellent training, attendance on courses and of our year. an opportunity for AT involving Mt Kenya and safari. The The company’s focus remains on producing challenging, 3-month deployment sees C Coy well represented and innovative and dynamic training that encourages provides full time employment opportunities for those continued growth and attendance. COVID has enabled affected by COVID. the latter through circumstance with many familiar faces Recruiting remains buoyant for the company as a reappearing and ‘Business as Unusual’ taking place and Tsunami of candidates await Assessment Centre and forcing us to tailor training, either remotely, or with all stagnate somewhat within the pipeline. Additionally, sanctioned mitigations put in place to enable physical our newest location in Altcar grows exponentially. attendance. Attendance has been the watch word for Newcastle, Liverpool and Leeds remain target rich and company personnel as we provide opportunity in trying we seek opportunity to piggy back Recruiting Group times and encourage a growth in numbers at every turn. opportunities to entice people to the premier Army Annual camp (Ex BLACK MARAUDER) for the Reserve Bn and C Coy courses for our junior soldiers are Battalion in Sennybridge, Wales was a huge success and becoming more attainable and although AT opportunities saw unprecedented numbers attend, 170 paratroopers at its have lessened with Ex BLACK SKYFALL (C Coy lead) in peak. California being cancelled, we look to enable the trip in The company was well represented and saw 8 days of the next TY. aviation heavy training courtesy of the JHC and more We currently have 3 Potential Officers attending P notably, 18 Sqn RAF (Chinooks) and 4 Regt AAC Coy at the start of 2021 and have 12 recruits awaiting, a (Apache AH 64). The Battalion witnessed 24 aviation remote, ‘Weekend 0’. In summary, the company is in great assets throughout the week and over 100 flying hours shape, healthy, happy and looking forward to even more conducting, Avian Assaults into live fire ranges at sect/Pl opportunity next year with the prospect of training in and Coy level, night patrol insert for the company, ECCA Michigan, USA facilitated by Bn HQ. procedures using AH and culminating in a Coy Aviation Assault into a live attack utilising AH controllers trained D Company organically during Coy Drill Nights, remotely. The coy As we look back on 2020, January seems even longer ago orbat was tested to the full and command opportunities than usual due to the changes we’ve had to get used to this were plentiful for the junior fraternity. year. The Battalion Training cycle, which shapes activity The new year saw us conducting FIWAF and a rare throughout the year, proved fit for purpose for C Coy excursion into trench warfare on SPTA little expecting and enabled the generation of 9 HRR soldiers, enabled 6 how life would change in the coming months. The crisis Paratroopers to gain their wings through BPC, 4 C Coy really started to develop whilst some members of the soldiers participate on Op SOLIDARITY in the Ukraine Company were away skiing in Val d’Isere. For a while it

30 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS looked like France might go into lockdown and us with it; enthusiasm and good humour remains undimmed despite much debate ensued as to whether we’d be isolated in the having very different assets available than in his previous Alpine chalets or on the Gym floor at Pudsey! Fortunately, job. CSgt Coleman has also driven on, concentrating on we were allowed home to face the challenge of how to the training plans function so essential to the ongoing maintain productive training without breaking restrictions. success of a Reserve Company. Though his efforts are less There was sufficient technological ability in the visible to the soldiers, they are vital nonetheless and the Company to rapidly adapt to remote training, which results of his hard work speak for themselves, reflected in actually had advantages for some types of lesson, reducing the training delivery and consequent attendance. the need for soldiers to travel long distances. There’s only Sporting activity has been severely hit of course, so much that can be done via a screen though and the but congratulations go to Pte Ben Vaughan for turning opportunity for a number of soldiers to join 3 PARA on professional with his boxing career. Ex GREEN CITADEL at Eastmere village to hone their Though courses have been curtailed this year we have OBUA skills provided a welcome opportunity to get back still received several soldiers on their successful completion into the field. of CIC; Ptes Bell, Green and Sprague joining 11 Pl and No sooner had we adapted to the ‘new normal’ Akister, Evans and Roberts to 12 Pl. We wish them luck in then we were preparing for Battle Camp, Ex BLACK their progression onto P Coy. MARAUDER at Sennybridge, spending a week in the Pte Bishop returned after 2 years in the Middle East, height of the Welsh summer successfully progressing up and Pte McGuire saw the light and transferred from B to Coy Field Firing culminating in an Aviation Assault Coy. Cpl Foster has made the transition from 1 PARA into A Range, under the watchful gaze of the Colonel and immediately made his considerable experience felt. 2 Commandant. An Aviation extraction back to the Lt Zack Dellar took over as 10 Pl Comd from Lt Leigh Midlands by Chinook avoiding the Friday afternoon Crowden who steps up to Company 2IC. Welcome to D traffic, was the icing on the cake. For the OC this was Coy. tempered by receiving a text message informing him his Career courses are key to developing our people home borough in Leicester had gone back into lockdown! through their service. Pte Matt Milroy qualified as a PTI, After leave we commenced the rural phase amid a OCdt Salloway successfully passed the Army Officer constantly changing set of rules. Newport, home of 12 Pl Selection Board and 2Lt Matt Macaulay passed P Coy & went into lockdown, then just as restrictions there were the Platoon Commanders’ Battle Course. Well done all. eased they were imposed in Nottingham, base of 10 Pl. We were reminded of D Coy’s ongoing contribution Through all of this the soldiers, Officers and particularly to Operations when we welcomed Ptes Jase Saunders and permanent staff have worked hard and remained flexible, Adam Frame safely back from Op TORAL with 2 PARA. continuing to provide quality training. Great commitment and welcome back. Down at Newport, Sgt Salisbury has settled in well and Another fantastic effort from Pte Sanford as he traded made a huge contribution to the team there, completely his jet-setting civilian job for jet-setting down to Kenya, overhauling the infrastructure on his own initiative. His where he immediately made his contribution felt and was Below: Paratroopers occupy a Fire Support position selected as a local LCpl as a result. Sadly we have had to say goodbye to several of our comrades; Pte Norris leaves us due to family commitments. He has made a great contribution to the Company and we wish him all the best for the future. Pte Lord joined 3 PARA on an FTRS engagement back in January, followed in September by Pte Brown where they join Capt Brendan Joyce who went to assist as a Company 2IC and decided to stay! Pte Frame obviously enjoyed his time with 2 PARA as he went back to them on FTRS during the summer. Also in September, O Cdt Butler started the Regular Commissioning Course and O Cdt Vaughan and 2 Lt

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 31 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces Freeman-Hall are due to follow him in January 2021. We wish them all success with their future careers. Special Congratulations to Pte Matt Stark and Mrs Stark who welcomed a baby girl weighing 8lb, and to Pte Ted Spiby and his partner who had a baby boy weighing 7Ib 15oz. We’re expecting both of them to attend all Exercises so they can get more sleep.

HQ Company “Anytime, anyplace, anywhere” - for the more mature reader of this article you will remember that from the 80s MARTINI advert. However, it is the unofficial brand title for HQ Coy 4 PARA. Sustaining a battalion that has sub-units nationwide with bullets and buns and everything in between is no task for the faint hearted! I Above: 4 PARA on Ex BLACK MARAUDER will cut straight to the chase and present to the reader, those that are not faint hearted, the team. ensure the likes of physical development, CBRN and WO2(RQMS) Steiner - first in and last out, well, first section battle drills amongst other things were delivered in! WO2(CSM) Trott, WO2(SPSI) “the dog has eaten my to ensure the basic training syllabus could be delivered -honest” Partridge, WO2 J “the sensation you accordingly when training restart was given. feel is the quickening” Jarvie, WO2 “grafter” Wiseman, Over this difficult period, engagement, retention and CSgt(CQMS) Bennett. Sifting the brass; Sgts McLauchlan, attendance rates remained good, with an average of 20 Vickeage and Cullen. Serving the calories, SSgt “cooking recruits from across the two training teams attending each the books” Thorn and Sgt Lawson. MT, WO2 “fast balls, I session. Credit for this is due to Sgt Carlin (RRTT(N)) live for fast balls” K-Z, Sgts “ATUD” Johnson, Booth and and Cpl Stone (RRTT(S)) for their lean in and proactivity. Cpl “mountain bike madman” Wadsworth. In the RAP, Sgt Both led the way for delivering training in the virtual “the drip will fit snugly into this!” Abusin, an apt surname! space. Something which will become part of the new Finally, pushing from the rear, Cpl Holmes PTI, Pte’s “80 a normal. day” Swift and “just happy to be here” Dyer. Due to the current pandemic, many units have returned Coy training has focused on core HQ Coy “type” skills to the UK from overseas training facilities. 4PARA were – in depth, utilising FIST kit, day and night. When not in tasked with providing a platoon to guard BATUK (British the field, the focus has been live firing and coaching the Army Training Unit Kenya). Despite being employed, firer using all platoon weapons. Sgt Simpson, Cpl Rainey and LCpl Moulsher from Trg The training ME was the units ATX at SENTA. A Coy, mobilised on a 6-month Force Protection tasking at LFTT Ex with the added safety dynamic of ensuring BATUK. force protection concerning COVID. It was HQ Coy On Basic Training restart in June, the momentum responsibility to ensure COVID force protection measures picked up after a revision weekend to complete cadre were in place, maintained and enforced. Force protection 20.01. Although several recruits dropped out for various ran on rails, you know who you are, well done. reasons, 18 recruits were sent to the Combat Infantry Congratulations go to WO2 Wiseman with his award Course PARA (AR) at Catterick. Now a 3-week course of Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenants’ Award for 32 years’ due to isolation requirements, this time was put to great service and undetected crime! Very well done. use developing the recruit’s fitness, revision of basic The team look forward to 2021 and cracking on with infantry TTPs and training on the GPMG. All recruits the unseen, unglamorous but critical close-support - successfully passed the course. “anytime, anyplace, anywhere”. Due to COVID, P Company had also been extended to 3 weeks, with a 2-week isolation period. Unfortunately, Training Company despite best efforts, it could not go ahead. Those readied to 2020 started just like any other for Training Company 4 attend will gain further physical training development to PARA. Basic Training Cadre 20.01 started on 10 Jan. The attend a course early in 2021. first few Phase 1 and AAPPS weekends went smoothly Before the Christmas break, Training Company and until COVID paused all training from March until June. 4 PARA will say farewell to two long serving members Both RRTTs instigated a virtual training approach from of staff who leave us after considerable service to the the outset and kept their recruits engaged with appropriate Regiment. PD lessons and monitored sessions via the likes of the WO2 Andy Bancroft joined Depot Para in early 1980 Strava app. All recruits, some of which were temporarily with 466 Pl. Posted to 2 PARA, he deployed on Operation out of work, fully engaged with their training staff to Corporate, Apr–June 1982. Leaving regular service in

32 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS 1983, WO2 Bancroft joined 4 PARA in 1988. Promoting for the outbound flight. Much to the disapproval of the up the ranks, he has held many appointments in 4 PARA desk manager, LCpl Stanford was able get the platoon into and has seen considerable change over the years. A man one of the executive lounges for a greatly discounted price. apart, in Training Company and RRTT(N), he leaves us Here, members of the platoon took full advantage of the in Nov 2020 having completed 35 years of service to free food and drink which more than adequately prepared the Regiment both as a Regular and Reservist. 4 PARA, us for the journey. Training Company in particular, wish him all the very best On arrival, we were met by BATUK coaches and for the future and hope that he will keep in touch and travelled up to Nanyuki. Having settled into camp, the remain engaged with the Regiment via The Parachute next week was spent conducting our HOTO. As part of Regimental Association. this, the platoon travelled up onto OB SWARA to zero LCpl Norris joined 10 PARA in 1984 rising to the weapons. For many of the junior Toms who were used to rank of Sergeant before leaving due to restructuring. He seeing horizontal rain and the odd Brecon sheep from the enlisted again in 2008 and was soon mobilised for OP back of a TCV, encountering so much large African game HERRICK 13. Phil has been a mainstay of RRTT(S) was a novel experience. over recent years. His enthusiasm and desire to get the Not long after completing the hand over, the JNCOs best from his recruits has set him apart. He leaves us in were required to take control of a MEDEVAC; both December 2020 having given 27 years’ service. A larger coordinating the movement and arrival of the casualty than life character, 4 PARA, especially Training Company onto camp and establishing a clear HLS. This was especially RRTT(S) wish him all the best for the future and hope impressive as the platoon had not yet been able to receive that he keeps in touch via The Parachute Regimental the full MEDEVAC brief and demonstration and there are Association. a number of differences between this airframe and military As 2020 comes to an end, we are experiencing an helicopters which soldiers had experienced before. unprecedented amount of applications for The Parachute As soon as the HOTO was complete, the platoon’s Regiment Reserve. Basic Training Cadre 20.01 is set to be efforts were concentrated hard on the task we had been the biggest we have had. sent to carry out. Commanders at all levels set about With 8 weeks until the start of the new Basic Training reviewing and assessing the TTPs, some of which had Cadre, all staff are now focused on getting everything remained unchanged over the last 6 months. ready to hit the ground running in January. There is also Soldiers and NCOs alike were eager to do more the build-up training for the AAPPS course in March to than provide a guard force, but instead to play an active be prepared. Trained soldiers from both Cadre 19.02 and role in managing security for the whole camp. This has Cadre 20.01 will join to be trained in ready to go. led to reforms of the system to manage unvetted LECs employed by BATUK to work on camp, clearance of new BATUK Force Protection Deployment - security zones, assisting with intelligence collects and a Kenya re-evaluation of camp ‘actions-on’ which has led to the As the UK descended into another National Lockdown, amendment of the Force Protection Orders themselves. a platoon drawn from across 4 PARA were preparing The initial hard work paid off and the platoon had to deploy to Kenya to provide Force Protection for the developed a high level of situational awareness. With this, BATUK. soldiers were able to enjoy more extended periods of rest Having used B Coy’s base at White City as a staging where they could explore the local area and further afield. point, we travelled the short distance to London Heathrow Members of the platoon went on trips to Ngare Ndare Forest Park and waterfall, Ol Below: B and D Coy during Urban Operations training Pejeta Conservancy or just locally to the pool at Falcon Heights. Soldiers are also looking forward to climbing Mt Kenya. At the time of writing, the platoon continues to work hard towards enhancing the security of camp, whilst conducting low-level training. Taking advantage of the challenge presented by the altitude of camp as well as the excellent gym; PT is a daily occurrence especially as the platoon is preparing for an inter-multiple sports competition which will determine which multiple is off duty for New Year’s Eve.

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Infantry Training Centre Catterick 2020 has been a busy year for The Parachute Regiment and execute when problems presented themselves. Para Training Company, 2nd Infantry Training Battalion Coy spearheaded virtual training overseen by Sgt Hallam, (2ITB) at the Infantry Training Centre (ITC) Catterick. and this soon became best practise across the ARITC There have been ever increasing numbers of recruits earning Sgt Hallam deserved recognition of ‘Virtual arriving at the company through The Parachute Trainer of the Year’. This effective approach enabled Regiment Assessment Course (PRAC) pipeline, with Platoons (which could have been mothballed prior to record numbers of civilian candidates wanting to join recommencing formal training) to continue to train and The Parachute Regiment. progress virtually. This was vital and ensured a steady Most importantly, there have been even more recruits stream of well trained, enthusiastic and fit Paratroopers successfully completing training. The standards have not continued to arrive at their respective battalions. This changed, the approach has. We train to a higher standard approach has been continued and is now in place prior to than the rest of the Army and that is testament to the recruit’s arrival, allowing instructors to meet their recruits quality of the instructors the Battalions post to the ITC. virtually. This enables recruits to ask questions to dispel Our corporals are proud to train their own and this is any myths and improves their confidence on arrival, also clearly demonstrated by the quality of instruction they reducing the number of no-shows on day one. deliver. To a man, they embody what it is to be a Parachute The Coy is continuing to push its capacity, aiming Regiment soldier. to produce an ever-increasing number of well-trained Para Coy are due to pass out 150-170 recruits by Paratroopers. The stats from across the Coy tell a story the end of Training Year 2020, despite the year being of JNCO’s understanding the intent and requirement of significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the Regiment. Wastage, (which is loss to the service seen this period, Para Coy came to the fore demonstrating the through recruits deciding to leave training to return to ability of our officers and soldiers to identify, improvise civilian life) is down – from 27% in 2019 to 17% in 2020.

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 35 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces Meanwhile, Overall Pass-out Rates (OPR) increased. country races, managing to rely on willing volunteers Combat Infantryman’s Course 18 has continued to be from within the Coy, notably Cpl Reynolds and Cpl Blore developed and improved over the course of the year. As a both of whom are not natural runners but did remarkably Coy, there have driven efficiency savings which have freed well considering. They achieved second place team in the up additional periods of tuition for the recruits. This has Army championships. The Coy also put a team forward for enabled instructors to revisit and teach subjects which have the 2020 Commando Speed March, headed up by CSgt been identified as areas of weakness. Undoubtedly, this has Coatsworth, again achieving a top 5 place in usual no- aided in the ability for Para Coy to reduce wastage and nonsense Reg fashion. increase pass rates. These savings have also been aimed to Finally, during a difficult year, we bid farewell to many reduce the workload on Cpls. members of the team: WO2 Willis has moved on to RQ in Effort has also been made to improve pass rates on 1 PARA, CSgts Lambie and Coatsworth return to CQMS P-Coy with Capt Vale having a significant impact through roles in 2 and 3 PARA respectively. CSgt Pilgrim has developing a sensible PT programme which aims to promoted into Coy Trg Officer as CSgt Thompson moves develop recruits inline with what P-Coy requires. The on for pastures new. Sgts Lloyd and Satchwell both return emphasis again is on running and tabbing with strength to 2 PARA. and conditioning to complement the programme. It is The churn of section commanders has been significant worth reminding readers that our recruits run and Tab as we bid farewell to Cpl’s Lee, Watkiss, Crawford, over 10 times that of a Line recruit, key to achieving the Colclough, Jones 09, Jones 15, Nicholls and Tutt, all standards required on P Coy. of whom unfortunately did not get the send off they Away from day to day work, the Company has deserved due to the pandemic, but leave with our best continued to excel. Capt Jamieson and WO2 Willis wishes for the future. continue to plan and train for their Coast to Coast ultra- 2021 will be a challenging but exceptional year for Para marathon raising money for SUPPORT OUR PARAS. Coy, who will secure full manning for the Regiment for CSgt Pilgrim has continued to represent the Coy in cross the first time in a number of years.

Below: Recruits digging in deep on the P Company Stretcher race

36 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS

The standard remains high for all those wanting to earn their , resulting in only the best making it to battalion and becoming a part of The Parachute Regiment

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 37 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces Infantry Battle School Brecon

As some readers may know, a school for the training tactical phase and a weapon training phase. of our NCOs was first established by The Parachute The quality of our soldiers is often highlighted when Regiment at Brecon in 1961. At the time, the sadly they are directly compared to those of other regiments, recently deceased Colonel John Waddy of Arnhem their performance while attending courses at the IBS fame, saw the value of having a permanent Parachute is no different. Over the last year, our Lance Corporals Regiment presence in Brecon, in order to utilise attending SCBC on average make up 9% of each course, the arduous terrain that the Brecon Beacons and but on average 70% of our soldiers sit in the Top Third of Sennybridge Training Area provides. As a result, he the course when graded against their peers, with 30% of established The Parachute Regiment Battle School our soldiers being awarded Instructor Commendations. to deliver the training required to qualify our Lance Over the last four courses, The Parachute Regiment has Corporals and Corporals for promotion. accounted for three of the four Top Student awards and The quality of this school was recognised by the rest three of nine Distinctions. No other Regiment comes of the Infantry, and when in 1976 the Infantry’s NCO close to our consistently high performance. promotional courses were centralised, The Parachute This is mirrored by the other two tactical divisions. Regiment Battle School at Brecon was chosen as the Our numbers of attendees on PCBC fluctuates due to backbone for the new Infantry Battle School (IBS). Since P Company availability, but on the most recent course, 2004, the Platoon Commanders’ Battle Course (PCBC), of our twelve Young Officers on course, ten were in for newly commissioned Infantry officers, has also been the Top Third, including the top three students, who in delivered by the IBS, along with a variety of shorter turn received three of the four Distinctions awarded. Infantry tactics and weapon training courses. Meanwhile, our Corporals attending PSBC invariably Broadly speaking though, the three key courses finish in the top half of the course, if not the top third. delivered at IBS remain: PCBC, the Platoon Sergeants’ A large part of this success can be attributed to the Battle Course (PSBC), and the Section Commanders’ investment made in our soldiers both by our battalions, Battle Course (SCBC); all three of which consist of a through continuous personal development, and through

Below: PARA Recruits conduct their final Live Fire training under the leadership of Section Commander Battle Course qualified PARA Corporals

38 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS the preparatory courses delivered by the Household In summary, the spirit of Col John Waddy’s original Division and Parachute Regiment Centralised Courses Parachute Regiment Battle School remains alive and well (HDPRCC) training centre at Pirbright. However, at IBS, where our soldiers are at the forefront of Infantry more can always be done, and it is essential that both soldiering, both as students and instructors. our battalions and HDPRCC continue to interact with Below: Quality training leads to quality Paratroopers the Regimental permanent staff at IBS. This will allow them to monitor trends at the Battle School, in order to tailor our preparatory training more effectively, as well as ensuring that the most up to date practices are taught and implemented both in our battalions and at HDPRCC. Today, IBS has a total of nine Parachute Regiment Officers and NCOs delivering training across its three tactical divisions, with further soldiers and warrant officers employed within the supporting elements of the Battle School. These are three Colour Sergeant Instructors, the Senior Division’s Sergeant Major, two Captain Instructors, the Second-in-Commands of the Platoon Commanders’ Divisions and the Junior Division, and the Officer Commanding the Platoon Commanders’ Division. Our instructors are inevitably amongst the strongest at IBS, with the importance of maintaining a strong Regimental footprint among the permanent staff being twofold: first, to ensure that when our people attend courses at IBS as students, they reach the high standards that we set for them; and second, to attract future transferees from amongst the most competent soldiers and officers of other Infantry regiments. IBS is also instrumental in the development of new Tactics, Techniques and Procedures for the Field Army; as an example, in the last year alone, PARA DS at IBS have led the production of formalised doctrine for ‘Operations at Night’ and ‘Urban Operations’. As a regiment, we should seek to both influence the production of such doctrine, given our operational and training experience, and to bring it back to our battalions through our permanent staff presence at IBS.

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 39 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces

The Red Devils Army Parachute Display Team

In a difficult year, the team has sadly been unable to their reach on social media. This respite from displays conduct any public displays. That said, the Red Devils has also allowed the team to innovate and develop new annual winter training was the most successful to date. deployment mechanisms for flags, smoke and other show Completing more than 120 descents per Red Devil, pieces. On top of this, the team continued to train UK they once again trained with the US Golden Knights, Special Forces on several short courses over the summer, US Black Daggers (US Special Operations Command) albeit this time in facemasks. and pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the The Red Devils are waiting patiently for the new display parachuting space. season and are ready to make up for lost time. Digital engagement became the focus of the team on With a Guinness World Record and new jumpsuit in arrival back to the UK, driving recruiting and increasing the pipeline, 2021 will hopefully be a year to remember.

Right: The 2500sqft Union Jack flies over the bay Below: The team practise high altitude displays over USAF Base, Boca Chia

40 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces

The Pathfinders

The Pathfinders are 16 Air Assault Brigade’s advance employed as a small reserve or reconnaissance force. and reconnaissance force. Their primary purpose Today, the role of the Pathfinders hasn’t changed a great is to enable theatre entry and air manoeuvre deal but has certainly incorporated the technological for the Brigade. As the advance force for the Air advances that have occurred since WW2. Although their Assault Brigade, they differ from other formation role is not complicated, Pathfinder operations can be reconnaissance forces as they possess specialised complex and high risk, and as such, require high-aptitude insertion skills and are expected to operate at soldiers with specialist skills. significant reach. This requires a specially selected The core business of the Pathfinders is to enable the team of high-aptitude soldiers trained in the right Brigade to achieve its objectives and reduce the risk of skillsets, making them capable of operating at reach air manoeuvre through reconnaissance, the provision of in a prone to capture environment beyond MEDEVAC ‘ground truth’, and, when required, offensive action. Put coverage. simply, they are the eyes and ears of the Brigade. This Even members of the Brigade know little about the means that the Pathfinders are the first Brigade Troops Pathfinders, and their role is often poorly understood. on the ground and will have infiltrated into the area However, the Pathfinders are on a journey to rectify of operations at least 48hrs ahead of the main force. In this issue and increase the visibility and collective particular, the Pathfinders are capable of infiltrating by understanding of the unit throughout 16 Air Assault High Altitude Parachuting (HAHO/HALO), giving the Brigade and the wider Army. unit the best chance of remaining covert, but are also In one form or another, the Pathfinders have existed capable of using all other methods available to the Brigade almost continuously since the formation of Airborne such as Support Helicopters, or using their own RWMIKs. Forces in the early days of WW2, during which it was Once on the ground, the Pathfinders operate covertly in found necessary and advantageous to form small groups of small teams, identifying suitable drop zones, tactical landing parachute soldiers into ‘Pathfinder’ units. These Pathfinder zones, or helicopter landing sites, as well as locating and units would parachute ahead of the main force, mark maintaining eyes on enemy positions. This information the drop zones and establish directional radio beacons is then relayed back to the Brigade to inform planning to enable the coming transport aircraft to ‘home’ in on and decision making. Once the main force has deployed, the exact drop point. They would also clear and protect either by parachute or helicopter, the Pathfinders mark the area as the main force parachuted or air landed, and secure the drop zones or landing sites, link up with the and provide early warning if the drop zone was heavily Battlegroups, orientate them towards their objectives and defended, possibly enabling diversion to an alternative. then hand over to the Battlegroup’s reconnaissance. This Once the main force was down the Pathfinders were allows the Pathfinders to either conduct a complementary

42 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS offensive action, push into depth to find and identify subsequent Brigade objectives, or redeploy on subsequent tasks. This may be done dismounted but may use RWMIK if the vehicles can be brought forward by air assets. Anyone can volunteer for service in the Pathfinders, and the unit is open to applicants from all 3 Services. To identify suitable individuals, the Pathfinders run a 6-week cadre twice a year, which trains as well as assesses a candidate’s suitability. Due to the arduous nature of the Pathfinders role and the need to operate at reach in all conditions, great emphasis is placed on fitness, navigation, shooting, and basic soldiering. If successful, the training never ceases, and once a member of a PF Troop, an individual is almost continuously trained in a multitude of skills, including high altitude parachuting, sniping, strategic communications, and advanced medical skills. The Pathfinders also have an excellent pass-rate on UKSF selection, and since 1985, over one third of the unit has gone on to serve in UKSF, so if that is your ambition, service in the Pathfinders is an ideal stepping-stone. The Pathfinders is always looking for volunteers, and as any serving member of the Pathfinders will testify, 6 weeks of hard work creates a whole new world of opportunities.

Right: Pathfinders are the advance force for the Air Assault Brigade Below: Pathfinders insert by Static Line High Level Parachute into Ukraine

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 43 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces

16 Military Intelligence Company

For those intelligencers supporting 16 Air Assault Army. Ad Unum Omnes. Brigade, the expectation is always that we will be tested operationally and in training, and that we Operation SOLIDARITY will have to adapt to the circumstances that face us. Op SOLIDARITY was the deployment of 16 Air Working as a band of brothers and sisters to deliver Assault Brigade’s Lead Assault Force (LAF) to Ukraine for each other in an isolated and austere environment; in September 2020. The operation aimed to demonstrate honouring the exceptional heritage of our forebears. 16X’s capability by conducting the first operational Whilst we have not been tested to that degree, 2020 parachute jump since Op MUSKETEER in 1956; and to has been a challenging and enjoyable year in which our reassure Ukrainian allies in the face of large-scale Russian people have been tested across different environments exercising on their border. and have delivered. In the context of COVID-19 there Deploying on a short notice contingency operation, are a few stand out events. This year 16 MI Company amid the COVID-19 pandemic, posed a novel challenge. has: delivered a hybrid operation and training activity in SSgt Jones (162 GS MI Section), Sgt Mitchell (162 GS Op SOLIDARITY; validated through Ex CERBERUS; MI Section) and Cpl Little (163 BGIS MI Section) were conducted Reserve/Regular integrated green skills activated as the very high readiness MI element, to go into training during Ex MAROON BAYONET; and isolation for two weeks prior to deploying with the LAF. maintained espirit de corps and supported a local charity The LAF comprised approximately 250 personnel, with during MAROON 317. But, 2021, with a continuation B Company 3 PARA providing the main combat element. of Brigade operationalisation, expanded ambition for It was to deploy in three waves, consisting of two air drops ISTAR integration, multi-national joint exercising and and one air landing, flying direct from RAF Brize Norton the opportunity to return to battlefield studies and to Kherson Province, Ukraine. Sgt Mitchell’s jump with adventurous training, looks to be even better. wave one on 15 Sep 20 was the first recorded operational Finally, 16 MI Company continues to deliver through parachute jump by a member of the INT CORPS since the exceptional performance of its people. This year Maj Op MARKET GARDEN into Arnhem in Sep 1944. Adam Shindler handed over command of the company On arrival in Ukraine, the LAF conducted joint training to Maj Harry Noble, which was a huge privilege. We with the 80th Separate Air Assault Brigade (SAAB) of the look forward to welcoming anyone to the Company who Armed Forces of Ukraine; a valuable opportunity to learn wishes to support the Brigade and produce operational about our Ukrainian counterparts and to share operational intelligence in the most arduous conditions in the Field lessons. For the Ukrainians, Op SOLIDARITY provided

44 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS a high profile demonstration of support from the UK. situation and in roles beyond expectation – exemplifying The exercise also helped to further their efforts to align the Pegasus Ethos. themselves with NATO. Despite their limited resources, Fortunately, as personnel became asymptomatic and left 80th SAAB proved a very professional force with isolation, reinforcement arrived prior to the beginning considerable recent operational experience. They were of Mission Zero and just in time for the CBRN threat probably a little surprised at how excited the British to kick in! The whole team delivered exceptionally; soldiers were to be able to try out soviet era weapons and validating and certifying themselves as the Brigade J2 and ride around in BTR-80s. as a component of the Brigade HQ and ISTAR Group The exercise culminated in a joint obstacle crossing. through four missions. The exercise concluded with a The crossing over the Dnieper River (a 500m wide rousing speech from the Brigade Commander (Brigadier wet gap) was to be the final validation exercise for 80th James Martin) who confidently asserted the team’s ability SAAB, before their operational return to the Donbass. In to deliver against the ‘Falklands Test’ and to operate as the this operation, and B Coy, supported UK’s ‘Global Response Force’. by Cpl Little, conducted an air assault. Using Ukrainian Mi-8 helicopters, they seized the far bank of the river Exercise MAROON BAYONET enabling the mechanised elements to seize and hold the In early September, we deployed on Ex MAROON crossing. Throughout the operation, the Colchester based BAYONET, an infantry skills exercise that aimed to Brigade Ops Centre (BOC) controlled the operation and improve basic fieldcraft skills. This exercise, in Friday was manned by elements of 89 (Airborne) MI Section. Woods training area, was also in preparation for Ex This team tracked the all source (open source to above WESSEX STORM and Ex CERBERUS. secret) Current Intelligence Picture (CIP), encompassing We inserted with all our equipment onto the area on any noticeable or measurable changes to the military Monday, and then got straight into battlefield lessons, activities of Russia, directed collection activity through including basic patrolling drills, hand signals, and obstacle the Air Component and Space Ops Centre and provided crossings. On completion we then went through grenade regular intelligence updates to inform the Deputy Comd’s familiarisation training, captured persons handling, decision making. communication skills and voice procedure, and the In addition to being excellent experience for newly occupation of a harbour in preparation for night-time arrived JNCOs to 16 MI Company, the briefing battle serials and a patrol competition in the coming days. rhythm enabled the building of rapport and credibility Throughout Tuesday, exercising troops covered the with the planning staff who saw accurate J2 repeatedly basics of fire and movement, working steadily upwards being injected into the operation. Op SOLIDARITY through fire-team drills, and progressing onto a section symbolised a significant historical milestone for UK attack by close of play. Ably assisted by members of 1 MI airborne capability. It proved that despite the particularly Bn Trg Wg, theory lessons were highly instructive, which challenging environment, both at home and abroad, allowed a smooth transition to practical confirmation. 16X could still deploy at short notice to conduct real- The afternoon also included battlefield casualty training, world contingency operations. For 16 MI Coy, we supported by Combat Medical Technicians from 16 proved ourselves capable of providing a wide breadth of Medical Regiment. Each lesson was designed to prepare intelligence support through the team in the BOC, as well troops for a confirmatory Patrols Competition, which as reinforcing the need for Intelligence Corps soldiers would test individuals on the skills and drills required to capable of parachuting into operations with the units they operate in the field. support. For the competition, the Coy was broken down into two sections, competing against each other over a 24-hour Exercise CERBERUS period. These serials included: breaking contact with the Ex CERBERUS 20 was 16X’s opportunity to validate as enemy; exploiting a deceased enemy; dealing with a mass the Army’s Very High Readiness Brigade HQ and receive casualty situation with ailments ranging from catastrophic certification from GOC 3 (UK) Division. COVID-19’s bleeds to minor injuries; a night phase including a route impact upon Brigade activity meant that preparation clearance and ambush; reoccupation of our harbour and build up training in the autumn was paramount to which became compromised; and, a final deliberate attack ensure the staff were ready to deliver. To achieve this, 16X followed by a daunting casualty evacuation by stretcher. conducted Ex PEGASUS WALK and Ex PEGASUS The stretcher race tested both physical and mental STRIKE in Merville Barracks to refresh and develop its robustness and while both sections put in 100% effort, Two ability to plan and execute operations. Following three Section ended up coming out on top. Overall, the exercise weeks of successful build up exercises, 16X deployed proved to be challenging but rewarding and we have all to Netheravon on its final preparatory exercise, Ex learned several new skills from the exercise. PEGASUS RUN. This exercise was designed to lead straight into Ex CERBERUS for validation. MAROON 317 Unfortunately, due to a COVID outbreak, 16 MI In early August, members of 16 MI Company set out on Company deployed with three people (Capt Lewis a 317km team race, masterminded by Sgt Kane O’Beirne. Williams, Cpl Holly Scott and LCpl William Johnson) Divided into two teams of fourteen, the Company instead of eighteen. As such, those that deployed stepped attempted to complete the distance in a COVID-19 up one or two ranks, delivering exceptionally in a tough compliant manner in the fastest time possible, whilst also

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 45 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces continuing to deliver intelligence outputs to 16X. The To ensure force health protection, during the event was sponsored to raise money for Colchester and competition each runner ran as many 1km loops of the Tendring Youth Enquiry Services (Y.E.S.), a charity that Brigade HQ as they could before handing over to the provides a confidential, non-judgemental and informal next runner. As the event wore on, the fast 1km loops service for young people between the ages of 11 and became longer loops of up to 4km to allow the runners 25yrs, who are facing difficulties in their lives, such as more recovery time between runs on the overnight shift. A homelessness, teenage pregnancy or mental illness. special guest came in the form of CO 1 MI Battalion (Lt As well as raising money for a good cause, the event Col Stephen Campbell) who ran for Team 1. was intended to commemorate the precursor 317 Field The team spirit and sense of competition got everyone Security Section (FSS), which was formed in 1943 to through the event, as each runner was encouraged by the support 6th Airborne Division. It was the first FSS in efforts of their teammates. This shared ethos was further Normandy during Op OVERLORD and also saw service demonstrated when the entire company turned up at in the Battle of the Bulge, Op VARSITY, and the crossing 0600hrs to cheer both teams over the finish line. of the , with three soldiers mentioned in dispatches. Overall, every runner ran over 20km over the course They took the “soldier first” attitude seriously, being called of just under 24 hours, smashing the estimated time of 36 upon to fight in an infantry role during Op VARSITY. hours. Team 1 finished just before 0600hrs with a time of 317 FSS was later the first British unit to discover the 21hrs 45mins whilst Team 2 finished a respectable second Belsen Concentration Camp, but went on to be disbanded at 0630hrs with a time of 22hrs 30mins. Special mention in 1948, after service in Palestine. 16 MI Coy trace a must be given to LCpl McGavock, who consistently ran strong lineage of airborne intelligence to 317 and 89 3-minute 1km laps, however the entire company put in a (AB) MI Sections, with 163 BGIS MI Section particularly brilliant performance. associating with 317 FSS, a link we hope to reinforce in Overall, 16 MI Company raised £1,293 to support future. those in need. 7 Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery

Summarizing 2020 as a strange and disjointed year part. In September members of the Battery deployed would be something of an understatement. However, on Ex JOINT ENDEAVOUR and jumped again; this 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery has time into Ukraine for a joint exercise close to the border remained busy throughout and continued to deliver with Crimea. They exercised decisively with Ukrainian Joint Fires in support of 2 & 3 PARA exercises and airborne forces in a deliberate show of cohesion to deliver operations, as well as 1 RGR at the unit level. In a message of strength and support to this vital ally and the addition, the Joint Effects and Targeting Group has wider region. been fully engaged in supporting numerous 16 Air G Bty started 2020 supporting 1 RGR at high readiness Assault Brigade Headquarters outputs including key before switching to support 2 PARA in their build up readiness validation exercises. for the same task. The spring months offered a brief Supporting three battlegroups has kept the two Gun Batteries, F (Sphinx) Parachute Battery RHA and G Below: Airborne Gunners getting used to their ‘second home’ for 2020 Parachute Battery (Mercer’s Troop) RHA on their toes, with COVID-19 challenges providing additional frictions at every turn. F Bty’s deployment on Ex ASKARI STORM to Kenya in support of 3 PARA at the start of the year and G Bty’s support to 2 PARA on Ex WESSEX STORM provided suitably challenging military bookends to the year. The year for F Bty had begun rather pleasantly with adventurous training in Val Thorens, France, where soldiers of mixed abilities gained various ski qualifications and sampled the delights of the local hostelries. At the end of January, the snow made way for the heat of East Africa, when the Battery deployed on Ex ASKARI STORM. In addition to putting into practice their core artillery skills, elements of the Battery enjoyed the challenge of supporting a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO), which involved a night jump in order to capture an airstrip - a significant highlight for all those that took

46 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS Workshops and AGC Detachments, with special praise being reserved for the Workshop for receiving a Brigade award for engineering excellence during 2020. Both of these attached badges remain essential to our outputs providing the crucial glue between the kinetic seams. Throughout the year, various junior officers from the Regt were deployed on Op RESCRIPT in support of the UK’s response to COVID-19. We were delighted when it was recently announced that Lt Will Stone RHA is to be awarded a CGS Commendation for his outstanding efforts, working as a military planner for County Council Local Resilience Forum in the early months of the pandemic. Looking to the future, the Regiment has continued to seek and exploit innovation opportunities throughout 2020. Highlights include a variety of Light Gun and Air Land Integration simulator trials, as well as investing in novel weight saving, camouflage and rehabilitation technologies. Similarly, members of the Regiment have enjoyed being intimately involved in the development of the Light Gun’s eventual replacement beyond 2030 and we keep our fingers crossed that such an investment survives the likely financial pressures that await. In conclusion, a busy year for the Regiment, and one not without its challenges. However, the Regiment has continued to demonstrate persistent determination, dogged resilience and an airborne spirit to perform superbly, both in and out of Merville Barracks.

Above: 105mm Light Gun Fire for Effect

pause from exercising and Mercer’s Troop took the opportunity for some physically testing events. Firstly, re-enacting the Bty’s 30-mile march from Colchester to Harwich on route to the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, before celebrating the Bty’s birthday with a 13- mile race around Mersea Island. However, the exercise respite was short lived with 2 months of build-up training in Thetford, Salisbury Plain and Sennybridge over the summer months before ending the year supporting 2 PARA on their key validation serial, Ex WESSEX STORM. The Plain again became a second home, but this time it was considerably colder and Above and below: Aviation Assault on Ex WESSEX STORM wetter, ensuring that the validation was hard-earned indeed! I Parachute Headquarters Battery (Bull’s Troop) were routinely involved in supporting most of the exercises previously listed, as is the role and burden of a HQ Bty. However, the highlight for Bull’s Troop came late in the year, when 16 Air Assault Brigade achieved its biennial certification on Ex CERBERUS. This involved a full run out of all the elements of the Brigade Headquarters within a divisional construct, allowing the Joint Effects and Targeting Group to run up and prosecute the deep fight on behalf of the Brigade. As ever the efforts of all three Batteries were made possible by the unwavering support of the REME

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 47 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment 2020 has been a year unlike any other and inevitably, coronavirus has had a significant impact on life at 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment. The national lockdown put a lot of our planned activity on hold during the spring/summer months, but with no immediate end to the pandemic in sight – vaccine notwithstanding – we have adapted the way we do business and found ways to deliver on our key readiness outputs throughout. The year began in a relatively orthodox fashion with Live Fire Tactical Training in chilly conditions on Warcop Ranges, that saw soldiers from across the Regiment master the basics in preparation for the readiness commitments and deployments that lay ahead. Meanwhile, the Nordic Skiing team put in some hard yards during the Divisional Championships in Serre Above: Airborne Sappers deploy the Infantry Assault Bridge on WESSEX Chevalier, placing an impressive 11th out of 37 teams. Spr STORM Podmore (51 Sqn) led the charge for the Regt’l Alpine rewarding community engagement task that saw Support team, claiming the Junior Gold for the Individual Giant Troop install new goal posts and a climbing frame at a Slalom event. To cap a successful sporting month, the local school in Nanyuki. Airborne Sappers Cross Country team were runners up in Elsewhere and much closer to home, February saw 9 the Army Inter Unit Championships, losing narrowly to Parachute Squadron conducting Section-led battle craft RMA Sandhurst. syllabus and combat engineer training, that included the Throughout the six-week period from late January to construction of 4-man battle trenches, minefield breaching March, 51 Parachute Engineer Squadron were in Kenya and the refinement of section battle drills. Concurrently, taking part in Ex ASKARI STORM as part of the 3 two members of the Regt’s newly formed Ice Sports Team PARA Battlegroup, in preparation for taking on readiness were selected to represent the Army at the Inter-Service commitments in the Spring. The early phases of the Championships, where Spr Hoad (9 Sqn) stood out as the deployment were devoted to the construction of a Tactical fastest of the Army’s men in the Skeleton event. At the Landing Zone (TLZ), capable of accommodating C-130J end of the month, several members of the Regt embarked Follow-on Air-Land (FAL), post parachute insertion at the on a battlefield study of Northern Europe, during which beginning of the exercise. The remainder of the exercise they studied the manoeuvre tactics of the German was based around a non-combatant evacuation operation Fallschirmjäger in May 1940. scenario, but there was also ample opportunity for In March, 9 Sqn travelled down to Weymouth to fieldcraft lessons, adventurous training and wildlife spotting sharpen their combat engineering skills on Ex PEGASUS throughout! The deployment concluded with a hugely BUILD, where they conducted survivability training, Above: Bridge building in Kenya vehicle denial drills and practiced bridging by day and night. Elsewhere, 12 Para HQ & Sp Sqn led a navigation package in the Black Mountains, where they got full training value amidst the blizzard conditions on Pen y Fan! Further north, 9 Sqn were also battling the elements at the annual Spean Bridge Commando Speed March, where they achieved a commendable third place and enjoyed what was to be one of the final opportunities for socialising before lockdown. Following the Prime Minister’s announcement, the decision was made that in line with the rest of the Army, the Regiment (less essential duties) would work from home, in order to reduce numbers on camp and protect our very high readiness elements from becoming infected. What followed was a period of re-adjustment, during which opportunities for personal development via online training and courses were maximised, as we adjusted to the ‘new normal’ imposed by COVID-19. Keen to assist in any way they could, several members of the Regt took

48 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS on the Rock Barracks runway and bridging serials on the newly upgraded Regimental training area. At the end of the month, the Regt bade farewell to outgoing 16X Commander (and former CO), Brigadier John Clark CBE, during his final visit to the Regt. Having commanded at every level within 16X it truly was the end of an era. Post Summer leave, the Regt got off to a fast start as the 16X Lead Assault Force were activated ahead of a short-notice deployment to Ukraine on Ex JOINT ENDEAVOUR. 250 troops parachuted into Southern Ukraine, where they linked up with the 80th Separate Air Assault Brigade and shared tactics, techniques and procedures during a short field training exercise. The deployment culminated in a combined-arms wide wet gap crossing over the River Dnieper, overseen by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. October saw sections from across the Regt compete for the Hopwood Trophy during Section Above: Airborne Sappers (and 2 PARA reinforcements) provide intimate Competitions, which was claimed by 2 Troop, 9 support to 3 PARA during Live Firing on ASKARI STORM Sqn this year. The majority of the Regt deployed it upon themselves to raise money for various charitable on a 3 (UK) Division Command and Staff Training causes. Highlights included LCpl James (9 Sqn) raising just Exercise and Ex WESSEX STORM, the validation serial under £1000 on behalf of the NHS by running 9 miles a for 2 PARA battlegroup ahead of their resumption of Air day for 9 days wearing a 22lb vest; and 5 members of 51 Assault Task Force Responsibilities next year. Sqn tabbing 52.4 miles carrying 16kg in under 23 hours, Throughout the year there has been a steady drumbeat raising £2,216 on behalf of Find Ipswich. Having had to of success – aside from a COVID-related hiatus during the cancel our planned VE Day 75 commemorations, the Regt summer months – on P Company and the Basic Parachute improvised, negotiating the use of Imperial War Museum’s Course. A significant contributing factor in this has been archive footage to produce a video tribute fronted by the creation of a new Airborne Fundamentals Cadre, Padre Ian Kemp. designed to provide new arrivals with a bespoke training Whilst the majority of the Regimental activity was package to introduce them to life as an Airborne Soldier. curtailed by COVID restrictions, our commitment to The benefits are already starting to become apparent, with Operational outputs continued, with a Troop (comprised 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment accounting for a sizeable of elements from across the Regt) returning from Op contingent of the successful candidates on the most recent TORAL in April. During their deployment, they were P Company. tasked with providing Advisor Force Protection to high- It has been a strange year and we look forward to ranking NATO advisors alongside B Coy 2 PARA, returning to some semblance of normality in 2021, as 9 where they set an excellent example throughout. In Sqn embark on the next iteration of Ex PINESTICK in particular, Cpl Bullock, A/Sgt Wood and Lt Irving (all 51 Cyprus and the majority of the Regiment deploy on Ex Sqn) were singled out for praise, receiving Comd Kabul JOINT WARRIOR, a multi-national NATO exercise Security Force Commendations in recognition for their that will take place in the Spring. outstanding efforts throughout the tour. As infection rates began to fall across the country, Below: Successful Sappers on All Arms Pre parachute Selection the Regt slowly began to return to work (initially with staggered manning) with 51 Sqn conducting pre- deployment training prior to Ex PINESTICK, where they would use their trade skills to upgrade critical infrastructure in Cyprus. Back in Woodbridge, a 12 Sqn-led exercise once again attracted storm conditions, despite it being late June! July saw 9 Sqn Support Troop conduct a construction task of their own, upgrading concrete pads and hard standing on a military training area, whilst 51 Sqn’s Sgt Aschettino led a survival package on Thetford training area. The highlight of the latter was the 48hr escape and evasion exercise during which the Commanding Officer was among those whose elusiveness was tested by Recce Troop! Further combat engineer training for soldiers from across the Regt took place during Ex EAGLE BUILD, which included airfield damage repair

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 49 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces 13 Air Assault Support Regiment Royal Logistic Corps

Throughout COVID-19, 13 Air Assault Support Patrols (CLP) and establishing a Forward Staging Area Regiment RLC (13 AASR) have maintained a high state (FSA). The entire Sqn took up realistic tasks, generating of readiness with soldiers from across the Regiment Quick Reaction Force and Force Protection serials and rising to the new challenges. serving DZs to receive stores from A400M and CH47. Ex BLACK LEADER July 2020 saw 82 AASp Sqn lead Interoperability was a key element of the exercise; with 13 AASR’s annual junior leadership development receiving the first live drop from the A400M and assisting exercise in the form of a patrols competition. Set over 36 1 ITB RIFLES on their final attack of their confirmation hours, 15 Sections patrolled to 10 checkpoints, covering exercise by marshalling and running the landing points between 30 and 50km. The stands included command for two CH-47 employed on the exercise. Whilst on the tasks, medical serials, a river crossing and a defensive stand. training area, 63AASp Sqn also took the opportunity to A testing environment for the junior leaders empowering conduct invaluable underslung load training with the them to face challenges and think on their feet in dynamic Wildcat Attack Helicopter. In sum, Ex BLACK TEMPEST scenarios. proved to be a testing yet rewarding exercise; and good preparation for the upcoming Ex WESSEX STORM. 47 Air Despatch Squadron 47 AD Sqn has been busy throughout the lockdown and Ex BLACK FLIGHT has continued to work with units from across Defence Ex BLACK FLIGHT was the first time in over 10 years to provide Aerial Delivery capability. June saw the Sqn that 13AASR moved fuel by air to set up a Forward drop a Role 1 Medical facility in its entirety to 16 Med Refuelling Point. This involved flying 2xAPFC’s (Air Regiment, alongside the other elements they require Portable Fuel Containers) under a CH47 Chinook to provide medical support to 16X. The Sqn has also helicopter to STANTA in order to refill vehicles, thus supported the Light Dragoon Battlegroup in their PDT, proving our capability to support Air Assault Operations. a critical objective for the BG before they deploy to Mali The next step is the testing of the Air Portable FARP’s on operations. The Sqn made history by conducting the (Forward Air Refuelling Points). first live drop to exercising Troops (from 63 Sqn) from the A400M, as well as maintaining exercises for discreet 1 Mechanised Brigade Combat Service customers. DAKOTA SURVIVOR saw the Sqn conduct a Support (CSS) STRIKE Visit 2-week SERE exercise on Dartmoor; the bleak conditions September saw the Regiment host an interoperability day combined with a ‘Hunter Force’ made the exercise both to further enhance and provide support to the developing physically and mentally challenging. STRIKE CSS Group. 13AASR provided key information on Air Despatch (AD), Heli Handling and Equipment Ex BLACK TEMPEST Support (ES); enabling the further development of September saw 63AASp Sqn deployed on a 10-day CT2 STRIKE CSS doctrine. Sqn exercise to Otterburn Training Area. Throughout the exercise the troops actively honed their skills Award Winners while operating as a Sqn to replenish dependant Units, The Regiment would like to congratulate LCpl Lord conducting Distribution Points (DPs) Combat Logistic and WO2 Keir. LCpl Lord won the Carmen Soldier Below: 47 Air Dispatch Squadron drop quad bikes from a C-130 Award for Best Young Soldier; for her work as an Air Despatcher, and RLC and Army Snowboarder and Wakeboarder. WO2 Keir won an award in the ‘WeAreTheCity’s’ Rising Star Awards 2020 in the ‘Logistics and Transport’ category, a fantastic achievement for a brilliant Logistician.

Squadron Charity Fundraising With COVID -19 halting plans for Summer 2020, Squadrons within the Regiment have been working hard raising money for worthy causes. Through multiple tough physical challenges: 8 Para Fd Coy REME raised over £1000 for ASM Simon Cooper; 63 Air Assault Support Sqn raised funds for a former soldier of the Regiment, Lee Earnshaw; and 47AD Sqn raised over £7000 for the ‘47Hundred Challenge’ raising Funds for NHS Charities.

50 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS 16 Medical Regiment with 12 hours’ notice to effect to the Department for Health and Social Care, where he was involved in the planning of the first four COVID testing facilities which were delivered around London. The work he was involved in set the groundwork for the testing stations delivered by the military, with subsequent development of testing capability then handed over to 102 Logistics Brigade. One of 19 Sqns Troop Commanders was attached to the local NHS within Essex, advising them on planning, rapidly developing capability and logistics. One of the main projects he was involved in was developing a PPE logistics system in order to supply emergency PPE across the county. Another project involved rapidly expanding hospital capacity, having been trained in Above: Soldier from 16 Med Regt. (right) demonstrates how to attach an siting a medical treatment facility and devouring intravenous rehydration line into a casualty while three Ukrainian troops look on as much doctrine as possible, he worked with the NHS estates team to evaluate and ROC drill 16 Medical Regiment holds various capabilities on potential sites, which included a cruise ship and Very High Readiness, so as the COVID-19 situation disused care homes. Upon selection of suitable sites, his developed and the country went into the first personnel management, briefing and task organisation lockdown, all the regiment’s departments were well skills were pivotal to enable the transformation of offices prepared to assist where needed. The regiment into brand new ward facilities ready for the expected have been involved in the response to the pandemic increase in patient numbers. in a wide variety of ways on Op RESCRIPT, OP BROADSHARE and other Military Assistance to Ambulance contingency Civil Authorities (MACA) tasks, supporting the NHS, As a contingency in case of staff shortages due to COVID, the Department of Health and Social Care, and and as part of Continued Clinical Exposure (CCE), CMTs Public Health England (PHE) in the UK and other and Paramedics from the regiment attended inductions organisations worldwide. with the Ambulance service. The training included vehicle and equipment familiarisation, advanced OP BROADSHARE life support and dementia care. This opportunity for the Our ability to project capability at short notice to effect regiment’s clinicians can continue to develop their clinical was proven when a team of nurses, ODPs and Combat abilities, but also ensures that the ambulance service have Medical Technicians (CMT) from our Role 2 capability a pool of additional staff to operate even in the event of a deployed to the Falkland Islands to bolster their medical large number of staff needing to self-isolate. capacity. Working alongside the civilian authorities and hospitals, the team overcame various challenges, including Rapid COVID testing those of a logistical nature being 8,000 miles from home More recently the regiment have responded to several to enhance the limited Intensive Care Unit (ICU) MACA tasks, assisting Public Health England in capability that normally exists on the islands. The expertise developing the new rapid COVID testing system. Teams of of those in the team instantly increased the clinical CMTs and nurses, deployed to Lewisham to assist with the capability on the islands and they also assisted in increasing swabbing of volunteers to prove the effectiveness of the capacity, by converting a sports hall into additional ward tests, which will feed into the continued development of capacity. The team were integrated into the staff at the the national rapid testing systems. During their work, they hospital, providing staff to the surgical facility when were also able to develop training material to assist those needed. administering the tests in the future. Throughout the pandemic 16 Medical Regiment OP RESCRIPT have been ready to respond with their Role 1 or Role Several Medical Support Officers (MSOs) from the 2 capabilities, wherever they may be needed around the regiment deployed within the UK on Op RESCRIPT. world. Thankfully a lot of our capabilities have not needed OC 23Sqn was able to use his previous UK Ops planning to be fully employed so far, but we continue our training experience with Standing Joint Command (SJC) to deploy and preparedness to ensure we are ready to respond.

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 51 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces 156 Provost Company Royal Military Operation ELGIN Nestled within the surrounding towering Dinaric Alps, Camp Butmir in Sarajevo is home to the European Union Force Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR), a multinational military deployment that provides support to the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and contributes towards the safety and security of the region (otherwise known as Op ALTHEA). Each year, the UK provides a company- group strength sub-unit to take part in Ex QUICK RESPONSE, the annual test of EUFOR’s capabilities, and then subsequently be at readiness to deploy at a moment’s notice to assist EUFOR with accomplishing its mission (Op ELGIN – the UK’s contribution to Op ALTHEA). This year, A Coy, 3 PARA took that responsibility, and within that 4 personnel from 156 Provost Coy, 3 Regimental Royal deployed to Camp Butmir from August to September to provide provost support to A Coy Gp. A Coy Gp’s training for Op ELGIN saw the Coy Gp deploy on Ex RED RESPONSE and Ex GREEN SHIELD, which formed the validation training for the deployment on Op ELGIN. Ex RED RESPONSE Above: Deploying the ‘new normal’ handshake on Op ELGIN provided the opportunity to refine marksmanship skills lessons (including of both person and vehicle searches), and Platoon-level Crowd and Riot Control (CRC) vehicle check points, forensic awareness and captured within the first week, followed by a week of company personnel (CPERS) handling. All these lessons were then level training rehearsing the EUFOR training objectives at taken forward into the deployment phase of the exercise Thetford Training Area. with the full immersion of the MP Det into the Coy Gp Ex RED RESPONSE gave the personnel from 156 during training serials. Pro Coy their first opportunity to integrate with A Coy. A few weeks later, the MP Det again got an opportunity While on the ranges, the Military Police Detachment (MP to provide their expertise to the Coy Gp on Ex GREEN Det) were able to try their hand at skills not normally SHIELD. The exercise was A Coy Gp’s validation for afforded to RMP, such as vehicle top cover shoot from CRC, which is a vital part in the deployment on Op the armoured Foxhound vehicles with a GPMG, giving ELGIN. The MP Det worked closely with A Coy 3 of the 4 members of the Det the experience of firing Gp during the exercise to adapt their techniques and the weapon system for the first time. The RMP was able procedures to incorporate and refine the vital provost to repay the favour by providing vital training to the support the RMP provided. The MP Det were able to PARAs, preparing them for any and all eventualities for use their policing skills to assist in the de-escalation of the deployment on Op ELGIN, such as extensive search hostilities, identify key rioters, and then, with Paratroopers Below: Working with A Coy, 3 PARA on Ex GREEN SHIELD as protection, the RMP embedded within the Shied Teams and were able to punch forward to capture and arrest the key troublemakers, leading to the swift de- escalation and dispersion of the rioting crowd. Deploying to Bosnia a few short weeks later, arriving to Camp Butmir, A Coy Gp seized the opportunity to conduct low level training specific to the EUFOR mission and tasks alongside the partner nations that make up the Multinational Battalion: Austria, Hungary and Turkey. Highlights included mine awareness training conducted by Hungarian EOD, a multinational military skills competition that saw teams of combined British and Austrian soldiers competing in a round-robin competition and taking part in CRC training alongside the foreign nations. There, we were able to observe the different kit and equipment used, as well as the various

52 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS deployment remained busy as it entered the Partnering Phase. A Coy Gp conducted deep patrols around BiH, liaising with Host Nation Police and gathering important information about the state of the country, such as how COVID-19 had impacted the more rural areas, and the current state of immigration at the border crossing points. As the end of the deployment drew to a close, A Coy Gp were presented with the Op ALTHEA medal as a symbol of their hard work and commitment to the continuing support that is provided by the British Army to EUFOR. Op ELGIN provided a unique and valuable opportunity for the RMP and British Forces as a whole to showcase their capabilities, build relationships and promote regional stability alongside other nations. EUFOR were excellent hosts and provided diverse and challenging training. For the RMP it was a perfect opportunity to display the value embedded provost support we will provide to a GCC Coy Group.

156 Pro Coy, Charity Event - 24x24 CrossFit Above and Below: 156 Provo Coy working alongside 3 PARA in “Hero Workout” Challenge. On Sat 15 Aug 20, LCpl’s Gunson, Tollan, Laithwaite and Sarajevo Loughman from 156 Pro Coy, 3 RMP, embarked upon a techniques displayed. charity event, that saw them completing 24 CrossFit based The highlight of the deployment was Exercise QUICK hero workouts, one every hour, for a 24-hour period. This RESPONSE, which saw A Coy Gp travel south through was an extremely tough physical challenge that tested their the picturesque mountains and into the town of Caplijna physical and mental resilience, with some events leaving no near the Croatian border. It was here that A Coy Gp was rest periods in between workouts. It would be a challenge tested on a series of scenarios that would examine their to complete one of these hero workouts, never mind 24 response to a number of likely scenarios, including the individual hero workouts back to back. need for the extraction of a Liaison and Observation Team, This event was organised to raise money and awareness the securing of an Arms and Weapons Supply Sites and the for the charity ‘Combat Stress’. Combat Stress is a securing of Sarajevo Airport. The MP Det continued to registered UK charity that offers therapeutic and clinical provide A Coy Gp with their field of expertise and assisted treatment to former serving personnel of the British and advised on a range of capabilities, including CPERS Armed Forces, who suffer from a range of mental health handling, the erection of a Unit Holding Area, and liaising conditions. When asked, the participants said, “As serving with locals and host nation police forces. personnel, an issue close to all our hearts is the support As Exercise QUICK RESPONSE ended, the to those negatively impacted by their time serving within the military, that suffer from some form of mental health illness. Our aim is to raise as much money as possible for Combat Stress to help them continue the much-needed service they provide.” The participants were encouraged throughout the event by personnel from 156 Pro Coy, whether that was by encouragement and supporting them through the individual workouts, bringing refreshments or sharing the JustGiving page, documenting their progress via social media platforms, to ensure this event was given the largest possible audience. Furthermore, they received telephone calls from family members and the Chain of Command throughout the day, that couldn’t be there in person to help spur them on. With all the background planning required, the participants had to further ensure they were fully prepared for this challenge, testing the workouts for rough time estimates and making sure they were adequately trained to see the challenge through. This was in addition to returning from a CT1 Exercise at Caerwent Training Area the week prior. To date, the team have raised a staggering £1,330, which is an incredible achievement.

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1st Battalion The 1 RGR re-trained and re-configured post Op TORAL had to continue to work from home within the constraints 7 (2019) to deliver the Air Manoeuvre Battle Group of rapidly planned Force Health Protection measures. 1, assuming the role from 3 PARA on 12 July 19. The Emphasis was placed on continued conceptual AMBG is held at very high readiness against several development. Building on Ex OLIVE GROVE in standing tasks (Op CARIBBEAN, Op ELGIN and Jordan, 1 RGR sought to understand and engage with UKSB), forms the core of the Air Assault Task Force the complexities of Air Assault and apply the principles and conducts other high readiness tasks, including through Ex AQUILA STRIKE and various BRAVO NEOs. The AMBG’s main task is warfighting as the lead demonstrations whilst employed as part of the AMBG. element of a unilateral or multilateral Joint Forcible The Battalion Ops/Training Wing identified a Drop Zone Entry Operation. (DZ) for Air Drop pax and stores on the Cinque Ports The first half of 2020 for 1 RGR was largely characterised Training Area (CPTA), to enable RAF support to Coy by guaranteeing readiness having been extended at VHR exercises. Linking in with the Brigade’s Air Cell, the drop from May until July 2020. As the first AMBG iteration for zone was due to be tested during lockdown, dropping in the RGR Battalion in 16 Brigade, 1 RGR approached the much needed food supplies for a local charity food bank, challenge and opportunity aggressively maintaining the although in the event foul weather stopped play! The Rifle highest readiness and preparedness at all levels. The wider Companies further utilised the DZ in training to enhance AMBG team were welcomed in all training activities and understanding of air delivery on Ex FLYING KUKHURI. weekly in the AMBG CUB. Preparations for the Unit C (Mogaung) Coy seized a late opportunity with a CH47 Move and jungle warfare role took place concurrently to to conduct a night insertion onto CPTA. The Ex allowed this. the Coy to plan and conduct three rapid raids before As the full implications of COVID revealed themselves, meeting tight extraction timelines back at the HLS. the Battalion’s forecast of events took a drastic change. Ex AQUILA STRIKE in July was an ATF-1 CT2/3 The planned Unit Move to Brunei and re-role to jungle exercise based from Wattisham. The primary training warfare across summer leave was delayed 12 months. To audience were force elements aligned to ATF-1, including ensure we met our AMBG commitments and in line with the Headquarters. The main themes of the exercise were ‘The Pegasus Ethos’, the mission and team were placed developing ATF-1 HQ working practises and improving well before the individual. Easter leave was cancelled, most interoperability. This manifested in an Avn Manoeuvre of our Gurkhas, whose home is Sir John Moore Barracks, in 4 CH47 to Wattisham, hasty joint planning and an

54 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS execution of a STRIKE on STANTA before extracting products and planning meetings required to ensure a back to Shorncliffe. B (Sari Bair) Coy alongside elements common operating picture defined. In order to achieve of C (Mogaung) Coy participated as a Rifle Coy Group the total integration and understanding of Aviation assets TACOM to ATF-1 Comd. B Coy was tasked by the ATF- required in Air Assault operations, further efforts must 1 Comd to raid a compound cluster (Obj VENUS) and be made to develop relationships, interoperability and capture a High Value Target (Obj METEOR). The closer a focused Air Assault Community. Something 1 RGR integration with 4AAC, and RAF SH Sqns has enabled continues to push looking forward. shared understanding of TTPs as a result of the Exercise, Relationship building with RAF colleagues was a key and these have been utilised over several PNCOs which focus of Ex PEGASUS FLIGHT in November. Whilst have benefited from SH support from across all 3 services, the scope changed from the original TLZ landing on including the Commando Helicopter Force. Woodbridge, the Ex nonetheless provided opportunities Motivated by an awareness that Air Assault is an essential to practice deplaning drills from C-130 Hercules, C-17 capability neither widely understood nor appropriately and A400M, albeit under control of the ground staff. Both resourced, 1 RGR has successfully created a foundation B (Sari Bair) and C (Mogaung) Coy enjoyed repeated of Air Assault experience derived from conceptual study flights over three days from RAF Wittering working with days, exercises, historical study, study of peer armed forces 1 AMW. doctrine and TTPs and collective initiative. Encumbered by the frustrating last-minute cancelations Lt Tom Washington-Smith in his forthcoming Combat of many of the annual competitions due to COVID (16X journal article made the convincing case that in order to OSC, Bisley, Cambrian Patrol, Trailwalker etc), 1 RGR’s align our capability with key allies and out-manoeuvre ruthless will to win came to the fore when the running future adversaries, The British Army should seek to teams stood up with 2 weeks training to compete in the solidify the Air Assault Infantry concept. To achieve this, virtual PARAS’10 competition. Both 1 RGR teams (the an Air Assault Infantry Commanders Course should be weighted tab and the run) placed very strong average established, greater opportunities to deploy on exercise performances winning the team races in both categories. with JTACs and aviation support resourced, advanced Of note, Rifleman Roshan Gurung completed the tab capabilities (Eagle VCP and urban insertion techniques; in 1 hour 14 minutes and Rifleman Sunny Thapa Magar rappelling) explored and demonstration air frames finished the run in 1 hour and 24 seconds, only a minute provided facilitating a high frequency of ALPHA and behind the individual winner. BRAVO training. 1 RGR is eagerly anticipating the challenges of Ex Doctrine to guide the Ground Tactical Commander JOINT WARRIOR in the spring followed by the unit in developing his plan must be produced and a list of move to Brunei and a renewed focus on Jungle Warfare. Below: 1 RGR Gurkhas enjoy traditional Nepalese curry and bhat during a break from COVID testing at a motorway service station in Kent

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to dinners to golf days, which were all cancelled due to the virus restrictions. Everything dried up as quickly as supplies of pasta and toilet rolls. But supporters came through for us. Tony Lewis’s 353 Ball, held in memory of his son Conrad, KIA in Afghanistan, got in under the wire and raised an extraordinary £35,353 for SUPPORT OUR PARAS. Major Scott Ratcliffe brought his 2 PARA team back from Op TORAL, having logged the 4101 miles distance from Kabul to Colchester (K2C) in 180 days during their 6 month deployment to Afghanistan by treadmill and bike. B Coy 3 PARA later commemorated the Battle of Mt Longdon in 1982, by doing a virtual and socially distanced run from Colchester to Port Stanley in ‘No plan survives first contact’. A famous truth on the June, accompanied by members of B Coy ‘Class of 82’. battlefield. We have adapted. The #2.6 Challenge in April raised And so it proved for the newly amalgamated Parachute over £20,000. PARAS’10 live events at Colchester and Regiment and Airborne Forces Charity (PRAFC) in Catterick were 2020. Within months of the merger of the Airborne Forces ‘casualties of Security Fund and The Parachute Regiment Charity, war’ under effective on New Year’s day, the new PRAFC - trading as coronavirus. SUPPORT OUR PARAS - was plunged, along with the But 2 PARA’s whole globe into a world of coronavirus, social distancing Capt Getty led and lockdowns. the fightback, The new Trustees had met in January at the Victory organising Services Club to discuss strategy and key issues; the first a distanced Board meeting with Lt Gen Sir John Lorimer in the PARAS’10 in chair was held at White City in February. But March was Kabul with another matter: when lockdown suddenly descended, all over 100 of the staff immediately began working from home and meetings international were done over Zoom, Skype and WhatsApp video. A contingent brave new world. stationed there We needed to adapt and overcome. Our priority at such taking part. a time was - and still is - Welfare. We identified veterans BMF held an and families in distress – shielding, isolated, disabled, ‘At Home locked down with no family support – and sent them food Challenge’ for hampers. We have continued to provide welfare support over 100 people throughout this troubled time when we have seen its by Zoom to effects on our airborne beneficiaries in their mental health, replace the Above: PARAS’10 travelled to Kabul in 2020 loss of employment and homelessness, and family tensions Colchester and break-ups. Sadly too, there have been deaths in our event. community directly as a result of COVID. Help is at hand Our Virtual Catterick PARAS’10 in September, with in times of need and distress, so please contact our Welfare entrants tabbing and running their own 10-mile courses Team.Our fundraising year had hardly started: we usually with 1,000 feet of elevation, attracted almost 500 entries. rely on events in the spring and summer, from marathons As Virtual events gathered momentum, we then sold out 1,200 places in our Virtual Colchester, with tabbers Below: The K2C team on Op TORAL from Australia to Azerbaijan and the USA. One UK mum even ran at the same time as her son in Washington State, USA. So PARAS’10 did its bit to keep families together and provide an exercise motivation - many who took part commented publicly on how it had helped their mental health and feelings of isolation at a difficult time. On top of that, some £30,000 of revenue has been raised from the event. Virtuals are here to stay and 2021 may see Virtual 10-milers in ‘Arnhem’, ‘Brecon’ or ‘Aldershot’. Before the second November lockdown, we watched Dan ‘Eddy’ Edwards, still dealing with his head wound from Afghanistan in 2010, climbing Snowdon with friends, many ex-Regiment, and raising £5,000. We continue to support Eddy in his rehab. Anglia Ruskin University paramedics also held a 24-

56 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS forget, the Charity is in good financial health. Through prudent financial policy in the past, we have stable reserves which allow us to help beneficiaries now and in the future, but we must always drive on in our efforts to ensure that no airborne soldier in need or distress is left unsupported. This is what we do. We have not yet overcome COVID-19, but we have done our best to adapt and there are hopeful signs with new vaccines. We look forward to a 2021 of live PARAS’10 events, golf days and dinners, ambitious personal challenges by serving personnel and civilians – and just seeing each other again - after a very strange and testing year for all of us.

How You Can Help There are other ways you can help us when the new normal arrives, or even before: Above: PARAS’10 medals, including one from the Colchester Virtual • Take part in a sponsored event – PARAS’10 or your hour CPRathon in memory of Pte Joe Berry, who had own local events are a great way to get people you joined them last year, but sadly passed away in Afghanistan know to sponsor your challenge. These don’t need to be in 2020. Many other individuals found new ways (within sport related – you could hold a sponsored silence or be government guidance) to help us, whether by Facebook sponsored to shave off your hair. birthday donations, or by their own virtual challenges: like • Organise a fundraising event – there are so many John Fletcher who has virtually trekked across France and possibilities when you organise your own event! If you’d Lapland with his Hungarian vizsla; CSgt Lee Fox ran the like some advice on an event you are planning, please get 100-mile Centurion in one day and raised £4,000; Kate in touch! Jackson did 25 push-ups for 25 days; Sam McGrath former • Shop online – shopping online through Amazon Smile OC P Coy donated the royalties of his successful Para means that 1% of eligible purchases will be donated to the Fitness books. charity. All you need to do is visit smile.amazon.co.uk and We have been buoyed in these difficult fundraising sign in using your regular Amazon account; once you’ve times by donations from our community, from PRA chosen SUPPORT OUR PARAS as your chosen charity, branches and individuals in the UK and overseas. Donors you just need to shop as normal, safe in the knowledge have supported our new Christmas appeal for hampers for that you are supporting us at the same time! our airborne veterans. This fine tradition, inherited from • Set up a Standing Order – any amount, however large the Airborne Forces Security Fund, costs up to £34,000 or small, can really help us make a difference. You can add annually so your support is very welcome. Gift Aid as well, at no extra cost to you. Drop us an email We have also been very fortunate in receiving a number to get your hands on a form. of legacies. These often demonstrate the gratitude of former airborne soldiers, or their widows, who have been Contact Us assisted by the charity in the past and have rewarded us To keep up to date with what’s going on, visit our website with a bequest. If you would like to include our charity at www.supportourparas.org or follow us on social media: in your will and support us in a way that might not Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @supportourparas be possible during your lifetime, please email legacy@ You can also email us on [email protected] supportourparas.org or call 01206 817074 and we will Below: Pegasus and Bruneval with their PARAS’10 medals send you a leaflet explaining how. Fortunately too, the Airborne Shop has been trading very strongly and providing our community with branded merchandise and gift items, as well as face-coverings you would be proud to wear. Please continue to use their excellent online service whose proceeds benefit the charity. We have also launched a scheme to Adopt-a- Mascot. Pegasus and Bruneval are much-loved popular ponies on parade (both of whom did their own PARAS’10 ten-miler with the Pony Major) and we are giving the public a chance to adopt them in return for a donation. Donors will receive a certificate, a rosette with photo and an info sheet. A great present for anyone you know who loves a pony. Contact [email protected] for more info. As we near the end of a year we would prefer to

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This year, thanks to COVID, PARAS’10 went virtual and the support we received was amazing. Here are just a few of the 2,000 people that took part in a virtual race in 2020.

Left: David Tibble questions his decisions just before he sets off

Above left: Ben Wakefield took the chance for a quick photo op up Crib Goch

Above right: Ben Matthewman and Baz Drabble push themselves

Right: John Buchanan and Sam Scobbie; Sam had to pull out of Catterick in 2019 due to her cancer returning and has come back fighting to join in the virtual race this year

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Above: SI Lloyd Lester getting a great send off from Cambridgeshire ACF

Right: Team Zero to Hero show off their medals

Bottom right: Kelvin ‘Chap’ Chaplin sets his pace through the woods

Bottom centre: Neil Carpenter enjoying the views over the potato fields in Wivenhoe

Bottom left: Keir Tunca ready for the off

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 59 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces recovering from wounds, physical and psychological • Grants to help veterans attend commemorations overseas • Home furnishings for families in distress • Vocational courses to assist soldiers transitioning into civilian life Are you Ready • Sports equipment for the wounded and for Regimental teams • Adventurous Training expeditions for serving for Anything? troops Can you support The Parachute • Christmas hampers to veterans Regiment and Airborne Forces • Help with funeral costs in distress cases Charity in your Will? • Preserving and making the Regiment’s heritage accessible to all • Memorials to those who have served Have you made a Will? As many as one in five people in the UK die Frequently Asked Questions without making a Will; many mistakenly think they do not own enough property or cash to need one. Do I have to make a Will? But making a Will is the only way to ensure that Making a Will is the only way to take control of whatever you own is distributed according to your your affairs and decide who you want to benefit wishes. Indeed, without a Will your family may be from your estate. Without a valid Will, the law faced with sorting out complicated legal matters at decides who gets what – it does not necessarily an already distressing time. You can make a Will at follow that your nearest and dearest will benefit. If any age or time, not just when you are putting your you haven’t made a Will, you leave everything to the affairs in order. Your first priority in your Will must be to your family. Once you have taken care of close family, you might consider leaving a little to help our Charity. By doing so, you assist the well-being of the Regimental and Airborne family, and the memory of our soldiers for years to come. Making a Will is a tax-efficient way of donating money to charity. All legacies to charities are free of Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax and could reduce the tax burden on your estate. We strongly recommend that you use a solicitor to help make or amend your Will. A solicitor will ensure that your wishes are practicable and will be carried out. This need not entail a whole new Will; you can simply make a brief addition – known as a Codicil - to include us in your existing Will. How does your legacy help us? SUPPORT OUR PARAS, The Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces Charity (Registered Charity No 1131977) was created on 1 January 2020 as a merger of The Parachute Regiment Charity (PRC) and Airborne Forces Security Fund (AFSF).

It supports the welfare and benevolence of serving and retired soldiers and dependents, and the maintenance of regimental efficiency, ethos, spirit and heritage. This includes: • Mobility equipment and disability conversion of vehicles and homes • Remedial courses and therapy to assist those

60 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS lawsociety.org.uk/ allows you to search online using your postcode, or call them on 020 7320 5650 What type of gift can I leave? There are three main types of legacy: • Residuary Legacy – This is the gift of the remainder of your estate (or a percentage of the remainder) after all other gifts to family and friends have been distributed and all outgoings have been dealt with. If you are generous enough to leave your entire estate to one Charity this is also known as a Residuary Legacy. • Cash (or Pecuniary) Legacy – This is a fixed sum of money specified by you. • Specific Legacy – This is a specific named item (or items) of value that you leave in your Will. It could be a house, property, life insurance, shares, a painting or even a classic car! rule of intestacy, chance and possibly even the Inland What should I do before visiting my Revenue (HMRC). solicitor? These three steps will prepare you for the questions Do I need to have served? your solicitor will ask and make drafting your Will No - you may also wish to honour the memory of a more straightforward. family member, living or deceased, who served with 1. Make a note of all your assets, including savings The Parachute Regiment or Airborne Forces. and investments. 2. Decide who you would like to provide for Is it possible to change my existing in your Will – your family, friends and favourite Will to include a legacy to Support our charities. Paras? 3. Choose at least two executors (they can be Yes - even if you already have a Will you can still friends, relatives or professionals) who will ultimately leave a legacy by completing a Codicil. It is still make sure that your wishes are carried out. It is a advisable to seek advice from your solicitor. good idea to check that the people you have chosen are happy to take on the responsibility. On a practical What if I have already named The note, it is advisable for at least one executor to be Parachute Regiment Charity or younger than you. Airborne Forces Security Fund in my Will? Please let us know No problem and no need to change your Will. The merger is recorded by the Charity Commission in a Making a Will is private and personal, but it helps form to accept legacies. It helps if you can tell us of us to know if you plan to leave us a legacy. You do your legacy. not have to tell us but it is greatly appreciated if you can. That way we can show our appreciation Are there any tax implications? for your generosity, avoid sending inappropriate Yes – charities are exempt from Inheritance Tax communications, and can plan for the future. All and Capital Gains Tax. So, if you are eligible to pay information is in the strictest confidence. Please Inheritance Tax, money that would otherwise go to email us at [email protected] HMRC could help the Charity in its work. Do I have to use a solicitor to draw up my Will? If your affairs are very straightforward, you can complete a “Do it Yourself” Will. However, we strongly advise you use a solicitor. Many charge a simple flat fee for this service and you will have peace of mind that all your affairs are in order. How do I find a solicitor? The internet or telephone directory will list solicitors in your area. Or try your local library. The Law Society website https://solicitors.

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 61 Candidates must be able to commit to intense United Kingdom Special Forces are and extended training demands, be willing to always seeking new talent. deploy overseas and commit to operations.

Regular and Reserve service personnel are 21 & 23 SAS(R) and SBS(R) provide an eligible to apply. opportunity for soldiers to work within a unique, diverse and exciting organisation. Service is UKSF conduct high risk operations in support physically and intellectually challenging, but the of UK interests on behalf of the Ministry of rewards are huge. Defence. A scarce resource, they operate beyond the agility, reach and expertise of To find out more, contact your nearest unit conventional forces. below.

A career within UKSF is demanding and 21 SAS(R) extremely rewarding; the training is world- London and South East leading, the operational tempo is high, and the • Wales experiences are unforgettable. • M3/M4 Corridor • East Anglia All UKSF units are recruiting now. • South West Email: [email protected] UKSF Reserves (R) Reserve units are an integrated part of 23 SAS(R) UKSF. They operate in difficult, dynamic • West Midlands circumstances, in which maturity and sound • North East judgement are paramount. • North West • Scotland Selection for all units is open to females Email: [email protected] and males, both Ex Regular and those with no previous military service. Applicants are SBS(R) required to complete reserve basic military Based in the South of England and recruits training prior to Selection and pass a five-day nationwide. briefing and assessment course. Email: [email protected] United Kingdom

BY ST R E E IL N U G G TH Special AN D Forces

Search UKSF on MODnet [email protected]

Reserves: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Creative Media Design ADR009227 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces Airborne Assault Museum

The Airborne Assault Museum is the official museum for The Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces. Their offices, archives, displays and online archive www.paradata.org.uk are based at IWM Duxford in Cambridgeshire. IWM Duxford is the largest aviation museum in Europe. Despite the challenging environment caused by COVID-19, the Curator Jon and Ben, plus the much valued team of volunteers, took advantage of the museum closure by refreshing the displays. This work included painting chipped woodwork, shampooing the carpets and a deep clean. Anti bac hand wipe dispensers were added, so that visitors could still use all of our interactive exhibits. Many of the displays were refreshed and updated. With the addition of some new historic items now on display. The team have also conducted many lectures and tours, including outreach work with several airborne units. These have included recruits from ITC Catterick, soldiers from 7 Para Regt RHA, 127 Sqn 16 Med Reg and 23 Para Engr Regt at Rock Barracks. The museum team also supported Trustees of The Royal Anglians with a tour and display of equipment at IWM Duxford. ParaData.org has also had several hundred additions, and answered hundreds of enquiries from it’s members. Serving soldiers, veterans and family members, historians, students and authors have used the archives as a resource. In June, the museum team was invited to assist with the Airborne 80 celebrations held at Merville Barracks in Colchester. We were delighted to be involved with Above: New and improved Falklands era display at Airborne Assault Museum podcast productions recently, with museum Below: Volunteer Simon Moore talks to camera at Airborne 80 about Falklands era kit Chairman, Maj Gen (Retd) Adrian Freer, providing an insight into Op Market Garden with broadcasters Al Murray and James Holland. Jon did another with Bruce Crompton for a podcast about Bruneval for amazingwarstories.com. The museum has a large following on Instagram @airborne_assault_museum and on Facebook so come and join the community and participate online. In 2021 we look forward to opening as usual and welcoming you all back. For further information, please visit our website www.paradata.org.uk.

64 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS News The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Airborne Engineers and Pegasus Bridge D-Day, June 6th 1944

The letter displayed below is from the archives of Madame Francoise Gondree and celebrates the unique link between Airborne Forces and the Gondree family, the proprietors of the Café Gondree located at Pegasus Bridge in Normandy. It is from Brig (Retd) FH Lowman CBE DSO, who was Commander for 6th Airborne Division on D-Day, June 6th 1944 and describes their often overlooked role on that famous operation alongside the Ox and Bucks air landing infantry under Major Howard. Above: Men of 249 Field Company sit in glider on an exercise One of the main objectives of the 6th Airborne Division was to “Capture, intact if possible, the bridges bridges for demolition, detailed models of both bridges over the Caen canal at Benouville and over the River were prepared and 2 Platoon, 249 Field Company RE Orne at Ranville” and here, the Engineers had a critical (Airborne) under Captain Jock Neilson RE began training role. to locate and remove demolition charges from the bridges With a fear that the Germans would have prepped the with the limited amount of equipment they could fit on 3 gliders. This equipment consisted of ladders, axes, crowbars, torches and folding canvas assault boats on an inflatable dinghy. Once on the ground, landing near to Benouville (now Pegasus) Bridge, the sappers raced forward to areas they suspected demolition charges would be placed. To their surprise, however, they only found markings painted to indicate where they should be placed and no charges present. This all occurred within minutes of landing. Unfortunately, the party detailed to deal with the Ranville (now Horsa) Bridge had landed off target so Capt Neilsen led a party to that bridge and it was also declared clear shortly thereafter, just as the second sapper team appeared. The third sapper team linked up with the main force the next day.The sappers then located a local Frenchman who could operate the lifting bridge at Benouville and after a crash course, were able to master the bridges controls. After the fighting had moved on, it was Brig Lowman who ordered the construction of 2 Pegasus signs to identify the Benouville Bridge as “Airborne”! After the war he returned to repaint them and formed a long lasting relationship with the Gondree family, with whom he stayed. Today one of their daughters, Arlette, still runs the café and the other, Francoise, maintains an archive and website (www.pegasusbridge.fr/) and is an author of French language books on the subject. To learn more about operations in Normandy, visit the online airborne archive of the Airborne Assault Museum at: www.paradata.org.uk/event/normandy-operation- overlord or the Memorial Pegasus Museum in Normandy: musee.memorial-pegasus.com/en/

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 65 News PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces

old Battalion, and the Regiment, some free publicity. I “You’re kaput was also working on getting foreign assignments and most importantly, having my pictures published in a national newspaper. mate, ja!” After a successful meeting with the Times’ picture editor, Andrew Harvey, who had inspected my portfolio of EXERCISE CASINO ROYALE published work, he agreed on a fee (£200) for pictures and then caught me off guard with the question, “Who’s going 4 PARA, 1988 to write the piece?” I quickly responded, “Max Arthur”, before I had even checked Max was actually available to Richard Watt, RHQ PARA Communications Officer, write it. I quickly jumped into the nearest Wapping phone recalls his visit to Bonnland, Germany in 1988, with the box and called Max who said he’d be happy to do it, for military historian and actor, Max Arthur OBE, to visit £200, which Andrew reluctantly agreed upon. 4 PARA on exercise with the . 4 PARA arranged for Max and I to get a free flight I first met Max Arthur in 1986 after he had written out of RAF Brize Norton to Hannover where we went the book Above All Courage which was based on the by military Land Rover to Bonnland, near Hammelburg. testimony of the troops who served in the 1982 Falklands We carried a bergan, duck down sleeping bag (the old War. maggot), wet weather DPM kit, boots, wash kit, my Max had been an actor appearing in a number of minor cameras, a tape-recorder and twenty rolls of black & white roles on television, most notably as Zuko in Doctor Who, as film. The main effort was for 4 PARA to jump from well as roles in Grange Hill and the 1978 film, Bloodbrothers. C-130 Hercules’ into a DZ near the town of Bonnland, Later in his life, he changed direction and became a which is empty of residents, similar to Copehill Down military historian: his most noted works, Men of The Red on Salisbury Plain. The Battalion would then form up Beret, Forgotten Voices of the Great War and Forgotten and attack the town, heavily defended by a Company of Voices of the Second World War, were widely respected. Bundeswehr Infanteristen, infantry soldiers. At the time, I was working in Fleet Street as a press Needless to say, things did not go to plan. I was standing photographer and decided to pitch an idea to The Times by the DZ triangular indicator, waiting to hear the drone newspaper to cover a military exercise with the Territorial of the three C-130’s, when a German soldier, holding an Army’s 4th Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (4 PARA) anemometer (wind measuring device) rushed up and said and the German Bundeswehr. One of my reasons for in perfect English, “Zee jump has been cancelled.” The this trip was that I had previously served in B Company reason was due to low cloud and this was a nuisance as I (Oldham) 4 PARA and thought my visit would give my had been hoping for a big, ‘sky full of ‘chutes’ type picture

66 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS News The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS for The Times. The three aircraft then flew overhead at 1,000 feet, with side doors open, but no sign of anyone jumping out and disappeared towards Hannover. The drop would have made an impressive sight for Max, and my cameras and I felt the disappointment that the guys on the aircraft must have been feeling, all revved up ready to jump. Plan B was then initiated and coaches were deployed to Hannover to pick up troops and bus them into the exercise. Max and I were wearing DPM kit with white lanyards to look like umpires, but we were not there to judge on which side was doing what correctly. The German soldiers were well dug in and had the tracked formidable Marder, an armoured infantry carrier with 20mm rapid fire cannon and machineguns, similar to the Warrior. They had Above: CO Lt Col Brian Martin chats with Oberleutnant Sollfrank camouflaged these vehicles well, to break up the outlines with boxes and scrim. British and German, agreed that 4 PARA had destroyed One well-hidden enemy Marder burst out of a garage two of the APCs with their Milan anti-tank weapons, with the wooden doors ending up like firelighters and the scoring direct hits. The Bundeswehr officers, who were all umpires deeming that six paratroopers had been ‘killed’ by regular soldiers, agreed; they were gracious in defeat and the vehicle’s machine gun. There was a vocal disagreement extremely polite to their 4 PARA guests. on who had actually been ‘killed’, as 4 PARA soldiers The attack carried on and went well with a few minor protested that they had taken adequate cover on hearing injuries, and surprisingly the German regular troops were the engines as it accelerated out to engage them. deemed to have lost the battle, according to the umpires, Max, who had bought along his cheap Woolworths’ which was slightly irritating for them as the British were cassette player, was rushing about interviewing anyone Reservists. Max’s piece for The Times caught the essence he could, including Germans; and I was dodging blank of the event by reporting the classic quote from an A rounds, smoke grenades and vehicles photographing Company Scouse paratrooper, telling the Marder driver whatever was happening in front of me. The voices of 4 bluntly, “You’re kaput mate, ja!” PARA’s Mancunians, Scousers, Yorkshiremen and Geordies Before leaving for the airport, we watched 4 PARA’s echoed around the small lanes between the immaculate CO, Lt Col Brian Martin address his soldiers, and the empty houses of this Bundeswehr town. GPMGs, SLRs, German troops, who had lined up in the town’s square. smoke and thousands of rounds of blank 7.62mm gave He was extremely happy about how things had gone and a realistic atmosphere to the proceedings, but the old congratulated his troops on their fighting success and the adage is you can’t photograph sound, unlike today. Even a Bundeswehr soldiers for being ‘a formidable enemy’. Squadron from 23 SAS Reserves seemed to be enjoying The picture I took of the ‘wash up’ in the town square themselves, with a number of troopers using their M16 is my favourite, but The Times chose another to publish; of rifles to great effect. a young Bundeswehr officer, Oberleutnant Horst Sollfrank During a break in proceedings, we brewed up on our chatting to Lt Col Martin with the help of a British Para hexi-block stoves and heated up some scran from the two fluent in German, as the translator. ration packs we had been issued. The umpires, who were Recently searching through Google, I found that the Below: Anti-Tank platoon insert carrying Milan posts and missiles same German officer, Oberleutnant Sollfrank is still serving in the Bundeswehr today, thirty- two years later, and is now Oberst Sollfrank, with the rank of a full Colonel. Our current Regimental Colonel, Lt Col Cradden, was also on the exercise 32 years-ago, at the time he was a ‘Tom’ serving with 16 (V) Independent Coy, The Parachute Regiment, which dates back to the old Lincoln Company. As for the exuberant and charismatic Max Arthur OBE, who died aged 80 in 2019 of leukaemia; he spent the last six weeks of his life in a hospice, which he insisted on calling a spa and was cheerful to the end. His books and his warm persona will remain a testimony to his unique ability to prize out the extraordinary stories of combat and war from his interviewees.

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 67 News PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces

Above left: Major Adam Jowett (Regimental Secretary) and Brigadier General Grzegorz Grodzki (Colonel Commandant Polish Airborne Brigade) at the Airborne Plein. Photo Credits: Arjan Vrieze, tracesofwar.com

The absence of our Veterans and the Dutch people Arnhem 76 was keenly felt throughout the commemorations. Each The 76th Commemoration of Operation MARKET ceremony was capped at one hundred personnel including GARDEN was marked in the under all support staff, ushers, TV crews, bands, clergy and stringent local COVID-19 restrictions. wreath layers. Outer cordons were provided by Local and UK participation was significantly limited by a National Police, with inner cordons and ticket checking combination of 4 PARA’s unavoidable and directed falling to either volunteers or Municipal staff. This meant withdrawal from Ex FALCON’S LEAP, the UK that the ‘congregation’ of ticketed guests ranged from just Government’s 14-day isolation period on return from 20-40 personnel at each event (23 in ). Of the Netherlands and sickness. However, the Regimental those paying their respects were Ambassadors from Poland, Secretary and 16 Air Assault Brigade’s Senior Chaplain, Canada, The United States, Australia and British Chargé Richard Smith, travelled to the Netherlands to represent d’affaires, Brigadier General Gregorz Grodzki, (Colonel The Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces. Commandant Polish Airborne Brigade), General Ron RHQ engaged with our 1st Airborne Division Smits (11 Brigade Commander - NL) Defence Attachés, Veteran’s to ensure they stayed safe and at home. The Four Mayors and King’s Commissioner. Mayors (Agnes Schaap - , Ahmed Marcouch The Reverend Richard Smith led the Service of - Arnhem, René Verhulst - Ede and Patricia Hoytink- Remembrance in Oosterbeek which, whilst drastically Roubos - Overbetuwe) collaborated to secure an equal reduced, was poignant and moving. Colonel (Retd) level of emergency powers to enable each event in Gerrit Pijpers OBE, RNLAF organised a B-25 Mitchell their municipality. The ceremonies broadly followed the aircraft for a spectacular flypast during the Act of expected format of commemorative events, but started Remembrance. Jaap Van Genderen MBE and Erik Van early with the ground secured hours in advance. All events der Meiden oversaw some thirty volunteers to deliver the were broadcast on live TV by Omroep Gelderland as well ceremony with the right degree of dignity and flair despite as YouTube. COVID-19 restrictions.

Left: Regimental Secretary, Maj Adam Jowett; Centre: School children from Ede lay wreaths at Ginkel Heath; Right: The Reverend Richard Smith CF (16X Senior Chaplain) at Ginkel Heath

68 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS News The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS

Top Left: Miss AnneMieke Van Genderen representing the Flower Children at the Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery Oosterbeek

Top Right: General Ron Smits (11X Commander), Brigadier General Gregorz Grodzki, Major Adam Jowett, Agnes Schaap (Mayor of Renkum) and John Berends (King’s Commissioner of Gelderland)

Centre Left: The Senior Chaplain delivers the Sermon in Oosterbeek

Centre Right: A B-25 Mitchell conducts the flypast during the Act of Remembrance in Oosterbeek

Right: Some of the 1,770 Fallen that rest in the CWGC Oosterbeek

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 69 News PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces sniper fire. From the bridge With men dying around him, Waddy ended up in a lopsided fight — his pistol against a sniper rifle. Pistols are pretty useless at a distance. He was badly wounded, only too far to the to be saved by a large Rhodesian private who grabbed him and ran 200 metres. Then from one field hospital to another. Prairie sky The first, British, was blown up, killing most of the Dedication to service led paratrooper from Battle of wounded British and Germans around him. He was Arnhem to western Manitoba captured and eventually operated on by a German doctor by John Ralston Saul © Winnipeg Free Press in a small hotel on a billiard table. Then he was wounded again as the area was decimated. He was thrown on a pile Col. John Waddy, an English war hero who loved of dead men, then pulled off it. Death was everywhere. Manitoba, has died near his birthplace in Somerset, Yet the battle was far from over. Almost 9,000 England. He was 100 and one of the last surviving paratroopers were trying to get into the battle to stabilize airborne officers from the turbulent, tragic Second World the situation in order to break through to the bridge. The War where he was wounded three times. Polish Brigade and the Dorset Regiment were trying to Three-quarters of his battalion were killed, wounded or get into the battle to give support. captured. It remains the central mythological battle of the Among the paratroopers were some 30 Canadian British Airborne. lieutenants and captains lent to the British, who were What is rarely mentioned is Canada’s role — three very short of officers. They commanded platoons. Only three precise interventions, the second an almost miraculous were rescued. The rest were killed, wounded or captured. success. Much has been said by the British paratroopers about the Arnhem made up one-third of the airborne Operation toughness and courage of those young Canadians. Market Garden — the British third. Undertaken Sept. 17- A 24-year-old lieutenant, John Wellbelove from Eston, 26, 1944, it was the largest airborne attack ever attempted. Sask., is often evoked as a hero. His platoon was overrun The big strategic idea was to leap right over the German by four tanks and a large group of German soldiers. He front with three massive jumps, each one deeper behind was last heard taunting the attackers as he fired his Sten their lines, in order to capture three strategic bridges, the gun, rallying his men in a helpless cause. last being Arnhem, 100 kilometres behind German lines in The larger picture was becoming clear. Col. “Johnny” the Netherlands. Frost, with 750 lightly armed paratroopers, had almost Arnhem was the “bridge too far” as Frederick “Boy” immediately broken through to their target — Arnhem Browning, the commanding general of the British Bridge. But how could they hold it? Within a day they Airborne, called it. were in close-quarters battle with far larger forces of The ground part of the operation was an equally Germans. And with their tanks. Unexpected tanks. This massive tank charge — like a Guderian style blitzkrieg was a fundamental failure by the most senior officers who — racing down a single narrow road, across the bridges decided to ignore the intelligence about the presence of in sequence the moment they were captured by the armoured forces. paratroopers. Finally, the tanks would cross the Lower But Frost and his men somehow held on for almost five Rhine at Arnhem and the road to Germany would be days. An amazing accomplishment and sacrifice. They had open. And the war would be over by Christmas. had two hopes. Altogether it was a brilliant, imaginative plan, with First, that the remarkable leaders and soldiers. Everywhere there were rest of their acts of courage and desperate attempts to alter the destiny forces — those they were presented with once they hit the ground. 9,000 who had This was one of those great British conflicts — the been dropped mythological battle of The Parachute Regiment. Lost. Not too far away won. But somehow a deep expression of who they were. — would As John Waddy stood in the open jump door, getting somehow ready, the plane next to them went down in flames. When break through. he jumped he saw the Germans below organized and What Frost firing at the plane door. Sixty men in his battalion were could not dead before they landed. This was not the surprise they know was the had been promised. impossibility Once on the ground they knew they had to turn the of the situation around very fast, as skirmishes quickly turned situation. into increasingly difficult clashes and tanks began to The 9,000 appear. Partway through the second day his company came fought every under destructive fire from a flak gun about 150 metres way they away. Waddy and a few of his men crept through the could, taking woods to within 15 metres, only to find themselves under enormous

70 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS News The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS casualties. This rescue story is rarely mentioned. In fact, the whole It couldn’t rescue was left out of the U.S.-funded war epic A Bridge be done. Too Far. Not a surprise. In the American-funded D-Day The other epic The Longest Day, only one of the five beaches was hope was basically left out of the story — Juno, the Canadian beach. that the At Arnhem, the British paratroopers had done Allied everything they could, and so it rightfully became the tanks mythological Parachute Regiment battle. And John would Waddy’s life was defined by that mythology, as in later suddenly years he lectured there and wrote books about the battle appear, and the errors which had caused defeat and so many having deaths. forced But military lives do go on, even after the greatest their way down the long thin road to Arnhem bridge. dramas. Waddy’s postwar life was inevitably wrapped up in They almost made it, arriving not too far away, but 36 the last days of the British Empire. You would have found hours late. By then, Frost’s 200 or so survivors out of the him in Palestine — where he was seriously wounded — initial 750 had run out of ammunition and been overrun. and in Egypt and Libya. He was also there in the middle of The overall situation was bleak. the Malayan Emergency in Malaysia — the first guerrilla Ten thousand men had parachuted or glided in Sept. campaign won by a mainly western army. 17-18. About 2,400 came out, rescued on the night of He was mentioned in dispatches for his role in that Sept. 26-27, almost entirely by the 23rd Field Company jungle conflict. Then came Jordan and Cyprus. Then of the Canadian Engineers. The miraculous Canadian Vietnam as an adviser to the British Ambassador. intervention. In fact he was regularly out on helicopter patrols. And This small group of engineers had first to make their all the while he was rising in the British two-part system way through German positions to a kilometre from the of outside-the-box warfare — The Parachute Regiment river, then drag their 20-foot storm boats under terrible and the Special Air Service (SAS). He set up the Para conditions, over two steep flood walls to the banks of Battle School and in 1964 became Colonel SAS; that is, the . In fact, there were four engineering the Director of Special Forces, which he modernized. companies there to do the job. But it turned out the 20th In 1957 in the midst of all this he went off with his Canadian Engineers were badly placed to play a major wife Anne for a two-year exchange with the Canadian role. And the two British companies had much smaller Airborne School in Rivers Camp, 30 km from Brandon. boats powered only by oars — useless for crossing a raging In the manner of a Russian novel by Lemontov or Tolstoy, river. there it was — out on the steppes, the great rolling prairies So, the 23rd, and their 14 fragile boats, equipped with in all their grandeur, an encampment of a few thousand highly temperamental 50-horsepower Evinrude outboard men and their families, flying everything from fighters to engines — no reverse and no clutch — had to figure out transports and jumping out of the sky. how to cross back and forth over a major river in the pitch Unlike the steppes, there were no defensive walls! black under constant machine gun, mortar and artillery Except the walls of nature. Enormous wheat fields, dense fire, as well cope with a heavy current. Many were sunk. low forests, bald rolling prairie, all of it constantly changing The engines kept dying. So did the soldiers. between amazing colours, extreme temperatures and Yet almost 2,500 were saved. Below: Paratroopers and gliders landing in Arnhem, Netherlands The engineers had remarkable leaders. Their commander, Maj. Michael Tucker directed it all while exposed to heavy fire. Lt. Russel Kennedy was constantly on the river, organizing, encouraging, himself driving boats across. Sapper Raymond Le Bouthillier led 26 round trips. Sapper David McCready undertook endless crossings until full daylight made them all clear targets. I have often thought that one of their advantages was typical of so many Canadian boys of every background — from eight or so on they were raised driving tin boats with outboards in rough water. There was an instinctual side to it all.

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 71 News PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces extreme cancelled school days. The soldiers and the children loved winds. the atmosphere of adventure. The wives were stranded and As it not particularly happy. happened, John Waddy seemed to feel completely at home in when John the relaxed Canadian atmosphere, the mysterious rolling Waddy prairies, the extremes of nature. He and his wife Ann arrived in seized every free moment to go off camping somewhere, Rivers, a the more isolated the better. Winnipegger, Until just a few years ago, older men would come up my father to me to say, “Your father gave me my wings” and “Do Lt.-Col. Bill you remember that crazy Englishman?” Immediately that Saul, was whole out-of-the-ordinary life would come flooding back. Above: John Waddy (left) and Bill Saul, Fort commanding John Waddy had been deeply affected by it. In later years Benning 1957 the Airborne he would constantly say those were the best years of his School. The two men quickly became close friends. My military career. father hadn’t become a paratrooper until transferring in The night before he died, he was talking about Rivers the post-war years to the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light and Canada and his friendship with my father. That Infantry, freshly converted into a parachute regiment. friendship was kept up by my brother Alastair, who had a During the war he had been a Winnipeg Rifle, first dream of serving in The Parachute Regiment. He moved fighting on loan to the British in North Africa, then back to England and fulfilled it as a young officer for several with his regiment landing on the first wave at Juno Beach years. on D-Day, then briefly in the Netherlands before he was As for Arnhem, the frustration of 1944 was erased in wounded. 1945 — on April 13-14 with Operation Anger. Again In any case, they spent a lot of time joking together, there is the Canadian link. The city and the area were leading the jumps. I’ve been told that sometimes in the taken and freed by First Canadian Corps, commanded middle of conversations they had thrown themselves out by Gen. Charles Foulkes. First Canadian Corps was then of the rear of the crazy looking C-119 Flying Boxcar made up of Canadian and British soldiers. Foulkes gave the transports a little too soon, ending up in deep snow Brits the honour of leading the attack on Arnhem. History somewhere off in the distance. I was just over 10, but demanded this. I remember Maj. Waddy well — relaxed, smiling, self- More precisely, it was quite rightly the mythological confident, with the aura of someone who had experienced property of their Airborne forces. This second battle of almost everything war could deliver and had survived. So Arnhem was not the most dramatic, but nor was it easy. far. Two days of heavy fighting. Not a battle to be forgotten. It is hard to explain life at Rivers. Not something most And it was the final act of Canada’s Arnhem role — the people would know about. During recess we would pile sacrifice of the CANLOAN officers, the miraculous out to see if there was a jump going on, and whether we Canadian Engineers rescue, the final victory at Arnhem by could identify our fathers in the sky. When a snowstorm First Canadian Corps. removed all visibility and the winds and temperatures When John Waddy died, the desire of the Regiment were dangerous, big white Bombardier military carriers for a grand celebration of his life was limited by the would appear out of the obscurity to take us to school. No COVID-19 pandemic. All the same, as many paratroopers Above: Col Waddy is carried to his grave in Pitminster, England by soldiers of the 4th as could be there stood outside around the Battalion, The Parachute Regiment church. He was carried to his grave and lowered into it by men of the 4th Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, successors of the men with whom he had leapt into the Battle of Arnhem. John Ralston Saul, novelist and essayist, has a growing impact on political and economic thought in many countries, most recently with his book The Collapse of Globalism. Voltaire’s Bastards includes a long reflection on irregular warfare, and is often taught at staff colleges. As International President of PEN, his approach to activism included negotiating with dictators and speaking out for endangered languages. As a leading voice on immigration and refugees, he is the co-Chair of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship.

72 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS News The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS

Above: WO2 Bancroft (left) with RSM Evans (right) at the Virtual St Lawrence Jewry in 2020

a 4 PARA Coy in Oldham at Rifle Street, which was B WO2 Andy Coy at the time. He joined B Coy 4 PARA and started training on the 6th January 1988. While serving with 4 PARA, he has trained all over Bancroft, 4 PARA Europe including Germany, France, Belgium, Ukraine as well as several Exercises to America, notably Fort Knox In 1979 a young Bancroft travelled into Manchester to Kentucky, Wyoming and Fort Dix, New Jersey. the Army Careers office located on Fountain Street. During his time with 4 PARA, he has deployed further However, due to his age he would have to wait until on operational tours including Op TELIC 3 as a Pl Sgt early 1980 in order to start training at The Parachute and Op HERRICK 13 with 3 PARA, where he assisted Regiment Depot, Browning Barracks, Aldershot. in the setup of the Police development advisory training He went on to complete Depot, passed P Coy and his team in Nad-e-Ali south; this involved mentoring and basic parachute course with 466 Pl at the end of 1980, training the Afghan National Police (ANP). with Sgt Ian McKay being his Pl Sgt. He was first posted WO2 Bancroft was CSM 12 Coy from 2004-2009 and to A Coy 2 PARA under the watchful eye of Corporal assumed the appointment as the Battalion Training Warrant David Hardman then moving to 4 Pl B Coy a year later. Officer upon his return from Op HERRICK 13. His last It was during his time in B Coy that he took part in the appointments were as the RQMS Reserve and finally Falklands Campaign Op CORPORATE. At just 19 years Regimental Recruiting Training Team WO2, ensuring old, he was in Cpl John Norton’s section as he crossed the his wealth of experience was passed onto future 4 PARA start line at Goose Green. In October 1982, he moved to soldiers. His service concluded with a windswept training Support Coy and went straight onto the Mortar cadre, weekend in Warcop on the 22nd November 2020. serving with the Platoon during an Operational tour in In 2010, WO2 Bancroft was awarded the Queen’s Belize until he left 2 PARA and the Regular Army in Volunteer Reserves Medal at Buckingham Palace. His 1983. award reflected his devotion to duty and exemplary service In 1987, whilst at Airborne Forces day in Aldershot to the 4th Battalion and The Parachute Regiment as a catching up with old friends, Bancroft bumped into an old whole. It was fitting that the Colonel in Chief, Prince mate from 2 PARA, who went on to tell him he was in 4 Charles presented WO2 Bancroft with his QVRM. PARA and that he too should join. An enquiry in Yellow Andy, on behalf of 4 PARA and The Parachute pages (before the days of Google) informed him there was Regiment, thank you for your loyal and extensive service.

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 73 News PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces Operation BANNER - Flashback to 1977

by Robin Horsfall, from his kick-off, a parked car outside the pub exploded without warning at the junction of Springfield and Whiterock 2003 book, ‘Fighting Scared’ Roads. The blast injured sixty-three people in the bar, eight of them seriously and part-time barman, John Moran aged 19, later died of his injuries, as did Gerald Clarke. Drinkers scrambled out of the pub carrying out wounded casualties, and attempting to give first aid. No sooner had the car bomb detonated, a UVF unit, positioned in the estate across the road, opened fire on the people who had been caught in the blast. Crowds had gathered outside the bar to assist and dived for cover as over 30 high-velocity rounds were fired at them. Paramedics and ambulance crews braved the gunfire to reach the wounded civilians, but it was too late for 50 year-old Tommy McIIroy who was fatally shot in the chest. IRA combatants joined forces to fight the UVF and returned fire with Thompson submachine guns, M1 carbines and a Bren light machinegun. By this time, British troops arrived on the scene and were also engaged by the IRA gunmen resulting in Corporal Alan Buckley, aged 22, of the 1st Bn The King’s Regiment, being shot. An Army medic rushed over to the wounded soldier “On 4th January 1977 I rejoined 2 PARA in the to assist, while a platoon of King’s soldiers gave covering ‘Murph’, short for the Ballymurphy district of Belfast. I fire, but his injuries were too severe and Corporal Buckley was placed on light duties, (whatever that means), but died from the fatal shot. found myself on patrol after only two days. “Four days later, my patrol and I were moving across some wasteland near the junction of Springfield Road and Whiterock Road. We had to cover another patrol that was going into Kelly’s Bar, a fierce republican PIRA hangout. “It was dark and I lay down behind a mound of earth, next to the sidewall of the post office. As I pointed my SLR towards the bar, I rested the magazine on the grass. “Instead of coming to rest on soft turf, it scraped a metal surface. I pulled away the grass to discover a galvanized builder’s bucket, half buried in the ground, with cardboard taped onto the open end. It was buried sideways in the mound of earth on which I lay, and was pointing towards the wall of the post office. It was a claymore mine, a Above: Members of the Mortar Platoon, returning from the directional bomb which, when it exploded, would send its cordon after the bomb was discovered shrapnel towards the wall, killing anyone standing there.”

History That night was to be one of the most violent during the Kelly’s Bar was a notorious pub frequented by PIRA Troubles as over 35 separate shooting incidents occurred supporters and Irish nationalists. Five years before Horsfall in 14 hours – the King’s Own Scottish Borderers were found that he was lying on an IED ‘bucket bomb’, the deployed to assist the King’s Regiment and as the violence bar had been the location of an explosion and fierce gun escalated, 300 members of The Parachute Regiment battles. moved on to the streets to firm up the Army’s response. England were playing against West Germany in the The Henry Taggart Army base nearby, was hit by over European Championship Quarter Final match in Berlin, 400 rounds of enemy fire during the battles. Incidentally, and the bar was packed with men watching the game on the final score of the football match was nil–nil, with West a colour TV fixed high up on the wall. Shortly after 5pm Germany winning on aggregate.

74 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS News The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Glider Pilot Regiment Society GPR Founders’ Day, Tilshead board at the Tarrant On 22nd February, Society members, representatives Rushton Memorial from the AAC and Parachute Regiment along with site. It gives visitors members of the public, gathered to commemorate the a glimpse into 78th Anniversary of the founding of the Regiment and for the history of the the dedication of two new benches; one to The Parachute airfield including its Regiment and the other to the late Brigadier Maurice connections with Sutcliffe OBE, the last Commanding Officer of the Glider the Glider Pilot Pilot Regiment. It was a delight to have members of Regiment. Brigadier Sutcliffe’s family present. Festival of Above The bench at Tilshead dedicated to D-Day 76 and Market Garden 76 Remembrance Brigadier Maurice Sutcliffe OBE Steven Oldrid, a member and Normandy resident, The team behind laid wreaths at local memorials whilst in the UK at the Festival of Remembrance delivered a commemorative the Harwell Stone and made a ‘socially distanced’ event that, in its minimalism, was perhaps more poignant commemoration video, in which Steve Wright, the than what we are used to. Sharing in it was one of our Society’s Vice Chair, took part. In September, members Veterans, Frank Ashleigh. He had a wonderful time and laid wreaths at UK memorials with a Market Garden was very well looked after. Our thanks to the team and connection. to Dick Goodwin from the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans. Tarrant Rushton Information Board On 30th September, the Society’s Chair, Jane Barkway- For more information about the Society please visit our Harney, was present at the unveiling of a new information website at www.gliderpilotregiment.org.uk

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 75 News PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces From that moment, they travelled to Gloucester SGT HENRY together and spent six weeks keeping an eye out for each other during training. There were thirty young men in the group and Henry was the only one who’d been in the MORRIS cadets so he became the ‘expert’ to the other lads. After the six weeks were up, each recruit’s names were by Karen Bennett posted on a notice board outside the company office, announcing where they were off to. Henry’s namesake, Henry Morris was born on Morris charged over to him and was terrified that he the 3rd November 1928. He had been posted to The Parachute Regiment. An officer lived in Islington as a young approached them and calmed Morris down and then boy and was an evacuee advised that their names had been mixed up and it was during the war. In 1942 he actually Henry who was the one going into the Paras. joined the Crown and Manor Henry deployed to Aldershot for three months training Boys Club in Hoxton because with the Parachute Brigade. From there, he was sent to he had heard that they had the flying school at Weston-on-the-Green, just outside an Army Cadet Force; as a Oxford. He was in Sgt. Thomas’s squad, No. 1 Parachute teenager he wanted to join Regiment ITC; it was now 1947. as everyone around him was Henry’s early training involved dropping from a great in uniform at that time and height inside an airplane hangar. They had to climb up a he thought that would be a seemingly endless ladder to reach a platform which was 6ft good thing to do to progress long and 2-3ft wide. There were no safety rails or anything in life! At the grand old age sensible like that. They wore a harness and walked to the of 92, he is still a member edge of the platform before the RAF instructors would of the Club to this day and the Club has influenced shout “Jump”, and the recruits did what they were told. his whole life, encouraging him with life skills and They were so indoctrinated education that he had not received as a child growing by then that they didn’t dare up. to question authority. They He was initially too young as a member of the Club, all just leapt down and their however once Henry had reached the age of sixteen, he stomachs lurched into their joined the Army Cadets through the Boys’ Club. During mouths at the sudden drop. wartime, the cadets were quite a serious business. They met The harness would then pull every Thursday night and were also sent away for special up short and they would training weekends. From June 1944, there were huge new be lowered to the ground dangers in London mainly in the form of the V-1 flying where they had to do a bombs. One exploded close to Henry’s home in nearby forward roll to land. Grove Road, Hackney. If the wind was 15mph, However, life at the club carried on as normal and if the they would hit the ground signal was made that a flying bomb was heading in their extremely hard with a kit direction, they just stood in the main corridor, (between bag strapped to their legs two very strong walls) and stayed there until the danger containing equipment. When had passed. The V-2’s were even worse. They were guided practicing the descents, the ballistic missiles, which travelled at 3,500 miles per hour. kit bags were full of bricks Above: Sgt Morris (R) and These bombs were a constant danger from September and it was considered very friends 1944 until early 1945. tough, physical training. After the war, Henry was expecting a brown envelope Henry really enjoyed the to drop on the mat, which it did, three months before his challenges, he was fit and healthy and enjoyed the physical eighteenth birthday. He registered to join up and passed activity. However, after a year in The Parachute Regiment, the medical with flying colours and was called up to start an opportunity came to transfer to Austria to take part in official training. Being in the cadets had been a good skiing and mountain training. He wanted to see the world introduction and he liked adventure - his first posting was but never forgot the skills and adventures The Parachute to Gloucester for six weeks of basic training. Regiment had given him. Henry had a strange coincidence at Paddington station. In Austria, Henry trained with Austrian and German He was standing on the platform with his brown suitcase Army alpine troops to operate frontier and border controls, and caught the eye of another young lad with a similar particularly along the mountain passes. The war was over brown suitcase. The lad said to him, “Have you been called and these troops were specialist alpine troops with an in- up mate?” “Yes”, said Henry. The lad replied, “So have I, depth knowledge of skiing and navigating the surrounding where are you going to?”’ Henry said, “Gloucester” and terrain. Henry spent two years in Austria learning a little the young man replied that he was going to the same German and making life long friends who helped him in place. After introducing himself, they both found that they his career as a shirt manufacturer using the finest materials had the same surname of, ‘Morris’. from Switzerland and Germany.

76 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Parachute Regimental Association

The past year has been a very unusual and difficult In order to commemorate these historic Regimental time for many of our Airborne Veterans. The Airborne events, virtual services were produced internally immediate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic meant at RHQ, which have been successfully broadcast across all that for most, their daily routine was affected. Simple our social media platforms. While these will never replace tasks and activities were not possible and for some the actual event, they have been well received and provide this meant going into complete isolation in order to an opportunity for our members to commemorate in the protect themselves. safety of their own homes. I am very pleased to say that the trustees and members The Dutch did a great job at Arnhem in September, within our branches acted quickly and effectively to the despite the limitations on attendance. All our veterans situation. They soon identified those that were not in a had been advised not to travel to protect themselves and position to be cared for by immediate family in their area fortunately this message got out to everyone in good and dealt with their immediate needs. Once this link had time. The reduced service was held in the CWGC War been established, they put systems in place to ensure that Cemetery in Oosterbeek, with representatives from all their members were catered for and have continued all areas and RHQ PARA. On a greatly reduced scale, to do so for some of them since the initial lockdown in this included the traditional laying of flowers by local March 2020. schoolchildren. Our thanks go to Jaap Van Genderen and The Branches of the Association have coped admirably his team of volunteers in the Netherlands for all their hard with the restrictions imposed and I commend you all for work. caring for those less fortunate and able as yourselves. There The Airborne Soldier statue, unveiled in July 2019 in have been some great initiatives put into place by various Aldershot, which represents 50 years of The Parachute groups to cope with the situation, which will continue to Regiment and Airborne Forces service in the town, has have an impact for the foreseeable future. Well done to all also served as a focal point for commemorations and those that were involved in whatever form, your support remembrance this year. A number of people have made the to the vulnerable and elderly is greatly appreciated. trip in between ‘lockdowns’ to remember those that paid The very busy Commemoration year of 2019 was set the ultimate sacrifice. to continue into 2020 with the 75th Anniversary of the A large number of people registered to march at the Ardennes and Rhine Crossing. A larger than normal group Cenotaph Parade in London on Remembrance day this of veterans who fought there, along with others whose year. This was initially reduced to just eight members family members had taken part in the operations of 1945 of the Association, but unfortunately, at the last minute were due to travel. Unfortunately, this was to be the first this too was cancelled. Across the country, our Airborne casualty of the COVID-19 travel restrictions that were to veterans ensured that we were represented at local blight the year. commemorations. Many turned out for Remembrance Plans continued for Normandy, the National Memorial Day on Sunday 8th November and ensured that our Arboretum, the 80th Anniversary of Airborne Forces at veterans will never be forgotten and that We Will Tatton Park in Manchester and Arnhem to name but a Remember Them. few. As time went on, it was clear that these would all In the final part of the year the annual Field of be in danger of being postponed or cancelled, as more Remembrance Service at Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s and information became available and the situation became St Lawrence Jewry were all cancelled. Virtual services of clearer. Remembrance were again produced to mark the occasion. With the news of a vaccine we can look forward to 2021 with hope. Our plans for the commemorations have started already and confirmed dates and event details are on the website as they become available. Many events that were due to take place have been rolled over to this year, which is great news. Please keep an eye on the monthly newsletter and events page of the website: theparachuteregimentalassociation.com/events/ Regimental events throughout the year offer a great opportunity to organise, meet up with old friends and make new ones. Please take a look and see if you can attend any of the key Regimental events or one in your local area to support your local Branch. To keep up to date, please take a look at: www. theparachuteregimentalassociation.com Airborne.

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Around the branches

Aldershot in the day. As you are aware, we are still in the national lockdown due The numbers to COVID-19. The rules state that you must not socialise were strictly with anyone you do not live with or who is not in your controlled support bubble in any indoor setting, so we are unable and entry was to restart our meetings. Once the vaccine has been rolled through the out, we hope that we can restart the monthly meetings bottom gate. from March/ April onwards. We will keep you informed Social distancing through the newsletter. was adhered It is with great sadness that I have to inform you of to and wreaths the death of Branch member Norman Nichols. Norman were laid by died after a fall a few weeks ago. I do not know the date the Mayor of or time of the funeral, as soon as I hear I will inform you. Rushmoor, Norman’s funeral could be before the next newsletter so Police, If you receive the newsletter by mail and would like to Aldershot RBL, attend Norman’s funeral, can you please contact me and I Aldershot MP will call you as soon as I know. and Branch If you are not well, or you know of another member member Leo who is ill, can you let me know so that I can inform Docherty, the the Welfare member, Chris Rogers. We have had a few Aldershot members taken ill over the past eight months and Chris Branch PRA has kept in touch with them and their families. Without and others. Above: The Airborne Soldier statue with wreaths them informing us we would not have known. John Moffat laid during the Remembrance service The numbers at the Remembrance services had to be laid the wreath restricted this year due to COVID-19, but in spite of this, on behalf of the Branch and Chris Chambers carried the the Branch were invited to five Commemorations. The Pegasus Flag. first Commemoration was at the football match between Chris and Iain Rodgers then made their way to the Aldershot and Nott’s County on Saturday 7th November. South African Memorial on Gun Hill, Aldershot. This is Although no spectators were allowed to attend, the the first time that a Remembrance service has been held at Aldershot Branch were represented by Chris Chambers the Royal Army Medical Corps Memorial for many years. who carried the Pegasus Flag. The memorial is Grade II listed and commemorates the On Sunday 8th November, the second commemoration 314 officers and men of the RAMC who lost their lives was held by Rushmoor Borough Council at the Cenotaph whilst serving in the Boer War of 1899 to 1902 in South in Grosvenor Road. Fortunately, this service was held at Africa. Iain laid the Branch wreath during the service and 0945hrs, which allowed us to attend other services later Chris was carrying the only flag on parade. The Royal Garrison Church has been closed for Below: One of the benches in Princes Gardens many months due to refurbishment and repairs to the roof. Even without COVID-19 there would not have been a service inside the church. The service did go ahead at the memorial cross outside the main gates though. Including the Vicar, there were ten people in attendance. Due to the restrictions, Spud Murphy carried the Branch Standard and laid the Branch wreath. A few spectators gathered near the Farnborough Road to watch the service. The final service was held at the Airborne Soldier Statue in Princes Gardens. A short service was held and nearly 70 people attended. With plenty of room, everyone was well spaced out. With the Standard bearers and committee busy at the other services, it was down to Woody Woodward to lay the Branch wreath. I have been told that three

78 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS policemen watched the service from the traffic lights at the Orton, from Tonge Moor, who visits Wilf regularly decided bottom of Hospital Hill but never came over. The social to take him to Slaters in Bolton, accompanied by David distancing must have been adhered too. Sharkey (Chairman of the Bolton branch) to get a new Special thanks must go to Spud Murphy and Chris suit fitted for his celebrations. Mr Orton rang ahead to Chambers and all of the members who laid the wreaths. I let them know who and what the suit fitting was for and would like to thank the following people for taking photos was blown away by the service they received. After trying of the services and sending them to me. Ian Morsman who on a blazer, the manager of the store told them that it was is the Aldershot Town Football Club photographer, the on the house as recognition for everything Wilf has done Army Photographer Sarah Hyde and Lesley Moffat who during his service. took the photo at the Airborne Soldier Statue service. They then decided to buy trousers and a shirt for Wilf, only to be told again by the management that they would cover the costs. Kevin said, “It absolutely broke me seeing Wilf so happy with them doing that, I was overwhelmed. He was telling the staff his war stories the whole time and they were just in awe of him. He’s an absolute diamond. It’s a pleasure just to be with him after all he went through.” Mark Howard, store manager at Slaters in Bolton, said “It’s a small way for us to say a big thank you to Wilfred for his service. He is such a great character and it was a pleasure to be with him. For someone his age and with his experiences, he was still quick witted and great to talk to.” Wilf Oldham, who resides in Radcliffe, fought in the battle of Arnhem, one of the bloodiest battles of WW2, as part of the 1st Battalion, The and is only one of a few surviving soldiers from the battle. The battle was fought as part of Above: Airborne Riders paying their respects at Aldershot Military Cemetry Operation Market Garden, which is depicted in the Ride of Respect movie, A Bridge Too Far. We would like to thank all of the Branch members who Wilf didn’t go back to Arnhem for 45 years due to the attended the service in Aldershot Military Cemetery on guilt he felt, but Kevin described how he always has stories Thursday 6th August. More than sixty Harley Davison to tell and a great sense of humour for his age. “He’s still motorbikes were present at the service. During the event, sharp as a razor and very quick witted. He always says another sixty Lambrettas from the local Scooter Club in about how it was him who broke the four-minute mile Farnborough arrived. record running from the Germans in Arnhem and not Sir Over 200 people were present, keeping a social distance Roger Bannister.” and listening as the riders explained the reason for their Wilf was due to celebrate his 100th birthday and journey around the country. receive the MBE on 28th August, with the ceremony to They invited JJ Ferry, who at one time was the Garrison be held at The Fusiliers Museum in Bury, but sadly this Sergeant Major in Aldershot, and is a Falklands veteran, had to be cancelled due to COVID-19. Therefore, on his to say a few words. JJ thanked the riders on behalf of all birthday, in his new suit, we took him out for lunch and Falkland veterans and those present for their incredible on arriving at Bolton Para Café he was met by family efforts. Small Poppy crosses were placed on the Falklands and old friends, plus three of the elder statesmen from graves. JJ then played the lament, ‘Flowers of Below: Wilf, in his new suit, at his smaller than planned MBE ceremony the Forest’ on his bagpipes. They all went back to the Trafalgar Inn afterwards, although those riding had to stick to soft drinks. Please see the full article on the Ride of Respect (page ** ).

Bolton Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bolton Branch had plans well in advance to celebrate the 100th birthday of Wilfred Oldham MBE. Then COVID-19 hit us, so we had to think on our feet. Veteran Mr Wilf Oldham MBE, received a hero’s treatment from one clothes shop to prepare him for his 100th birthday and MBE ceremony. His long-time friend, Kevin

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 79 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces Battalion was living alone in Leyland, Lancashire. The lady in question, Mrs Roberta (known as Bobbie) Day is 80 years of age and her husband died following a head trauma injury in 2014; the circumstances of how the injury was sustained were never established. Her husband, Joseph (Joe) Day joined B Company, 3 PARA in 1961 and in just two years of joining the battalion had been promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He subsequently took part in the Radfan Operation in 1964. Apart from a tour of duty at the Battle School in Brecon, Joe remained with 3 PARA until he decided to leave in 1974. They had four children, including twin girls, who were born at the Royal Naval Hospital in in 1969; Joe Day was now a WO2 and Company Sergeant Major of D Company 3 PARA. The Below: L-R Derek Baker, Bobbie Day, Alan Newhouse Central Above: Wilf’s newly decorated bungalow and Terry Kenyon Lancashire the Bolton Branch PRA and we had a great afternoon of Branch video congratulations, cards, good food and the odd glass applied for, of wine. and was Finally, after many attempts and disappointments, we granted, a were able to complete Wilfred’s MBE investiture. We Christmas had to arrange the presentation within a week and were hamper severely restricted on attendees, so it was only six people and Mrs who could be present. This meant that not all members of Day was Wilf’s family could attend the Fusiliers Museum. delighted With the Bolton PRA not able to raise funds in when normal ways due to coronavirus, David Sharkey set up a three JustGiving page to help fund his celebration, which has members reached over £3,000. Kevin said, “He’s not just a veteran of the he’s a really genuine bloke.” Central Lancashire Branch turned up to present her with Many thanks go to Karan Lee, from the Lord it. Lieutenant’s Office, and Gemma Laverick, manager of the Fusiliers Museum, without whose help this presentation Chelmsford would never have happened. They were so helpful and What a year it has been for everyone, none more so than flexible to enable the event to go ahead. The Trustees of us ageing Branch Members, fearful of meeting up and the money raised got involved and after the formal part of risking catching COVID-19. the day, we were served hot and cold drinks and again, the 2019 had ended on a high note with an excellent odd glass of wine served by Karan herself. So our sincere Christmas lunch arranged by our ever-reliable Social thanks go out to all who made this day possible, including Secretary, John Norman and supported by Area Secretary, from the local ITV news channel, Paul Crone, Graham Paul Bryant, his wife Jan and members and their wives Moss, Frank Robinson, Norman Ward & Susan Davies. from Ilford 84 and East Anglia Branches.This had followed On Wilf’s return home, he was told he was going to on from an excellent trip to Arnhem in September, well have a break at his daughter’s house for a week, which he worth a second mention. loves - being waited on hand and foot. The week passed The first meeting in January 2020 was well attended. and Wilf had to return home only to find as he said “the Secretary Brian Whymark provided members with a list best kept secret since Market Garden” - his landlord had of dates for monthly meetings and proposed events and decorated his bungalow including all doors, roofs and outings. These included visits to the Airborne Museum walls. Not to be outdone, with the funds raised from at the IWM Duxford, the RAF Museum at Hendon and, JustGiving, the Trustees of the fund purchased carpets and subject to numbers interested, a visit to the Tank Museum floor covering for Wilfred’s bungalow. His daughter Susan in Dorset. Joining up with our fellow paratroopers from Davies also bought him a new sofa. Needless to say, for the the East Anglian Branch for local events was also being first time in a long time, Wilf was absolutely speechless! considered. Sadly, it was not to be. David Sharkey RLC An excellent fish & chip lunch followed the February Bolton Branch PRA Chairman meeting with a 100% membership attendance and also included hosting PRA HQ’s Secretary, Major (Retd) Paul Central Lancashire Raison. The February meeting was diminished with our As Branch Secretary of Central Lancashire Parachute Secretary laid low with COVID–19; fortunately, it was not Regimental Association, I recently became aware that the a severe attack and he made a complete recovery. From widow of a former Company Sergeant Major of the 3rd March, all contact within the Branch membership was

80 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS In normal times, meetings take place on the first Thursday in the month at the RAFA Club, Hall Street, Chelmsford, CM2 0HE For further information, contact Secretary Brian Whymark. Tel: 01245443770. Email: [email protected]

Durham Not much happened this year as you can well imagine. But our guys from the branch have not slackened in their duties to the general public and the old and the bold. We have still been active on the charity front, even if this devilish Coronavirus has curtailed it. Our Chairman Bob has led the way on the Poppy Appeal along with branch members; they helped sell poppies and collect quite a substantial amount for our local British Legion. The Chairman and branch members have also been collecting for the PRA charity. During the year the branch funded the Above: Guard of Honour for Tom Clarke’s funeral refurbishment of Capt Dent’s Memorial site as it carried out by email and telephone. Members celebrated had fallen into disrepair. Durham PRA are proud to VE & VJ Day Commemorations with their neighbours at a have refurbished the Memorial site with the help of Dave discrete distance. Mitchell and Dave Gray (both ex 1 PARA). In July, our Annual Memorial Service normally held Chris Dent was commissioned into The Parachute next to our Branch Rose Garden and Commemorative Regiment in 1974 and his postings, prior to becoming Stone was cancelled, but Secretary Brian Whymark, Second in Command of A Company 2 PARA, included ignoring lockdown, repainted the stone, polished the a tour as a platoon commander with Junior Parachute marble and laid a Memorial Cross and Wreath. Company. His wife Cathy, also an officer in the British With the relaxation of COVID-19 regulations in Army with The Royal Army Medical Corps, had given August, the Branch held its first meeting since March. birth to their son, Robbie, only months before his With little activity having taken place there was not much deployment to the Falklands in 1982. business to discuss but members enjoyed being able to The Battalion was first ashore on 21 May 1982 and meet up again, carefully observing the ‘distance rules’. dug in on Sussex Mountain above San Carlos, with a The meeting was tinged with sadness following the bird’s eye view of the continuous bombing attacks on death of much liked and respected member, Tom Clarke. the ships below. 2 PARA was ordered to capture Darwin His funeral, held at Basildon Crematorium was attended and Goose Green and set off on a beautiful clear evening. by President Len Harris and Secretary Brian Whymark. The Battalion attacked on the morning of 28 May, but by Following an entry on Facebook by Area Secretary dawn, A Company became pinned down in a gorse gully Paul Bryant, twenty-one ex-Paras, including three standard below Darwin Hill by very strong Argentine defences. bearers, also attended; they made a very impressive Guard Captain Chris Dent was killed instantly by enemy fire of Honour. as part of an ad hoc assault group formed to secure a With the Government re-introducing stricter ridge dominating the gully. Two other members of the regulations, the August meeting was the last one of 2020. group were also killed: Capt David Wood and Cpl Chuck For Remembrance weekend, members Below: The Durham branch in happier times, before social distancing attended local events but following Government instructions at a distance. With Chelmsford County Council commemorations cancelled, Branch Secretary Brian Whymark laid the Branch Wreath on his local Church War Memorial, located inside the Church. The members who received Christmas Hampers were most grateful and asked the Secretary to convey their thanks to those concerned at PRA HQ. Despite COVID-19 and an uncertain future, members continue to communicate with each other and despite bouts of boredom, spirits remain high and we look forward with optimism (and hope) for 2021.

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 81 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces Hardman. Capt Dent is buried at San Carlos Cemetery, Falkland Islands. Earlier in the year, one of our members, along with others, did a charity bike ride in aid of the South Atlantic Fund and will be doing another in 2021. A team of four veterans - Paul Moore, Charlie McColgan (both 9 PARA Sqn RE), Tony McKie (1 PARA) and Phil Damant (RAF) will be riding around the UK by motorbike visiting the gravesites and memorials of men of who lost their lives in the in 1982, a total of 2437 miles in 8 days. Above: Hertford and District on a day out just before COVID hit in March 2020 They are doing this ride to demonstrate that these men are not forgotten, to pay our respects to each one and their families, and to raise funds Regiment and Airborne Forces Charity. for the South Atlantic Medal Association who continues Branch member Ron Webster created a personal project to support veterans of the Falklands war and most to have a bench made for Doc Findlay 2 PARA, KIA at importantly, the families who have lost loved ones. Wireless Ridge, Falkland Islands 1982, with donations More info on JustGiving page-https://www.justgiving. coming from many sources. Ron would like to thank com/fundraising/paul-moore48 all donors and the local council. This bench has now been placed opposite the RAFA Club in Pier Gardens, Grimsby and Cleethorpes Cleethorpes. An official unveiling will occur in 2021 at 2020 started off well with Ron Webster’s 60th in the some point as restrictions ease. Let’s hope we have a better RAFA Club/Pegasus Bar followed by a visit to the 2021. Trafalgar to carry on the motion with Roy Haley, then Ron Webster back up North to celebrate Roy’s 60th. Secretary, Grimsby Cleethorpes PRA In March, one of our members, Stephen Harris, got married followed by the Battalion Reunions in Blackpool. Hertford and District 2 PARA managed to get their reunion in before The branch held their AGM on 5th February. John everything went haywire with COVID-19 and the Hamshere had given notice of his intention to stand down restrictions that followed. Then the Pegasus Bar, as Chairman. The branch expressed their appreciation of Cleethorpes, home to Grimsby and Cleethorpes PRA, John performing the role for a number of years. Mark had to be closed and refurbished with plastic barriers Ross was elected as the new Chairman, with Leon Carson and restrictions put in place. Whilst the bar was shut, our being elected as Vice Chairman. From the start of 2019 association had a few ‘online’ bar nights. there was an influx of members and total membership Members attended the unveiling of Lee Crichton’s now stands at 31. bench near Melton Mowbray. The branch also donated On Tuesday 10th March, the branch visited the their old Branch Standard to the new Don Bar, The Last Airborne Assault Museum at Duxford. Well timed given Post and it is now situated in the Lee Crichton Suite. Our the events later in the month. Ben Hall, the ParaData Standard Bearers have also attended as many funerals we Manager, was our host and arranged a guided tour of the could under the new restrictions of the time. museum and a display of equipment. 20 branch members Once again the Christmas Hampers were a great and family attended what was a very informative and success, so thank you again to the PRA and The Parachute enjoyable visit. Ben also provided parachute records for some of our members. Many thanks to Ben for arranging Below: Hertford and District on an unusually quiet Remembrance and hosting our visit. We were also fortunate that Paul Sunday Raison and Julia Weymouth joined us from RHQ in Colchester. It was a good to meet with both of them. One of our members attending, Tony Waudby arranged the visit having previously served with Paul in 3 PARA. A good day out for the branch, including a pleasant lunch at what transpired to be our last gathering for some time due to COVID restrictions coming into force a couple of weeks later. Notwithstanding the current restrictions, branch members are keeping in touch via social media and phone calls, ensuring the banter continues and more importantly monitoring wellbeing of members and their families. Many thanks to Tony Waudby for organising the ‘Facebook chatrooms’. To date, fortunately all our members and their families are safe and well. Former colleagues are surfacing

82 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS on social media and when the restrictions are lifted will be encouraged to join us at meetings and events. With the easing of COVID restrictions during the summer, Colin Childs hosted a branch meeting in his garden. Many thanks to Colin and to his wife Gill for making their garden available and for laying on food and drinks. Eric Burridge had given notice of his intention to step down as Branch Secretary and standard bearer. He remains as our Treasurer. The branch expressed their appreciation of Eric performing both roles over a number of years. At this meeting, Brett Lewis was elected as our Branch Secretary. Colin Rich and Colin Childs are now the Branch Standard Bearers. They have both been trained by Eric and await the opportunity to utilise their new skills. Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions, the branch was unable to parade on Remembrance Above: Newark Secretary, Brian Williams and Chairman, Norman Hodges at Sunday. Our Chairman, Secretary and Colin Childs the ABR Ride of Respect did however go to an unusually quiet Hertford at 10am on Remembrance Sunday to lay the branch wreath Sadly, a number of branch members/past members, have at the War Memorial. This was following at 1115am by a passed away during 2020, including our only remaining branch Facebook chatroom organised by Tony Waudby. WW2 veteran Alex Sutton. Others include: Mick When the restrictions are lifted, monthly branch Shepherd, Ernie Knox and Roger Tattershall. We extend meetings will resume at 8pm on the first Wednesday of our sincere condolences to their families and friends. each month at the Hatfield Social Club. New members A short window of relative normality occurred in from across the Airborne Brotherhood will be warmly August 2020 when the branch Chair and Secretary welcomed. Further details from our Secretary, Brett Lewis, supported the Airborne Riders (ABR) ‘Ride of Respect’ in 07711 137337 [email protected] Derby. Mark Ross - Chairman Northamptonshire Newark For the Northamptonshire Branch of the PRA, the As with other branches, 2020 has been a difficult year for Coronavirus pandemic has made 2020 a frustrating year our Newark branch due to the impact of COVID-19 for all our members and the country as a whole. After a restrictions. Planned events have been cancelled or severely couple of well-attended meetings at the start of the year, restricted. However, the branch has been able to maintain we have had to cancel all our planned events this year. contact with its members through monthly meetings We have however, continued to spread the word about being conducted online via Zoom with an attendance of our Branch via social media and word of mouth. We 20-25% of members joining each month. Additionally, the have recruited more members to the Branch who we are branch AGM was conducted online with normal voting looking forward to welcoming when the situation allows protocols being observed. it. We managed to get a handful of members together Below: Northamptonshire Branch Members Eddie Hammond and Mark Dale for a ‘socially distanced’ Remembrance Sunday in presenting an ice machine to NHS nurses at Kettering General Hospital Wellingborough. Members of our Branch, alongside the local veteran’s ‘Breakfast Club’, raised funds for the local NHS hospitals to show our appreciation and support for all their hard work in the current pandemic. The funds raised were used to buy an ice-machine and some plants for the Sensory Garden. The ice-machine was presented by Eddie Hammond and Mark Palmer (a COVID-19 survivor) to Kettering General Hospital and the plants to St Mary’s Hospital. All the items were gratefully received, and thanks were passed on to all those involved. We are looking forward, hopefully, to being able to hold some meetings again soon. If anyone in the Northamptonshire area is interested in joining our Branch we can be contacted via our Facebook page, or by emailing Tom Blakey at: northantspra@hotmail. com

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 83 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces Royal Cornwall I would usually start off with how great the weather has been or how the tourists are flocking to Cornwall and the smell of pasties filling the air, but we all know that I can’t do that because most of us have had to isolate at home because of this terrible coronavirus that has spread throughout the world. I expect that every one of us knows of someone that has had this virus or even worse, died of it. But remember this: We Are Brothers, We Are Family and we are there for each other. We will come through this battle as we have come through many others but not without losses. Why? Because We Are Airborne, UTRINQUE PARATUS. It is with a heavy heart that I have to start off this article with the announcement of the loss of some members and friends of this branch. On 15th February 2020, Major Martin Minter- Above: Members of Nottingham PRA forming up for Chris Gunn’s funeral Kemp, who served with 22 SAS & HQ SAS passed Nottingham away. The family held a small cremation service Nottingham PRA closed down for Christmas in 2019. The for him at Truro crematorium, thankfully before all the branch planned in the New Year 2020 to have one formal coronavirus restrictions came into place. His Regimental and then two social meetings and then back to a formal Flag and sword adorned his coffin and a Bugler from his meeting. We had our Christmas break 2019 to 2020 and regiment, The Royal Welsh, came all the way from Wales then we started 2020 with a social meeting on the 19th to play the last post. February 2020. I missed this meeting due to car problems. On Friday 21st February, the President of the Royal Mark Holding, Nottingham Treasurer and one of the main Cornwall Branch PRA, Captain Alfred Jones (Dave) passed leaders of Nottingham for the past 10 years later informed away aged 98. He was outgoing, friendly, funny, loved a me of the agenda. Then unfortunately the lockdown came good time and enjoyed socializing with people. As the into effect due to the COVID-19 virus, so we closed down our meetings at the RBL Beeston, Nottingham and Below: Royal Cornwall Branch President, ‘Dave’ Jones waited for further orders. The events we missed in 2020 were Blackpool in March, visiting Spalding PRA on St George’s Day, Sir ’s Grave, 4 PARA Club Dinner and Hardwick Hall in May. Also Armed Forces Day in June, then Cromwell Lock and Somerby for 10th Battalion Memorial in September, and finally Harlaxton College in November, where we usually meet up with Newark PRA members. In 2020, the Branch members sadly said goodbye to Chris Gunn, a long time member of the Nottingham PRA. 2020 has been a strange year, looking back to 2019 when some of our members went to Arnhem and had a very good trip. We have had many good years regarding events and trips before 2020. Now we can look forward to 2021 and meet our Regimental friends again with Nottingham PRA and our new members. The photo you see is before lockdown. Members do keep in touch by Facebook and texting each other as well as speaking on the phone; and now we have found Zoom, although Nottingham have not started on this form of communications just yet. The question remains, how did I manage when sitting in the jungle with D Coy 1 Para and missing my family back home in the UK? Utrinque Paratus Brian Williams Secretary Nottingham PRA

84 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS Branch President, Dave was always interested with what Normandy the Branch and its members were up to and took part in as Veteran and many events as he could. Dave served with the 44th/2nd Branch social Independent AB Div, 77th Indian Para Brigade and AB member Eric REME serving in India and Burma, he fought in the Lomax. Eric Battle of Imphal. He also completed 12 jumps, mostly into had been the combat areas to reinforce units already in position. After accountant for the war had finished, he volunteered to stay in uniform for our Branch another year and was posted to Germany. for a number On Wednesday 11th March, we lost Bryan Frost. Bryan of years before had been called up for National Service but decided to his retirement, enlist as a regular for three years, as they were treated and served in better and received more pay. After training he was posted WW2 with to 1 PARA and later to HQ 44 Independent Parachute the Hampshire Brigade where he became personal driver to Brigadier Regiment. John Frost. One day, whilst on leave in his local pub where He landed on there was a photo of him on the wall which the landlord D-Day and had taken from the Soldier Magazine of the time, a group fought his of young women came in and one of them commented way inland. how handsome the soldier in the picture was. The landlord Whilst he pointed at Bryan and said, “That’s him over there.” Her was involved name was Mary, who later became his wife. in fighting On Wednesday 25th March, Vice President of the not far from Branch and President Elect, 98-year-old Peter Horne what was passed away. Peter served in the Royal Signals attached to to become 2nd Parachute Brigade and saw service in North Africa, Pegasus , Southern France and Greece. He was part of the Bridge, he seaborne troops at Taranto and also fought in the Battle came under Above: Bryan Frost for Monte Cassino. He did not talk much about the war, fire from a but he did say that he saw the best and worst in men. He German machine gunner, a round struck him on the was awarded The Légion d’honneur by France for his part left side of his chest. If it wasn’t for his metal spectacles in Operation Dragoon, the invasion of Southern France. case which was in a pocket over the left side of his chest The award was presented by the Honorary French Consul deflecting the bullet, the round would have passed through at Trebah Military Day who commented on his bravery, his heart and killed him, but the metal case absorbed to which Peter replied, “I was not there alone”. Peter was most of the force and saved his life. He kept the case one of life’s gentlemen, he would have made a very good with him at all times in the pocket of his Normandy President and was very proud to be a member of the Veterans Association blazer. There was a hole in one end branch, the PRA and the Airborne Brotherhood. of the case where the bullet had torn through the metal. On Wednesday 18th March, at Camborne The inscription inside the case stated: “A periodical re- Crematorium, Branch members attended the funeral of examination of your eyes is a wise precaution. Re-test Below: Peter Horne and Alain Sibiril (French Consulate) advised 1943.” Eric always said: “It took the sting out of the bullet although it was still like being kicked by a horse.” He spent the next year in hospital or confined to the Royal Hampshire Regiment’s Barracks. During the early hours of Thursday 7th May, Ken Angell passed away. Ken served during WW2 signing up a few days after his 18th birthday. He enlisted into the The Ox & Bucks Light Infantry and was posted to the 2nd Battalion. On D-Day, he landed via Glider just beyond Sword Beach and within days of being in action, he was sent as part of a group to rescue some men trapped by a German tank. He then spent about three months fighting around the area of Caen, mostly from a ditch come trench being shelled at. On Christmas Day 1944, along with his unit he was sent to the Ardennes to fight in the Battle of the

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 85 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces may honour and remember them in our own unique airborne way. MAY THEY ALL REST IN PEACE On a brighter note, we welcome new members to the branch: Samuel Chambers who served with 1 PARA; Tim King and wife Leanne former 3 PARA; and John Keeble who saw service with 5 PARA. Also two new social members, Sharon and Mark Franklin. Sharon is the daughter of the late Andy Eggle. Congratulations go to Royal Navy WO Natasha Pulley (Bassett) on receiving her MBE from HRH the Prince of Wales for her voluntary work. Natasha is member Eddie Bassett’s (1 PARA) daughter, and is best known for being the first female to run the Royal Navy’s Field Gun Competition in 1990. Eddie is one very proud father. In March, Carolyn Brodie (Hibbert) who is the daughter of the late Major Tony Hibbert MBE MC Above: Ken Angell and is also our Branch Secretary, was asked to attend the Bulge, where he came face to face with a Tiger Tank, and reopening of The Hartenstein Museum in Oosterbeek as he said, “Ran Like Hell”. March 24th 1945 saw Ken near Arnhem as it had been closed for 6 months for land via Glider at the German town of Hamminkeln as refurbishment. She was asked as last year for the 75th part of the crossing of the Rhine. The town should have anniversary of the battle of Arnhem the family had lent the been practically empty of German forces; however enemy museum three diaries that her father had written whilst machine gunners had positioned themselves in the various in hiding after the battle. These detailed daily accounts of buildings. Out of the 750 men of his battalion, 50% were the battle, his escape from the lorry taking him to a POW either killed or wounded within the first 10 mins of the camp and how he spent his days during the first three gliders landing. He ended the war in Europe going to weeks in hiding. They were written in pencil in three Wismar on the Baltic Coast to help stop the Russians children’s exercise books and hidden under a flagstone in a moving further westwards. After VE Day, he was due to be church near Brummen when he was moved to Ede, where sent East to take on the Japanese but the atomic bombs he helped co-ordinate Operation Pegasus, during which were dropped ending WW2, so was diverted to Palestine 137 people escaped across the Rhine in the October of where life was a whole lot easier, although he did have 1944. to guard the St David’s Hotel, which was the target of a The Director of the museum then asked if the family major terrorist attack. In March 2016, Ken received The would be prepared to leave the diaries with the museum Légion d’honneur. for five years, where they would be put on permanent On 14th May, we were informed that Arthur Simpson, display with a walking stick that had been made for him 5th Parachute Brigade, had passed away the previous by a Dutch man as he was injured when he jumped off weekend. Arthur joined The Royal Signals at the age of 20 the lorry, and hopefully his Military Cross which he won in 1942. He then trained as a Paratrooper and joined the during the battle and he had donated to the museum. 7th Battalion under the command of Lt Col Pine-Coffin. During the opening ceremony, there was going to He jumped into Normandy on D-Day to reinforce the be a question and answer session with the daughters of Coup de Main party (Ox and Bucks) to take and hold Arnhem veterans. The other daughters asked were Colonel the crossroads at Benouville. Arthur also saw action at The John Frost’s daughter Caroline, and Major General Roy Battle of the Bulge and the Rhine Crossing. He ended the Urquhart’s daughter Judy; the daughters of Richard war serving in Java and Indonesia. Adams, who wrote the book Watership Down, were also We have also had to say a final goodbye to friends of invited. Their father was apparently in the tale and three the branch that have passed away. They include: Phil White of the characters in the book are based on members of – Parade Marshal for Truro RBL who passed away in his platoon, one is his company commander, one a person January; Mary Frost – wife of Bryan Frost and member of who died and his grave is in the cemetery and one is our Pegasus Ladies who passed away in January; Catherine himself. Abbot (Frost) – daughter of Bryan & Mary Frost who Also invited was Hiltje Van Eck BEM, whose father passed away in February; John Low – Secretary of Truro was a member of the and helped in the RBL and Social Member of our Branch, also saw service organisation of Operation Pegasus. As Carolyn arrived in with the who passed away in March; Holland, the event was cancelled due to the coronavirus. and Colonel John Waddy OBE, who passed away 27th Luckily, she was staying with Hiltje, whose family are September. very good friends. On the Friday, Hiltje and Carolyn Due to the current climate, most of the branch took Caroline Frost to the bridge as she had never been members could not attend the various funeral services there before. It was a very moving experience for the two of our friends. So it has been proposed that we hold a daughters to be there together as both of their fathers had memorial service in their honour at a later date, so that we fought there together. Afterwards, they went for lunch in

86 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS Rick had been the finest Platoon Commander he had ever served with. Rick Rescorla went on to become a Colonel. On 9/11, Rick had been Head of Security for Morgan Stanley. Knowing that one day the Twin Towers would be a target, he trained all the employees in evacuation procedures. On 11th September 2001, Rick led 2,687 people to safety. He then went back into the tower and was last seen alive on the 10th floor, heading up to find more people to help before the tower fell. His body was never found. Adie Denyer carried the Standard, bugler Gillian Allen sounded Last Post and Reveille, whilst Tom French read the Exultation and Kohima. Tom and Adie laid poppy crosses. Also laying crosses were former QARANC WO1 Sarah Angove and former RN Steve Allen. On Thursday 17th September, Tom and Jenny French attended Illogan Church Cemetery to lay poppy crosses at the RAF Memorial in Above: The small memorial held for Rick Rescorla in Hayle commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the the Schonnoord Bar in Oosterbeek, a famous meeting Battle of Britain. They also laid crosses and roses on place for Arnhem veterans where they met six veterans the Illogan Church War Memorial to the Gronet Twins, who had also been invited to Holland for the opening of Tom and Claude, who were killed during Operation the museum. Market Garden. Adie Denyer attended the grave of Major In the afternoon, they met up with Judy Urquhart Tony Hibbert in Mawnan Smith to lay a poppy cross. and her brother and had tea with Sophie Der Horst, The branch would like to thank Adie Denyer, who the daughter of the Angel of Arnhem (Kate Der Horst). after 15 years of carrying the Branch Standard is standing During the war, her family home was used as a hospital down. He has arthritis in both hands as well as a few other and her mother tended the injured and dying while the medical conditions, which restrict his ability to carry the family took shelter in the basement. standard. Although the opening of the museum was cancelled, It seems that our Chairman Jon Bates just can’t get that evening a dinner was organised by the Museum, enough of military life, as he has gone and re-enlisted but where all the invited veterans and guests could get this time into the Military Provost Guard Service (MPGS). together. Carolyn said that she found the whole trip most Pte Bates will be ‘Stagging On’ at RAF St Mawgan, where enlightening, as both Judy’s and Caroline’s fathers had his work will be purely shift work, carrying out static stayed in the army after the war, so their knowledge of the duties and patrols of the base. Jon says he always swore battle was totally different to hers as Tony had talked very that he would never get back into uniform again but… little about the war during her childhood. Although she the worst thing is the HE HAS TO WEAR, and no never got to see inside the museum, it was so lovely to see PARA SMOCK. the veterans and get to know the other daughters better. Best wishes to all our Airborne Brothers, wherever you Events Attended this year under strict COVID are and stay safe in these troubling times. regulations have been few. On Saturday 6th June at 11am, SAFE LANDINGS. a small service was held at Trebah Gardens, home of the For meeting dates and times contact Chairman, Jon Bates on Tel: late Maj Tony Hibbert MBE MC. A wreath and poppy 01872279756 or Email: [email protected] crosses were laid by Christopher Hibbert and Carolyn Brodie (Hibbert). Bugler Bill Bishop sounded the Last Shropshire Post & Reveille and Tom French read the Exultation and 2020 has been a difficult year for us, no doubt like the rest Kohima. of the PRA branches. January to March saw us having our Saturday 15th August VJ Day in Falmouth - a service monthly meetings and making plans for the rest of the observing social distancing was attended by 32 invited year. A coach trip to the National Memorial Arboretum guests. There were standards from the RN, MN, Army, RE in May, a D-Day dinner in June and the Arnhem dinner and RAF, as well as a bugler and piper in attendance. Tom in September all had to be cancelled. Sadly, COVID-19 French carried out the duty of Parade Marshal and also put paid to our well-laid plans. We resumed our monthly laid a wreath on behalf of the Branch. meetings in October and November, but the virus has put Friday 11th September (9/11 Twin Towers) - a small a stop to that for the second time. service was held at the memorial to Rick Rescorla Sadly, we have suffered two losses during the period. in Hayle, his home town, at 14:49hrs, 09:49hrs New In August, after a long and courageous battle with the York time. Rick had been an officer in The Parachute cancer, we lost Sgt George (Slim) Weller, ex 63 PARA Sqn Regiment serving during the Cyprus emergency. He RCT. Slim was laid to rest in Southampton and due to later went on to enlist in the 7th US Cavalry, after serving travel restrictions being in place that prevented the branch in Vietnam under Colonel Hal Moore who said that members from travelling, we were grateful for the local

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 87 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces PRA who turned out to give him an ‘Airborne’ send off. Regiment soldiers killed during the Falklands campaign, who lies in a nearby local cemetery. Our wonderful meeting venue at the Naval and Military Club on Royal Terrace at Southend on Sea has been unable to open during the health crisis. We look forward to returning to the Club for our regular monthly meeting as soon as it can reopen and welcome us back. This meeting takes place on the first Thursday night of each month and we continue to search for new members to join our brotherhood. Sadly, during the last year we have lost dear friends Roy Jones and Ron Hinson and we will miss them both. Attendance at funerals has been limited by the COVID-19 restrictions, but we shall remember them and other absent friends when we get the chance to come together as a Below: Guard of Honour for Stan Beck Branch again. We are looking forward to 2021, when we On the 11th November, we lost Stan Beck, ex 2 PARA hope we can once again celebrate the unique bond which (1957 to 1972), who was a victim of the COVID-19 virus. exists between us as paratroopers. Stan was laid to rest on the 28th November with members of the branch and the Shropshire & Montgomeryshire Teesside standards forming a Guard of Honour. Due to COVID-19 The Teesside Branch has rallied round during these restrictions, only family & close friends could attend the difficult times and it has been fantastic to see members service. Parading the Shropshire Branch standard was calling on each other to make sure that everyone has what Geoff Sproston (ex 2 PARA) and the Montgomeryshire they need to get by. This also provides them with a little standard was Richard Livsey (ex 216 Para Sigs Sqn). Also ‘COVID safe’ company on the doorstep. on parade was Peter Bedford BEM, Hubert Edwards and With lots of members shielding and some being key Jim Fielding (all ex 2 PARA), Arthur Williams (ex 63 Para workers, it only left a few available to help out with the Sqn RCT), Peter Bell (ex 3 PARA), Chris Brooksbank 2020 RBL Poppy Appeal. Volunteers were thin on the and Lyndon Purnell (both ex 1 PARA) and Adrian Below: Trevor Arnell and Rob Goldsborough from Teesside PRA selling Davies (RA). Poppies at Morrisons Teesside Park An incident worthy of mention happened at one of our monthly meetings at the start of the year. It was noticed that Hubert Edwards (ex 2 PARA) was looking unwell. Lindsay Livsey (ex QARANC) stepped in to look after Hubert, keeping him sat upright in his chair. Her prompt and knowledgeable action prevented his condition from worsening, and she was commended by the paramedics when they took over his treatment. I’m pleased to say Hubert made a full recovery, thanks largely to Lindsay’s quick reactions – thank you Lindsay.

South East Essex The Branch suspended meetings during the COVID-19 crisis and this has affected morale. However, we plan to resume the monthly meeting as soon as possible. Meanwhile, we have been using social media to check on the brotherhood and attempt to maintain airborne humour. The COVID-19 situation has meant the cancellation of many events, including our annual dinner, the Op VARSITY gathering/commemoration at Marks Hall and organised civic events held for VE Day, VJ Day and Remembrance Sunday. Our Members did attend local war memorials to remember The Fallen and also held an impromptu and socially distanced wreath laying on Remembrance Sunday. We are grateful to the local police who supported this and for the appreciation of local residents, who happened to be taking their period of outdoor exercise at the same time. We have also arranged for the cleaning of the CWGC gravestone for Private Dixon, who was one of the youngest Parachute

88 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS ground this year, and although stretched, the branch Nicholson. Later in the month, George paraded the covered two locations as our photo of Trevor Arnell and Standard at Shortheath RBL, Willenhall for the funeral Rob Goldsborough, selling poppies in Morrison’s, Teeside of Keith Spindler Ex 3 PARA. COVID-19 put paid to Park shows. our planned VE Celebrations along with all other planned The Teesside branch managed to raise £15,000 between events. the two sites in the shortened period of fund raising, In June, Tom Brewin celebrated his 95th birthday with which was due to the great efforts of those that were able Branch members phoning to pass on their best wishes. to take part. In July, we sadly lost Ernie Elston (Inge’s husband). Ernie was ex Ox and Bucks 1946–48, joining 16 Wolverhampton Independent Airborne Brigade and 7 PARA Bn HQ Welcome to 2020 and what a year it has been. The 1948-53. It was whilst in Germany where he met his wife Branch held its meetings as normal for the first three Inge, who worked in HQ. They were married for 70 years months of 2020. At our February meeting, Tom Brewin and were inseparable. At Ernie’s funeral, Branch members our remaining Arnhem Veteran was presented with the lined up outside the crematorium gates, Bernard with the 75th Commemorative Battle of Arnhem 1944 medal by Branch Standard and George with the Union Flag led the our Chairman Vic Sedgley. Tom was also presented with a cortege to the Chapel where Vic said the Kohima prayer. brass plaque depicting “A Bridge too far” Arnhem 1944 Members did not attend the service but at least were able (donated by Stan Beck Shropshire branch). to pay their respects to a longstanding Branch member. At our March meeting, we had a fish and chip lunch In September, Arnie Hutchinson celebrated his 96th with all the trimmings. This was thoroughly enjoyed Birthday. Branch members phoned him on the day to wish by everyone and we planned to do it again later in the him Happy Birthday. year but COVID-19 put paid to that. Sadly, at the end In October, the Branch held its first meeting since of March we lost our dear friend Inge Elston. She was March. Members enjoyed meeting up, always abiding a lovely lady and great supporter of the branch, always by the rules. Since then we have been unable to meet made a delicious cake for each meeting. We shared many up. Later in the month, Bernard carried the Branch stories of her life in Germany during the war, which I feel Standard at the funeral of Col Freddie Kemp and again honoured to have been told. in November at the funeral of Roger Tattershall ex 22 In May, Bernard and George formed part of the Guard SAS. November also saw Tom Brewin receive the “1945 of Honour for the funeral of Bedworth member Jimmie Liberators Medal” as a token of gratitude for contributing to the liberation of the Netherlands during WWII. On Below: Arnold as a young soldier in 1945 November 11th Bernard, Jan, George, Margaret, Julie, Brian and Vic paid their respects at the Cenotaph in Bilston where Brian laid a wreath on behalf of the Branch. In our Branch we had a published poet by the name of Arnie Hutchinson MBE. The following life story was written by his friend Vera’s daughter Christine and the poem was written by Arnie in memory of his friend Tommy Cairns, who was killed aged 19 during the war. It’s an interesting, moving and poignant account of his life and the unseen effect his friend’s memory had on him, especially when he asks the question “Why not me?” Mr Arnold Hutchinson, ‘Arnie’ to his friends & family, was a 96-year-old WW2 Veteran, 7th Battalion, Parachute Regiment, 6th Airborne Division; born and bred in Yorkshire, but living in Stafford, England for the past 20 years. Arnie was also President of Wolverhampton Parachute Regimental Association and long standing committee member of the Rochdale PRA. Arnie had hoped to attend the 75th Anniversary Commemorations for the Ardennes & Rhine Crossing (part of the ‘Battle of the Bulge’ campaign) which was due to take place 20-26 March 2020 in Belgium & Germany - one of the last major European battles of WW2, organised by the Regimental Headquarters Parachute Regiment. Sadly, due to COVID-19 the event had to be cancelled. Sadly, Arnie passed away on 29th December 2020, following a short illness. He will be missed by everyone in the branch. Anyone who has met Arnie over the years

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 89 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces where he was introduced to Prince Charles and the ‘Normandy 75th D-Day’ commemorations in northern France. Arnie also attended the 75th VJ commemorations at the National Memorial Arboretum having been posted to the Far East towards the end of WW2. We owe so much to these brave soldiers who fought for our freedom and sacrificed their lives for our tomorrow – “we WILL remember them.”

‘Young Friend Tommy’ – a poem by the late Arnie Hutchinson MBE Tommy my pal was just a lad like me Young soldiers thrown together, had a beer Wondering what the next day’s jobs might be: Good, another parachute jump? That’s naught to fear!

Fit, adventurous, ready for a lark Enjoying life as hardly ever before We earned the wings. But now soon to embark To drop amongst the Germans in the war.

Those days of hell – thank god you’ll never know Such hideous fears and dangers. Would we survive? Perhaps every minute there would be no more! God only knew the answer – dead or alive?

It’s been now 70 years since Hitler’s crimes. I look at a war grave, a friend’s face I see Who never had the long happy family times, Tommy, 19, got killed – but why not me? Above: Arnie at age 95 will know he was one of life’s characters and will never be Written - 18 October 2014 Arnie’s Poem forgotten. RIP Arnie. As part of the 6th Airborne Division, Arnie was On Remembrance Sunday, the Branch was once again parachuted over the Rhine into enemy German territory represented at Bilston Cenotaph with Bernard carrying during WW2, so the Rhine Crossing Commemorations the Branch Standard and supported by Vic, Jan, Brian, would have been particularly poignant for him. He Julie, Dot and Jim. George and Margaret went to London thought about his pals who tragically died and never came with George on parade at the Cenotaph and Margaret back every day, in particular his 19-year-old dear friend joined friends in Westminster Abbey for a service of Thomas ‘Tommy’ Cairns, who died when the bridge over Remembrance. After the service they managed to get the Rhine he was crossing was blown up. Tommy Cairns among the crowds to see George march past on the is buried in Becklingen War Cemetery, near Soltau in parade. He even managed to get himself on the telly whilst Lower Saxony, Germany. Arnie only recently discovered on parade. where Tommy is buried and although he was unable to Next event was our Christmas Dinner. This was held at visit the cemetery, pictures of the location and Tommy’s Linden House, Wolverhampton as our usual venue at The final resting place were sent to Arnie in remembrance Holiday Inn, J10 Walsall had been burnt down in a huge of his dear friend. Arnie was very moved to receive the fire in August. We had 45 people attend our Christmas photographs, which included one with red, white and blue Dinner. These included members and wives, family and flowers placed next to Tommy’s gravestone. friends of those who sadly passed away earlier in the year. This brings us to one of Arnie’s poignant war We also had friends from other Branches who support our experience poems, written in tribute to his pal Tommy. It events. They enjoy attending as they always have a good finishes with a familiar line that we’re sure all surviving time. Everyone enjoyed the new venue and as usual, all soldiers can relate to, whatever the conflict. Arnie loved attending were given a small gift from the Branch. Our to put his thoughts and feelings into poetry, some of raffle raised monies for the Branch and the coffee machine which he has shared at Regimental events in recent times has found another new home for now but watch this space – a ‘natural gift’ he had along with his wonderful piano - it could be in your raffle next!! playing, even at the tender age of 96. Under normal circumstances the Branch Meeting is held on the Arnie, as a Veteran Parachute Regiment soldier (who first Tuesday of the month at Short Heath RBL Club, Church also spoke Dutch), had attended commemorative events Road, Willenhall, WV12 5PT. If anyone is interested in joining including the ‘Battle of Arnhem/Market Garden’, please contact George Babb on 07958108526

90 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS 2 PARA Reunion Club

Veterans and supporters met at the Grand Hotel, North Promenade, in the sunny town of Blackpool in March to enjoy their annual reunion weekend. They were lucky, as the coronavirus lockdown restrictions had not yet been implemented. Sadly, other reunions at the same venue where subsequently cancelled.

Captain Chris Dent’s Memorial, Whitley Bay During the battle for Darwin Hill, Falklands Islands, while serving with 2 PARA, Capt Dent was killed in action. He is buried on the Islands at San Carlos cemetery, however there is a memorial in his name situated on Hemesely Rd, Whitley Bay. Over the years, it appears it had become rather unkempt and neglected. By pure chance, it was spotted by an ex-member of 2 PARA while out walking his dog. Talking to two friends, Dave Mitchel and Dave Above: Members of the 2 PARA Reunion Club, before social Clark, both ex 1 PARA, he mentioned what he had distancing discovered. After viewing it for themselves, they decided to get it cleaned up and contacted virus. Stan “Paddy” Beck, who served during the 1960- Below: Capt Chris Dent’s Bob Wheatley, Chairman of the 70’s, passed away on Wednesday 11th November 2020 after memorial in Whitley Bay Durham Branch (as Capt Dent being admitted to hospital in his home town of Telford was of course ex 2 PARA) to pass after contacting COVID-19. Stan’s funeral took place on on their intentions. They stated Saturday 28th November. RIP Stan. they would finance it themselves, We have been given the very sad news that long time however Bob informed them club member Harry Small passed away in hospital on that the Durham branch would Monday 21st December. Harry, who was suffering from happily pay any costs to get dementia, had battled against this dreadful disease for some it cleaned. Once again, when considerable time. He continued to attend the reunions it comes to comrades past or with his wife, and good friend, James McBeath, who present, we see the airborne did a sterling job helping him through those weekends. spirit shining through. A very Condolences to all Harry’s friends and family, from all big thank-you to both ‘Dave’s’ of us at the reunion club, particularly as we approach the for their efforts, and also to New Year. Bob Wheatley and the Durham On a final note, we congratulate 2 PARA Reunion branch for their support. Club’s Chairman, Dave Singletary on being awarded the Sadly, we recently lost our first BEM for his work with SSAFA. Well done Dave Singletary club member to the COVID-19 BEM.

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 91 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces Airborne Forces Riders The 2020 SAMA Ride of Respect

Following last year’s successful ride to all of the 3 were blown away by the support of bikers, veterans and PARA graves, we started our research and we planned the public who turned up at cemeteries along the way. to include all of the other Falklands war graves and It was lovely to meet Shenia, the wife of SSgt Danny memorials in the UK as far as possible. Right from Wight in Edinburgh. We could barely get our bikes into the start, we knew this ride was going to be much Kennoway Cemetery and then had trouble getting out harder than last year. Planning the ride took over 8 again due to the number of supporters there. The support months and included a route planning distance of shown had been fantastic, not just by bikers but many around 2,400 miles, over 40 graves to visit and a dozen members of the public too. Mick Walker of Airborne or so Falklands memorials, not to mention arranging Engineers Scotland was there to support us and it was accommodation, ferries, fuel, and fundraising - all good to see Mick looking so well. complicated by a little thing called COVID-19. Our visit to 45 Cdo Memorial Garden in Arbroath was We found that the minimum time we could fit the ride a detail we only added in at late notice thanks to Fiona in was over 8 days. Originally it was planned for early – Jenny Wren – of the Royal Naval Association Riders, July, but due to the situation we postponed the ride until but well worthwhile as it is a memorial to all 45 Cdo early August. As it happens, this was a good decision but personnel lost on operations since the 1970’s, including the in conducting the ride, we found that it was not all plain Falklands. The RN Riders escorted us the rest of the way sailing. The full program and sheer tempo of the ride to Kinloss. At Laurencekirk, we were honoured to meet meant that we got very tired and there were mistakes Theresa, the wife of LSgt Clark Mitchell. She made a very made along the way, but we also learned a few things and moving speech telling us about Clark, and how he was met some wonderful people. In order to keep costs down, taken so young shortly after their marriage, but how our we asked for help from our wider Airborne and Corps ride has given her pride and lifted her spirits. This helps us family, and the offers of beds, meals, brews and beers were to know we are doing the right thing. After a brief visit to outstanding. Our program did not allow us to visit all, but Macduff to pay respects to Peter McKay 45 Cdo, we made to those who did offer assistance, we are very grateful. our way to 39 Engineer Regiment for an overnighter in This year the team consisted of Charlie McColgan (9 Kinloss Barracks and a well-earned beer! Many thanks to Sqn), Tony McKie (1 PARA), Phil Damant (RAF) and Lt Col (QM) Gus Thompson RE and Cpl ‘Griff’ Griffiths myself, and later Iain Omerod (264 SAS Sig Sqn). So is this for their hospitality. It was very much appreciated. just about the graves? Well, most certainly not. Our ride was conducted for the following reasons: Day 2 - Sun 02 Aug 20 • Remembrance – to demonstrate that the fallen are not Diary Notes: This day was just a blur. It started with a forgotten. stunning early morning ride down the north shore of • Respect – for their families, the pain of their loss of a Loch Ness to Spean Bridge Commando Memorial. There son, husband, or brother continues. was no way on this earth we would ever ride past this and • Awareness – to let people know where our fallen lie, so miss out honouring our Royal Marine and Commando that they may give due respect. Brothers. Departing at 0700hrs meant there was very little • Support – by fundraising for SAMA82, whose support traffic on the road and the ride down the Loch was just gives comfort to veterans and families. breathtaking. The Royal Marines Association did us proud by providing a Standard Bearer and Charlie laid a wreath Day 1 - Sat 01 Aug 20 in honour of those brave men. Following this, we headed Diary Notes: What an epic day! Around 20 bikers met us down to Oban to pay our respects to another Royal, at Whitley Bay from the Widows Sons and Eights and Aces then on leaving Oban - travelling back on the same road plus others who escorted us all the way to Edinburgh. we rode in on – disaster struck! Tony lost control of his Once over the border, we were met by Invictus MC, bike on the wet road and struck the rear of a parked car, who also escorted us all the way to Arbroath in a very writing off his bike and the car but luckily, with cat-like professional manner. This helped us to stay on time. We agility (or sheer paratrooper instinct) he went over the

92 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS Albert is so passionate that their sacrifice should never be forgotten. Padre Andy once again did his bit, his strong voice booming out in the relative silence of the Memorial Garden. I don’t mind admitting that this was an emotional service. We had all lost mates over there and elsewhere, and the thought that we had almost lost another just the day before was not far from our minds.

Day 4 - Tue 04 Aug 20 Diary Notes: As we got off the ferry in Liverpool, it was raining but we had time for a quick trip to the local McDonald’s to keep the fires burning. It was a pleasure to meet Danielle, the daughter of Ronald Tanbini and his baby grandson at the cemetery where his grave had been carefully tidied up by two lads from the only roof of the car and landed in the bushes at the side of the a couple of days before our visit. On arrival in Wrexham, road! He had a few bruises and he burbled like a shell- we had quite a following, probably around 20 bikes. We shocked budgie for a bit, but thankfully otherwise fine. A found the Memorial easy enough and met very lucky lad. two ex-Welsh Guards guys there who had only found out Assuming this was game over for him, in good paratrooper about the visit the night before. We paid our respects to style, we stripped Tony of any essential equipment, made all those lost on the RFA Sir Galahad, including two of sure he had food and water and carried on with our our own, Andy MacIllvenny and Wayne Tarbard. However, mission, leaving him to sort out recovery back to Durham. soon we were on our way to Hereford where the SAS We had a very memorable service at Irvine where two Association met us and Gordon Mather MM – former Scots Guardsmen are buried together. The story here is SAMA Chairman – gave us a guided tour of the SAS that Gdsm Jim Reynolds was an orphan and there were Memorial plot and we were allowed into the church to no family to claim him, therefore he was buried alongside view the stunning stained glass window dedicated to the his good pal Gdsm David Malcolmson. We also met SAS Regiment. At this point, we were joined in Hereford the brother of David Malcolmson who gave us a very by ex-264 SAS Sig Sqn rider Iain Ormerod, he travelled significant bottle of whisky to auction for SAMA. We later with us for the rest of the trip, replacing Tony McKie. found out that it may be worth over £5,000. Safely parked Our next visit was to see the lovely Jean Jenkins, who up for the day, we reflected on the day’s events, what led is the step-mum of Pte Timothy Jenkins 3 PARA, KIA to the accident and what we must do to ensure it does on Mount Longdon. We had met Jean last year on the 3 not happen again. We also called Tony to see how he was, PARA ride, we kept in touch and she is a great follower (to take the mick) only to find that he intended to buy of the Airborne Forces Riders. Sadly, Jean is not too well another bike the next day and will catch us up later!! Yeah, at the moment, but we had a nice hour nattering while right, ya 1 PARA loony! she filled us with tea and sandwiches, and hugs all round because, ‘little bugs’ were not going to stop Jean hugging Day 3 - Mon 03 Aug 20 her boys! It was already a long day by the time we met Diary Notes: A nice little early morning ride down up with our old mucker Denzil Connick (3 PARA) to Cairnryan after a bit of breakfast; a luxury. Then a with The Patriots in Chepstow and we were certainly pleasant two hours on the boat and we were met by my glad to get off the bikes into the Patriots Clubhouse for old mucker Moore Campbell and around 30 guys and a well-earned beer and some much needed down time. gals from the NI branch of the RBL Riders. We had a The Patriots looked after us extremely well and before bit of time for a little ride out along the beautiful North we knew it, from our sleeping bags we could hear Patriot Antrim coast to Glenarm for a burger on the seafront Mitch rustling up a full cooked breakfast for us. Top bloke! and a nice ride down to Lisburn to pay our respects to We knew that Day 5 was going to be a long motorway Tony Cork of 2 PARA. We were once again amazed at the day but we were looking number of people who turned out to meet us and join forward to being met with us in paying respect. We were especially grateful to by some Royal Marine meet Tony’s son and daughter. Riding with us was former Riders who would Royal Marine Padre Andrew Rawding, who assisted us by escort us from Taunton conducting a short and simple service of remembrance, down to Plymouth. which everyone appreciated. We were then escorted up to Palace Barracks in Belfast to visit the Memorial Garden. Day 5 - Wed 05 Aug 20 Albert Owens MBE (1 PARA) gave us the guided tour Diary Notes: We made completely from memory. It was fantastic. We also paid the obligatory courtesy our respects to all those who lost their lives on Op Banner. call to the SAMA office While this slightly detracted from our Falklands theme, in Pontypool, mainly we felt it was appropriate due to our current location, because the lovely all of us having served on Op Banner and the fact that Joanne Stephens spoils

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 93 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces us rotten with brews, biscuits and sarnies, but also as we shoot by the staff of Forgotten had to offload our very valuable whisky cargo and around Veterans UK. Next, we were met £1,400 in cash that we had so far been given in donations. by my old mucker and former We certainly were getting nervous about carrying that Sapper Gary Weaving, who had amount of money around! It was a long day on mostly been instrumental in helping motorway or fast ‘A’ roads, but we were well escorted by veterans in the Portsmouth area a group of Royal Marine Riders who we met at Taunton as well as further afield. Gary gave Services. These guys knew where they were going, which us a briefing on how they support saved us a load of time. It was raining lightly as we got to veterans from Fort Cumberland. Plymouth but we knew it would get worse. And it most Great work from Gary and the certainly did! It was great to see so many friends from 59 team! On leaving the Fort, we Cdo Sqn RE at Mick Melia’s grave and especially Mick’s must have had around 35 bikes and wife Gill and partner Frank – also ex RM. By now it to our surprise, there were more was lashing down, we were tired and soaking wet and the waiting outside the Fort and at The traffic was heavy, so the recipe was just right for another Yomper to meet us. Unfortunately, accident to happen. We opted to miss out one serial in I made a slight navigational error which took us into order to have a 30-minute break for a brew before moving a private estate cul-de-sac, this was much to everyone’s on. We felt bad about missing out visiting the memorial to amusement…but not the local residents! LR Adrian Wellstead of HMS Sheffield, but it was always Love it or hate it, The Yomper is an iconic image from the case that if we were behind time or needed time for the Falklands War, and while in Portsmouth it would some reason then we might have to miss out a serial. be remiss of us not to pay our respects there or to miss Knowing that it was a memorial as opposed to a grave, the opportunity for a photograph. SAMA Chairman we had to miss this one out but we also knew that Adrian Tom Herring also spoke about what we were doing and would be remembered at the Royal Navy memorial in outlined plans for the 40th Anniversary of the Falklands Portsmouth the following day. War in 2022. We were guided around to 18 Gun Battery After a short visit to Hamworthy to pay respect to Sgt and the Royal Navy’s Falklands memorial by a local rider Kiwi Hunt, SBS we were relieved to arrive at Colonels (I’m not daft enough to get lost twice in a row!). I was Cottage and the Nichols family residence for our concerned that not only were we early but there were overnight stop. Johnny (ex 9 PARA Sqn RE) and Denise by now around 50 bikes to park up without causing any laid on some excellent food, the rain had now stopped and problems. We made our act of remembrance there, assisted we had a very pleasant evening yarning about old times by several standard bearers and veterans from all over the and blowing the froth off a couple of beers…but then we Portsmouth area. It was very moving, especially as one had an unexpected arrival. Tony McKie – he of the earlier lady spectator introduced herself to us as coming from the crashed bike fame – had ridden his replacement bike, Falkland Islands. After throwing a couple of names about, which he had bought the previous day and travelled from we found out that we have several mutual friends in Port Stanley. By the time we got to Tidworth, there must have been around 70 bikes in the group and I was starting to get a little worried about the size of the length of the convoy. However, all I had to worry about was the five of us arriving on time at our next port of call. It was hard to tell how many people were at Tidworth Cemetery, but it must have been around 150 or thereabouts. We arrived at Aldershot military cemetery a little early, which was just as well. We could not believe how many people were there to join us in our act of remembrance. On some previous occasions we have had buglers turn up to play, but in Aldershot we had Falkland’s veteran, our old friend John Ferry (9 PARA Sqn) who played a lament on the bagpipes after our act of remembrance. This was a nice Durham to Poole to re-join us. Now we were ‘five’, so touch and I think appreciated by the many people there. we unanimously voted that Tony McKie was the Airborne Richard Watt from RHQ PARA, Colchester, met us to Riders’, ‘Man of the Match’, for such a fine display of shoot a short video of our Aldershot visit for Para Regt Airborne initiative and spirit! Facebook, which he posted the next day. This was on one of the hottest days of the year and by the time all was over Day 6 - Thu 06 Aug 20 we were ready to get showered and have a cool beer. A Diary Notes: There were a few sore heads this morning, nice surprise awaited me at the hotel as my daughter and but the cracking bacon butties and brews sorted us out for granddaughter had came over from Basingstoke to surprise a super ride up to Portsmouth in busy traffic, picking up me. We had a really great evening in the Trafalgar pub, other riders on the way. As we entered Fort Cumberland, Aldershot, courtesy of Richard Stacy (1 PARA) and the there were already some Airborne Forces Riders there to ‘Traf’ now has a nice new 2020 Ride of Respect plaque meet us and we were given a fine welcome and photo on its wall as a small show of respect and thanks from us.

94 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS

Day 7 - Fri 07 Aug 20 and many toasts were made. We even made a few from Diary Notes: It was an early start from Aldershot, much Charlie’s desert boot. The port went down well, but when to the annoyance of the team (who all had headaches!). the whisky started to flow, I decided it was game over for We had an extra serial to go to at Brookwood Cemetery me as the events of the afternoon had caught up. It had near Pirbright, - that of LCpl Chris Thomas, 1 Welsh been a long, hot day. Not one of my better ones, but at Guards who was one of the last soldiers to be killed in least we were all safe and sound. the Falklands. By now, this being our seventh day on the road we were feeling a bit tired and mistakes were starting Day 8 - Sat 08 Aug 20 to be made, and I’m not just talking about my navigation Diary Notes: We could afford a bit of a late start on errors! The route to Chatham was fairly straightforward our last day, which was good because we needed it! We but one missed GPS turning point and we ended up had received a lot of messages from friends and strangers taking the back streets up the hill and through Gillingham who wanted to ride with us on our last day, and one to get to Twydal Church and the memorial stone to guy even rode from Leeds to Attleborough this morning Cpl Andy McIllvenney. We were met by my old mucker just to join us for the final journey! Good effort. He was from 9 Sqn days, Tim van der Kraan, who had secured rewarded with a mug of tea and one of Big Dave’s sausage access to parking and the church itself. This was very sarnies before we set off down the A14, picking up more much appreciated, as was the reception by many mates of and more riders as we went on our way to Marston-on- Charlie’s and mine from days gone by. Dove in Derbyshire. We were met there by more bikers Heading up the M20 towards the Dartford Tunnel, the and the Derby and Leicester Branches of The Parachute traffic started to increase and Chris Rea was playing ‘Road Regimental Association, who both kindly presented to Hell’ on my iPod - very apt. We had to filter through cheques to SAMA in recognition of our ride. We were also the traffic approaching the tunnel. Drivers were mostly met by Wayne Tarbard’s sister and niece who told us that it kind to us and allowed us through – filtering is NOT gave the family some comfort that by doing our ride, they illegal – and knowing that one of the bikes was limited knew Wayne and the others are not forgotten. in range – yes, it was a Harley – we pulled into Thurrock We were really pleased to be able to honour Mne Mike services for more fuel. (Blue) Nowak, as his grave had been very hard to trace. We quickly set off again and I got onto the motorway However, someone who knew Blue back in 1982 had slip road when my bike (a GL1800 Goldwing) lost all contacted us during the ride to correct the location we power and blew out a great cloud of white smoke. For had published, this got us to the correct place and we were some bizarre reason, I thought the clutch had gone, but able to honour him too. That made my day. By the time the evidence was there and a quick check of the fuel we got to Eckington memorial, the Standards of the PRA receipt confirmed it. I had put diesel into the bike by and REA were flying. This was the penultimate location mistake! I was in disbelief that I could have done such a on the ride and a memorial to our old mate John Pashley thing, but such is tiredness and getting distracted at the (9 PARA Sqn RE) who was killed on Tumbledown. It was pumps. No excuses - it happens. In true paratrooper style, great that so many turned out to join us in remembering I was stripped of all my ‘must-go’ gear and off the others ‘Pash’, but especially good that a local landscaper had went to continue the mission (making a ‘hurry up’ waving renovated the area around the memorial with proper sign to me as they left!). Leaving me by the side of the paving stones free of charge the week before we arrived. road to try to get the bike sorted, it was hot – nearly 30˚C Thank you, whoever did that kind deed. and the motorway slip road on the M25 is a dangerous Very aware that we were now on the final leg, it was place to breakdown, but luckily help came within about a busy Saturday evening on the roads and we were all an hour and I was taken to Tilbury dock by a recovery tired, so we set off for Hutton Rudby in North Yorkshire vehicle, where the bike was de-fuelled, tested and refuelled and the grave of Sir Rex Hunt – The Governor of the all by around 1700 hrs. Falklands in 1982 and our final act of remembrance on I thought the M25 at teatime on a Friday was going to be a nightmare, but it was not too bad as I made my way direct to Attleborough in Norfolk, our final RV for the day and the home of my good mate Dave Bickel RE and his lovely wife Gill. In the meanwhile, the remainder had been to show respect at graves in Basildon, Colchester, and Oulton Broad where they were met by the Norfolk Harley Owners’ Group who escorted them all the way to Attleborough and their bike night at the bar called Route 11. That’s where Dave and I found them sipping non- alcohol beers and enjoying the hospitality of the HOG guys. I quickly lost count of the number of ‘diesel’ jokes that came my way – “Paul, would you like a diesel… err I mean a drink?” A very enjoyable night followed at big Dave’s place, accompanied by Dave’s son Joe who is in 2 PARA, and another mate Craig ex 3 PARA. Dave produced an enormous BBQ, the beer and banter flowed,

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 95 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces this ride. The church is situated in a dip in the village and on a bend in the road, so we did not know how many people were there until we rounded the corner; we got a shock! The place was mobbed with supporters, it seemed like the whole of Teesside PRA had turned out en-masse and even brought the beer and the buffet too! Priorities first though, and we paid our respects to Sir Rex in exactly the same way as we had with all of the other graves we visited. I read out the obituary published in the Guardian when he died and many people noted afterwards that he was a truly remarkable man with a great career. He was a RAF Spitfire pilot at the end of WW2, Diplomat in the British Embassy at the fall of Saigon and a real no-nonsense character. A bit old school if you like, but certainly the ‘right man at the right time’ in the Falklands during the 1982 invasion. A short time later we were all home, beer in hand and able 1944 and was wounded under canopy. He was later to reflect on the week. captured by the Germans, narrowly escaped being shot by the SS after he escaped but then spent the rest of the war Summary in a POW camp. After the war, John went into education Was it worth it? Certainly. Even if just one relative gets and specialised in teaching children who had difficult some comfort by knowing that we don’t forget their loved circumstances or were troubled in some way. John raised ones then it is worth it, but on this trip we were thanked a lovely family, was an avid supporter of the PRA and many times by relatives for doing just that. regularly attended Teesside Branch. John’s funeral was to Did we achieve the aim? Certainly. We made over 50 take place in Richmond North Yorkshire on 17 September separate acts of REMEMBRANCE and demonstrated our - Arnhem Day - and having been a motorcyclist himself, RESPECT to the fallen and their families. We brought we thought a motorcycle escort to be a very fitting tribute about AWARENESS of where the graves and memorials to John. Charlie and I were pall-bearers so we put out a are and we hope others will visit them in the future, and call and the response was amazing. The bike escort came everyone contributed to SUPPORT the South Atlantic from Airborne Forces Riders, RBL Riders, Armed Forces Medal Association by helping us to raise over £7,400 – Riders, Eights and Aces and the Blood Bikes, a charity some 300% over our original target. that John supported. Cpl Wayne Shorthouse of the Red Would we do it again? Certainly. We are already Devils drove up from Netheravon to be a pall-bearer. planning the next ride, where we will put the rides of Wayne and John completed a tandem skydive together in 2019 and 2020 together making one big ride, but we will 2018 and John was very fond of Wayne, often remarking be doing it over a period of two weeks. The dates of the that they did not make paratroopers as big or as good 2021 SAMA Ride of Respect will be Saturday 31st July to looking as Wayne when John was in! It was a sad occasion Sunday 15 August 2021. for John’s family, but they were heartened by the turnout and the support that was shown on this sad day. Following The Double Hills Memorial Service the service, the bikes escorted John to the crematorium A little known fact about the battle for Arnhem is that the where Teesside PRA lined the route in a solemn and silent first casualties of Op Market Garden were in a quiet sleepy tribute to a wonderful man. village in Somerset. On 17 September 1944, a Horsa Rest in Peace, John Jeffries. Glider towed by a Stirling, took off heading for Arnhem loaded with 21 men of 9 Parachute Squadron RE and two Presentation of Pins to the Arnhem Flower Children pilots of the Glider Pilot Regiment. Somehow, the glider In 2019, Charlie McColgan came up with the idea of broke up in mid-air and all of the men in the glider were creating a suitable gift or token to recognise the dedication killed – thus becoming the first casualties of the battle. of the Arnhem Flower Children who have been laying They are commemorated at Paulton in Somerset at what flowers on the graves of our fallen since 1945. Eventually, has become known as the ‘Double Hills’ memorial. In it was decided that this should be a pin badge, as it was early September, the Airborne Forces Riders attended this felt that this would rekindle the old tradition of Arnhem service and also visited the graves of the men in Weston veterans giving the children badges during their annual Super Mare. We intend to make this a regular feature of pilgrimage. The design was to be a copy of the Flower our riding calendar. This year around 30 riders attended, Children statue in Oosterbeek and our friends in Arnhem some from as far north as Durham, and included other gained permission for us to use the image. The original veteran bikers. plan was for the pins to be presented while the Airborne Forces Riders were in attendance, however COVID-19 Funeral Escort – Arnhem Veteran John Jeffries 17 put an end to that and the trip was cancelled. Not wishing September 2020 to let the children down nor to miss the opportunity, John Jeffries passed away on 30th August 2020. John Charlie and I flew over on 18 September. We were met jumped onto DZ X (Ginkel Heath) on 18 September at the airport by our good friends Celine and her father

96 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS Gerrit, and we headed straight for Ginkel Heath where Vic as he left were: “I shall see you in Driel next year and Charlie said a few words in honour of John Jeffries who I want you here for my birthday!” That’s a date for next we had carried the day before, on exactly the same DZ year! where John had jumped on 18 September 1944 – 76 years to the day. The next day we met up with our good friend New Members Required from The Market Garden Foundation, Frans Ammerlaan Currently there are nearly 400 members of the Airborne and I was honoured to be asked to lay a wreath at the Forces Riders and we are keen to gain more, particularly Aircrew Memorial at from the serving Airborne community. To become a the Hartenstein on badged ‘Rider’ you must have served in an Airborne behalf of the RAF Forces unit and be a qualified, badged parachutist. All and then later at the others are ‘supporters’ and this includes family, spouses, Engineer Memorial partners etc. There are no joining fees or subscriptions. at Driel. We were not There are more details on the website such as who we are, allowed to go to the what we do and why we do it. It is important to point out cemetery on Sunday that we are not a ‘Motorcycle Club’ or ‘MC’ and we have morning as due to the no wish to be one. We are a loose association of Airborne COVID-19 restrictions veterans and their supporters who have casual, organised it was ticket only, or annual rides, where comradeship, belonging, support however we did give and charity are cornerstones of our being. To join us, go to a couple of interviews airborneforcesriders.com/join-us and enter your details to Dutch TV about the We also have a Facebook page where you will get all pin badges and why the latest information and news: www.facebook.com/ the Airborne Forces groups/668426986597844/about Riders raised the funds for the project. This What have the Airborne Forces Riders got planned has been particularly for the future? well received in Well, seeing as COVID blew our plans out of the water Arnhem, as sadly in the for several biking meets and trips in 2020, we intend to Netherlands bikers are not as well received or tolerated as reinstate all of these as much as possible, but remaining they are in UK. Charlie presented the pin badge formally flexible, that’s the Airborne way right? We always start to Kiki van Essen (age 9) on the lawn opposite the the season off with a visit to Cleethorpes PRA and the Hartenstein Airborne Forces Museum and Kiki – who is famous Pegasus bar. The lads there always put on a ‘good normally very shy - then gave a great interview to Dutch do’ and we likewise do a bit of fundraising for the PRA TV. It was a real honour and privilege for us both to coffers, as well as having a right good catch-up after the represent the Airborne Forces Riders in Arnhem this year. winter. We are planning on making a weekend trip to Fort It was quiet, we missed our friends but the really good Cumberland at some point in the summer in order to raise thing is that we made new friends, built up our friendships awareness and support the work of Forgotten Veterans UK. with our Dutch colleagues and this will stand us in good These guys help veterans all over the UK who have fallen stead for the future. on hard times and their work is literally life-saving. The 2021 Ride of Respect will culminate with a mass ride-in Our ‘Lady of Arnhem’ – Connie Bateman to the Coventry & Northants PRA Summer Party at Old Every year when we go to Arnhem, we meet Connie Leamingtonians RFC and no doubt there will be some Bateman at the Engineer memorial. Connie is now 94 sort of a party that night as well. Our big event of the year and was a WREN during WW2. Her husband Bill was in is the annual Arnhem pilgrimage. I expect that because 1st Airborne Recce Squadron and jumped into Wolfheze everyone missed out in 2020, next year will be big and on 17 September 1944 and saw action throughout the very busy. Many of us are booked already so keep an eye battle, eventually escaping over the river helped by the on the Facebook pages for details and information. British and Canadian Engineers. Bill and Connie had a son Michael, 3 PARA who was wounded in action during Airborne Forces Riders 2021 Events the battle for Mount Longdon in the Falklands in 1982. AFR visit to Cleethorpes PRA - 08 / 09 May Bill is no longer with us, but Connie attends the Engineer Berlin ‘Veterans Europe’ Memorial Run - 11 to 17 May memorial service every year – but not this year. We were Normandy Battlefield Tour - 04 to 06 June aware that Connie was approaching her 94th birthday in AFR / Forgotten Veterans UK Fundraiser; Fort November and arranged for cards and flowers to be sent Cumberland, Portsmouth - Date TBC and even planned for a group of Airborne Riders to go SAMA 2021 Ride of Respect - 31 July to 15 August to Connie’s house to sing her Happy Birthday, however, Coventry & Northants PRA Summer Party - 14 Aug a national lockdown prevented that. Airborne Rider Vic Arnhem, Double Hills Memorial Service; Paulton, Thorn visited Connie on behalf of all of us to convey Somerset - 03 to 05 September our best wishes on her birthday – all socially distanced of Arnhem 2021 - 13 to 20 September course. We have certainly missed Connie this year, and I 1 PARA Sqn RE Memorial Service - 26 September know that she has missed us too. Connie’s last words to Ride to the Wall 2021 - 02 October

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 97 JUMP INTO THE UK'S LEADING AND FASTEST GROWING VETERANS' FITNESS FRANCHISE

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Ivan Rowlatt I served in The Parachute Regiment from 2007-2019, before leaving to pursue a new career in the commercial sector. With BMF’s new ownership, funding and strategic vision, an opportunity presented itself to build a global business. I joined the team initially as Operations Director then promoted to COO; charged with modernising and restructuring the business. In May 2020, we started BMF Human Performance, which runs in parallel with the franchise network. It delivers holistic performance programmes to a wide range of MOD, commercial and sporting organisations. The experience has been superb, learning every aspect of running a business and in an area that fits perfectly with the Regimental (high performance) mindset.

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Sean Vian I served as a Colour Sergeant and Senior Pre-Parachute Selection Instructor and left The Parachute Regiment after serving 16 years in a variety of operational environments. I spent 2 years as the Senior Instructor for Pre-Parachute Selection delivering physical training and testing to determine whether an individual has fitness & determination to serve within Airborne Forces. As a keen Boxer, I’m also qualified as an England boxing instructor and a BBBoC Trainer/Second. It’s an exciting time to be part of BMF. Military Phys has modernised with more focus on strength & conditioning and sports science and BMF’s updated programmes are keeping pace with developments. Joining now also gave me the opportunity to have a positive impact on my region and the company as a whole.

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Obituaries

Col David Benest OBE As a younger man David had been a rock climber and Written by Genevieve Clarke © The Guardian ski mountaineer, and our holidays, often in Corsica, usually involved strenuous but rewarding uphill walking. Living in Wiltshire, where we moved in 2001, he raised more than £10,000 for the Ulysses Trust, a charity that funds expeditions for young cadets, by doing a local newspaper round. He was an excellent cook and enjoyed gathering a rich mix of friends for meals. A serious man, he nevertheless loved good company, music, books and runs on the hills with his dogs. He is survived by me, his two sisters and two brothers.

Pte Tom Clarke Written by Chelmsford PRA One of eleven children, Tom Clarke was born on 8th September 1925 and lived in North Woolwich, East London. My husband, David Benest, who has died of heart disease Having a tough upbringing during these difficult times, aged 66, was a soldier-scholar. Drawing on his military Tom and his siblings were all brought up to be responsible, experiences, he was keen to tell the truth about war and hard-working and prepared to make a contribution to to encourage honest reflection for lessons to be learned. their country. It was this desire that compelled him to join A humanist, he believed that soldiers should be fully The Parachute Regiment, enabling him to make a positive accountable for their actions but that they need clear difference, admitting that the extra, ‘Para pay’ also helped ethical guidance on the responsibility they hold. to make up his mind. Born in London, David was the son of Kenneth, a Pte Tom Clarke joined the 6th Airborne Division London Transport signals engineer, and his wife, Beatrice in September 1944 following their withdrawal from (nee Blake). After the Royal Grammar School, Guildford, Normandy. Later in the winter of 1944 and early 1945, Surrey, he was commissioned into The Parachute he took part in the Battle of the Bulge and the Ardennes Regiment in 1973, and his first operational tour was in campaign as a member of the 12th (Yorkshire) Parachute Northern Ireland. He returned there many times, finally Battalion. This was followed by a month patrolling the for a six-month tour in 1996-97 as Commanding Officer River Maas to ‘discourage’ the Germans from crossing of the 2nd Battalion in South Armagh, for which he was before being withdrawn to take part in Operation appointed OBE. VARSITY, the David also had several desk jobs at the Ministry of Rhine crossing Defence, in which he contributed to the development of on 24th March equipment and communication systems designed to thwart 1945. the IRA. Immediately In 1982 he was regimental signals officer with 2 PARA after the war during the Falklands conflict, which saw the battalion in Europe had defeat the Argentinians in the first major land victory at ended, he was Goose Green. He was tasked with writing an account posted to the of the battalion’s campaign, which formed the basis of 2 Far East to PARA Falklands: The Battalion at War, by Maj Gen John fight against the Frost, published in 1983. Japanese. On Having always wanted to go university, David took 15th August, an in-service degree at Keele University in international Emperor relations, graduating with first-class honours in 1981. He Hirohito was able to combine his military and academic interests, announced the from 2002 onwards, with oversight of the British Army surrender of Review and the organisation of international conferences. Imperial Japan After retirement in 2009 as a full Colonel, he reviewed following the books for the British Army Review and pursued his dropping of the arguments for a better ethical education for all ranks. atomic bombs

100 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He was so very proud to wear his maroon beret and was Tom’s Battalion was sent on to Java, where for about one of life’s true gentlemen; all of his friends and family a year they were employed in security duties driving who knew him, will sorely miss him. out insurgents. In 1946, he re-joined the 6th Airborne Dennis passed away on 5th January 2021 aged 99, and Division in Palestine where he served until his demob in he will be sorely missed. 1947. Tom served in both the 4th and 12th Battalions of Rest in Peace. The Parachute Regiment. Returning to North Woolwich, he married Phyllis and Frederick ‘Freddie Dixie’ A Dean settled down to civilian life, joining the staff of Silcock’s Written by Paul Raison Animal Feeds. He worked his way up to Foreman, before Freddie was one moving on to becoming a Supervisor at Pura Foods, of the last two where he stayed until retirement age. men standing of A great family man, Tom was totally devoted to his 10 PARA who wife and children and his other love was being a lifetime jumped into supporter of Charlton Athletic Football Club. Sadly, in Arnhem. Freddie 2014, his beloved wife Phyllis passed away and this resulted served as a Private in him moving to Chelmsford to be closer to his family. in the Machine It was then that he joined the Chelmsford & District Gun Platoon, Branch of the PRA where he soon established himself as Support Coy, 10 a supportive, sociable and generous member who will be PARA. He was sadly missed by all. shot and wounded Tom passed away on 6th July 2020. (lost his left eye) and saw the war Dennis Crockett out as a POW. Written by Ian Cox Freddie was born Dennis Crockett on 2nd September was one of the last 1924 and his Army remaining Veterans No was 14642192. of one of the Second Freddie took World War’s most part in Operation famous battles - Market Garden in Photo © Friends of The Tenth Arnhem (Operation September 1944, Market Garden). dropping onto Ginkel Heath on 18th September under Just over seventy-six heavy enemy ground fire. Joe Gartland was No 1 on the years ago, Dennis was Vickers machine gun; Freddie was his No 2, carrying a teenager huddled the tripod. Heading to Arnhem, they walked beside in the darkness on the railway and then north into the woods, digging slit board a flimsy glider trenches big enough for men, ammunition liners. Their heading for a hostile progress was halted there by German snipers and tanks. landing ground in Ordered to withdraw, Freddie was separated from Joe; The Netherlands. He during the retreat, Freddie bent down to lift someone defied the odds to up when he was shot through his left eye. The bullet survive the horrors of passed behind his nose and out through his cheek. He the bloody Battle of Arnhem. He described the battle by was transported by various means until eventually he saying, “It’s no fun trying to fight a ruddy Tiger tank with arrived in the early hours of the morning at Saint Joseph’s a rifle and a bayonet.” in Enschede, a Catholic Hospital run by nuns near the Dennis served in 15 Platoon, D Company, 7th. Battalion Dutch border. There, he was treated by a German surgeon Kings Own Scottish Borderers and fought around the who stopped the bleeding. But with Freddie’s condition White House. He was captured on the 26th September deteriorating, the German doctors decided he needed and was sent to various prison camps in Silesia before a blood transfusion. When he arrived in theatre, he was being liberated by the Americans in 1945. placed next to a German soldier who was to be his donor; Dennis was on parade last September when our Branch the Germans saved his life. laid a wreath in commemoration of the battle of Arnhem Having made a sufficient recovery, he was transported at our memorial on Paignton seafront. He was also to Stalag VII-A, Moosburgand. There he befriended a presented with the Commemoration Medal given to all splendid Russian called ‘George’ who expertly passed Arnhem Veterans. himself off as an American GI. During his captivity, Dennis was one of the founding members of the Freddie toured the camp sketching prisoners of various South Devon Branch PRA and has been President for Nationalities until April 1945, when he was liberated by many years. He was a proud member of our regimental the Americans. association and he always said that our Airborne Forces are, After the war he returned to his studies and became a “the best in the world.” professional artist and a member of The Royal Society of

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 101 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces Portrait Painters. Not only was he a great artist but also a own health deteriorated, both physically and with early wonderful raconteur. dementia. A bad landing while in the Paras, injuring his Freddie ‘Dixie’ Deane passed away on Thursday 30th left leg, left him finding walking difficult in later life July 2020. causing many falls in the past few years. I am his daughter, Yvette, and I am as proud to say that Pte Eric William Easton my dad was a member of The Parachute Regiment, as he Written by Yvette Norfolk was to have served with them. Sadly, Eric passed away in hospital Frederick ‘Fred’ Glover on 18th January © Brighton Argus 2020. He was 91 Officials from France and the UK have paid tribute to a – he was born on “valiant” Second World War Normandy veteran who died 13th May 1928. after contracting Covid-19. Eric Easton Former paratrooper Frederick “Fred” Glover, 94, who joined The lived near Brighton, died on October 31, just a few days Parachute before November’s remembrance events. Regiment as part The D-Day hero, who escaped capture by the Germans of his National with the help of the French resistance, was due to be Service. Eric was honoured by a street named after him in Merville- then known as Franceville-Plage in Normandy, northern France, next Ricky to save May. confusion, as a He spent his last few days in hospital where doctors comrade in the were trying to build up his strength after he had suffered a Regiment was few falls at home. also called Eric. Sadly, Mr Glover picked up a chest infection, which was He qualified diagnosed as COVID-19. Frederick “Fred” Glover died in as a military hospital after contracting the virus. parachutist on His son Richard said: “As a family, not only were we Course 202, which ran at RAF Upper Heyford from 4th proud of his service to his country but we were also proud November to 3rd December 1946. He was then posted to to have him as a dad, granddad and great-granddad. the Reserve Battalion at Talavera Barracks in Aldershot and “He made such an impact on all our lives. We will miss then to the 9th Parachute Battalion then serving with the you so much.” 6th Airborne Division in Palestine during a very difficult Dick Goodwin, vice president of The Taxi Charity situation in that part of the world. for Military Veterans, said: “Everyone in the Taxi Charity Although only serving in the Regiment for a short family loved spending time with Fred. He was a real time, Eric was extremely proud of his connection to the character who always filled the room with warmth and Regiment, wearing his badge and tie with great pride. He laughter and he will be sorely missed.” undertook frequent visits to Aldershot, sharing with his Mr Glover was just a teenager when he joined the 9th family the trips down memory lane – some good, some Parachute Battalion during the Second World War. sad. Many events he experienced while serving in Palestine He was injured in both legs by German anti-aircraft stayed with him all his life – even to the day he passed. fire during a Like many an ex-serviceman, Eric would try to glider landing in attend as many memorial events as he could and every Normandy on Remembrance day would find him glued to the TV, D-Day as part of singing along with a tear in his eye. He took trips to an assault on a gun Duxford and would recount wonderful stories to his battery near the Grandson Ben and was delighted one Christmas when – as village of Merville. a surprise – Ben wore a T-shirt from the Airborne Shop As fighting that said ‘My Grandad was a Para’. raged on the Through a long and successful career in Insurance, it ground, Mr was always his military service and ethics which drove Glover’s wounds him on. Even while working at Lloyds of London, he was meant his known for his bearing and honesty. comrades left him Eric was a long-standing member of the Royal Masonic behind with two Lodge. He was also one of the Founder Members of German prisoners. The Parachute Regiment Lodge, participating in the One of the consecration in June 1989. Sadly, his wife’s ill health meant Germans was that he was unable to travel to the Para Lodge meetings, in pain, so Mr but he was still able to be a valuable member of his local Glover, in an act Lodge. that would save Since the death of his wife, Joan, 3 years ago, Eric’s his life, shared his

102 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS remembered with as much reverence and deep affection as Jock Hutton who died aged 96 at Maidstone in Kent on 12th August. With him when he passed away was Colonel Jerry Strong (BCR) who was the 2IC of the Selous Scouts under Ron Reid-Daly and the last Rhodesian to win the Sword of Honour at Sandhurst before Ian Smith declared UDI (Unilateral Declaration of Independence) in 1965 and the country was expelled from the Commonwealth. Jock was abandoned by his parents aged four and raised in orphanages in Scotland where he had to fight for a plate of food and a shirt to wear. Aged 16, he lied about his age so that he could serve in World War II. He joined the then transferred to Airborne Forces in 1943 and parachuted into Normandy whereupon he was wounded almost immediately in the stomach. Evacuated back to Britain and hospitalised, refused release, he ‘escaped’ through a window and made his way back to morphine with him. France to re-join his regiment. On his return he fought When German reinforcements arrived, Mr Glover was in the Ardennes, at the ‘Battle of the Bulge’ and across captured and destined to be shot until the German officer Germany to the Baltic. After World War II he served he had helped asked for him to be spared. in Palestine, Cyprus, Egypt and Java before arriving in Instead Mr Glover was taken as a prisoner of war to the Rhodesia in 1957 with his wife Doreen. He immediately Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris. fell in love with the country, joined the SAS and decided There, Mr Glover was able to link up with the French to make a new home for himself. resistance who helped plan his escape by staging an Mike Longuet-Higgins was with Jock on their selection. incident outside the hospital’s main gate while he headed “Laden with heavy equipment and rocks, we were on to a laundry room window. a speed-march in the Matopos south-west of Bulawayo The paratrooper, carrying a bed pan, successfully evaded when Jock was observed by Jack Crutchley, the Training the guards and was later flown back to the UK after the Officer strolling merrily along with the help of two young Paris Liberation. Matabele tribesmen. The one in front was carrying his Mr Glover returned to his battalion and later saw action pack which was full of rocks, and the other his webbing in the Battle of the Bulge, the last major German offensive and pouches filled with bricks. Jock brought up the rear of the war on the Western Front. with his rifle. Jack saw the funny side of it and gave Jock Edward Llewellyn, the British Ambassador to France, credit for initiative.” expressed “great sadness” at Mr Glover’s death and recalled One of his first deployments was in 1963 when his meeting him and other veterans at a ceremony at the detachment was parachuted into thick bush on the Congo Merville Battery in 2018. border. This was subsequent to the exit of the Belgians at “It was such an honour to be standing at that site the end of their colonial rule which soon triggered civil alongside Fred and his other comrades from 9 PARA who war and murderous attacks on the European citizenry. Jock had been there on D-Day and taken part in the assault was part of the – and to witness their determination to make sure their contingent sent mates who did not survive were not forgotten,” he said. to help evacuate “I remember Fred’s ready smile and how he helped them and bring gather us all for a photo, a photo which I treasure.” them to safety. He added: “I am honoured to have met Fred Glover – Forbidden, for my sympathy to his family and his friends.” political reasons, Pierre-Andre Durand, prefet of the region of to cross into Normandy, said: “This valiant paratrooper is one of those the Congo unsung heroes of the D-Day landings in Normandy. and engage the “He was dedicated to the memory of his brothers in killers he and arms and always grateful for the help the French resistance his compatriots had provided him and would endlessly share with the were ordered to young his commitment towards freedom. remain south of “In the name of the French-British friendship and with the border where gratitude for the services rendered by Frederick Glover, I they patrolled extend my deepest sympathy to his family and all his loved and waited to ones.” support refugees if they made it John ‘Jock’ Hutton across the border. by Hannes Wessels “We were Few who served in the Rhodesian military will be sitting in the rain

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 103 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces in thick bush and not much going on but were hungry,” move from their positions until dawn. But it was too much remembers Geoff Treloar. “We came upon a village and for Jock who announced he was off to ‘shoot this furry helped ourselves to a chicken which we cooked on a fire. animal’ and went off to dispatch the lion.” The African owner was unamused and reported us. We Aged 50, never one to miss a good scrap, Jock joined were charged and hauled before Major Welch who kept one of the most daring attacks in modern military laughing but found us guilty anyway. Jock argued in our history when less than 200 airborne troops from the RLI defence that the chicken was just the ‘spoils of war’ but (Rhodesian Light Infantry) and the SAS attacked 10,000 that was not well received. We were reprimanded and enemy combatants at Chimoio in Mozambique. Jumping ordered to pay the owner the price of the chicken.” out of a Dakota that had flown over Normandy his fall Two years after the Congo debacle Ian Smith declared was broken by a tree which snagged his chute. independence unilaterally, triggering a political crisis and “No problem for Jock,” remembers Darrell Watt, “He a hostile response from the Labour government of Harold pulled out his 9mm pistol and started plugging away at the Wilson. All British citizens serving in the Rhodesian ‘terrs’ below from where he hung, off the branches. He armed forces were ordered to resign or face possible said he saw a lot of ‘house-boys’ running very fast below charges of treason, while Wilson considered plans to him. He was such a tough guy, but also so kind and loyal. I invade the country. Jock, who held the left-liberal political loved him like a father.” establishment that then dominated the UK political Former Selous Scout Captain Tim Bax remembers him landscape in contempt, wasted no time joining the as SSM (Squadron Sergeant Major) of the SAS: “Small in ‘Rhodesian rebels’ and preparing for war. stature, he had the demeanour of a giant. He was tough In 1968, in response to hostile incursions from Zambia, as nails and fitter than most half his age. He had to be. Jock was part of the SAS deployment into the Zambezi He looked upon strangers with a jaundiced eye until Valley to interdict and track the insurgents before they he became satisfied with their character. If you spoke in made any further inroads into the country. For both sides riddles of political correctness, you were nothing but a in the conflict wild animals added to the dangers. ‘gobshite’ in his eyes. If you were straight up and down and “It was the night following a big battle in the Valley,” told it like it was, he had your back. He always had mine. remembers Darrell Watt. “Our morale was a little low To me, he was simply ‘Wee Jock’, my friend, confidante, having lost one of our guys and an SAS section was in a advisor, and mentor.” night ambush position not far from where I was when After the end of hostilities in Rhodesia, Jock served they heard one of the enemy wounded screaming in pain. for a period with the South African recces before They could hear the crunching of bones and knew a returning to live in the UK. His last parachute jump was predator had this poor guy, but they were forbidden to into Normandy at the age of 94 as part of the D-Day

104 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS commemorations. border. This was just after the exit of the Belgians at the end of their colonial rule, which triggered civil war and Reflections of John ‘Jock’ Hutton murderous attacks on the European citizenry. Written by Paul Raison Jock was part of the contingent sent to help evacuate At age 16, John ‘Jock’ Hutton joined the Black Watch. In them and bring them to safety – which he did with 1943 he volunteered to join The Parachute Regiment and expertise. was duly posted to the 13th (Lancashire) Battalion. The final motto, which belongs to 5 Recce of the Private Hutton undertook parachute course 98 which South African Special Forces, is: ‘We fear naught but God.’ ran at RAF Ringway from 10 to 21 January 1944. The It’s perhaps fitting that the motto of Jock’s last regiment is course report states ‘Pte Hutton: Jumped equally well from any the one that sums him up best. position, very quiet.’ Jock was fearless. There aren’t many men who would Jock got his fighting spirit from his upbringing. do a parachute jump at age 94. But, as part of D-Day 75th Abandoned by his parents at age four, and raised in an Commemorations, Jock did just that. orphanage in Scotland. In his own words, he had to “fight John ‘Jock’ Hutton passed away on 12 August 2020. for a plate of food and a shirt to wear.” On 6th June 1944 (D-Day), whilst serving with the John Jeffries 13th (Lancashire) Battalion, he jumped into Ranville Written by Paul Raison as a member of the Mortar Platoon at the start of the Arnhem veteran John Jeffries was born in Warrington, Normandy invasion. On the 22nd June he was wounded Lancashire in 1922, but grew up in an orphanage after in the stomach in a German mortar attack during a patrol both of his parents died. In 1941, Mr Jeffries’ military and quickly evacuated. He lay wounded in hospital when service began in the Royal Signals, serving in Italy, North his father came to visit him. It was the first time since he Africa, Syria and Palestine. He later joined The Parachute was 4 years old that he had seen him. Despite a cynical Regiment, trained in Cairo and was dropped behind greeting after years apart, Jock soon snuck out of the enemy lines at the Battle of Arnhem on September 18, hospital window to meet his dad for a drink at the pub. 1944. Jock recovered in time to re-join his unit to fight in He trained in Cairo and in 1944 was dropped into the the Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge), the Rhine Crossing Netherlands at the Battle of Arnhem, part of Operation () and advanced across Germany to the Market Garden. While descending into battle, he was Baltic. shot in the buttock and landed on Ginkel Heath. He was During the Battle of the Bulge, Jock was captured by captured just a short while after trying to land. It was then the Germans – but not for long. His stealthy ways saw him his remarkable time in the military began, managing to escape virtually under the eyes of his captors. escape, discover a top secret German experiment, only to After the war in Europe 13th Battalion moved with be captured again and nearly killed by Russian women. the 5th Brigade to the Far East, returning to re-join the It was the second day of Operation Market Garden - 6th Airborne Division in Palestine in 1946, where it was which saw 35,000 parachutists and glider pilots drop into disbanded and absorbed into the 3rd Parachute Battalion. the Netherlands with plans to capture bridges and create a The motto of The Parachute Regiment is ‘Ready for new route into . Anything’. And Jock certainly was. He served in four His heavy wireless set landed on his ankle, leaving him regiments throughout his military career, these being The unable to move. As thick smoke burned around him, it Black Watch, The Parachute Regiment, the Rhodesian looked as though his war was over. However, the veteran’s SAS and 5 Reconnaissance Regiment South African life was reportedly saved by three Dutch girls who ran Special Forces. He lived and embodied the values these over to him and asked for his parachute to make dresses. Regiments stood for. He took on six different enemies To his horror he then realised that he still had the in this time, Germans, Palestinian rebels, the Congolese, secret codebook, printed on magnesium paper, that had Japanese, Rhodesian and South West African insurgents. been issued to wireless operators. Behind the backs of Never one to miss a good scrap, even at over 50 his captors, he persuaded a smoking soldier to put his lit years old, Jock joined one of the most daring attacks cigarette to the magnesium paper, which went up with a in modern military history. Some 200 airborne troops bang. from the Rhodesian Light Infantry and C Squadron SAS After four days on the floor of a filthy cattle truck parachuted into the Chimoioi camp in Mozambique, to without food or water, and with injured men dying take on an estimated 10,000 enemy combatants. around him, he went by train to Stalag XI-B in Lower Parachuting out of a Dakota, Jock’s fall was broken by a Saxony. The prison doctor ripped out the pad which tree, which snagged his chute. had been placed in his wound ten days earlier, causing “No problem for Jock,” remembers Sergeant Darrell immense pain. Watt. “He pulled out his 9mm pistol and started plugging When out on a route march, a pre-arranged fight broke away at the enemy below, from where he hung from out among the British prisoners to distract the guards, the branches. The enemy fled, which enabled Jock to allowing Mr Jeffries and his friend, Sandy Powell, to make disentangle himself and drop to the ground. He then a break for it. After four days on the run, they stumbled continued in the fire fight.” into a clearing in the forest. It appeared to be a deserted Later, during one of Jock’s first African deployments German airfield, with planes stacked on top of each other. in 1963, he parachuted into thick bush on the Congo Desperately tired, they fell asleep inside a plane, only to

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 105 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces be awoken by twice with 9 Parachute Squadron in South Armagh, as a members of sapper, and once with 2 Armoured Engineer Squadron in the Luftwaffe Londonderry, deployed as infantry. pointing guns During his second tour with 9 Squadron he was at them. It was fortunate to escape death during a routine reconnaissance only after the in a covert car south of Bessbrook, Co Armagh. A Ford war that they Granada overtook him and was blown up by a huge revealed they culvert bomb almost immediately afterwards. During the had stumbled follow-up operation, it was discovered that the bomb was upon the detonated by a command wire traced to a firing post with Germans’ a well-planned escape route for the terrorists. However, the secret Mistel section of the route immediately before the culvert was experiment - a invisible to the firing point. The bombers, who had been small, piloted tipped off by a Provisional IRA lookout that the “next plane above car” was the target, mistakenly detonated the bomb under a large plane the Granada that had just overtaken Kemp. packed with Frederick Charles Kemp was born in Brighton in 1954. explosives that There was never any doubt that he was going to join the pilot would release and then guide, like a drone, to its the army given a long family association with the Royal target. Engineers. His grandfather and great-grandfather were Back in prison, Mr Jeffries was set to work in a sugar sappers, and his father, Freddie, had served with the 9th factory, where he narrowly survived an attempted assault Parachute Battalion. His mother, Patricia (née Eyles), was by female Russian prisoners of war who tried to push him from a naval family. Freddie Jr wanted to be a parachute into a vat of molasses. engineer. He was educated at Brighton Hove and Sussex He was later liberated back to Lancashire, where he Grammar School, Welbeck College and Sandhurst before became an art teacher and met his wife, Mona. being commissioned into the Royal Engineers in 1973. Before he died he managed to carry out one final jump After the Falklands conflict Kemp was posted to the in 2017 at the age of 95. Royal Brunei Malay Regiment to establish, recruit and John Jeffries passed away on August 30, after a train a combat engineer squadron. He was awarded the remarkable life that saw him serve his country in North Brunei Independence Medal by the Sultan for his efforts Africa, Syria, Palestine, Italy and the Netherlands. leading to independence in 1984. With his wife Kate (née Pearson), whom he had married in 1977, and their Col Freddie Kemp OBE children Freddie and Hannah, he took an extended route © The Times back to the UK via Australia, New Zealand, French As he prepared to send his men into action during the Polynesia and the US on a shoestring budget. Gulf war in 1991, Freddie Kemp used levity to boost He left the regular army in 1991 to set up his morale. The commander of 34 Field Squadron, supporting own training company, delivering courses in personal 19 Airportable Brigade, had a grave look on his face as the development. He then joined the 10th Battalion, The squadron was called to attention. Then, as Kemp began his Parachute Regiment, known as 10 PARA, as a reservist briefing about a possible reconnaissance mission, a camel and served as a company commander and training major appeared behind him and walked insouciantly across the of Cambridge University Officers’ Training Corps and parade ground. Kemp, with an implacable stare, dared his Commander 2 (South East) Brigade Specialist Team. men to keep straight faces. He had ordered his sergeant He sold his company in 1995 after being recruited major to borrow the obliging animal from a circus that to work for an airport car parking business to find land had been operating near by. and obtain planning permission. It was through this In the heat of battle, the parachute engineer was equally work that he met Jane Priest, a lawyer in 2002, shortly adept at inspiring his men with rhetoric. In 1982, 9 after his return from Afghanistan where he had been Squadron deployed to the Falkland Islands as part of the mobilised to join 16 Air Assault Brigade as liaison officer UK taskforce sent to regain the islands after the Argentine to the Special Forces. She became his second wife in invasion. As the second in command, Kemp gave a January 2003 shortly before Kemp was deployed to 3 speech on the eve of the squadron landing ashore that is Commando Brigade in at the start of the war in 2003. still spoken of. In the event, swift and valiant action was As parachute liaison officer, he was one of the first British required. In the immediate aftermath of the devastating soldiers to enter the country. Argentine air attack at Bluff Cove on the landing ships On selling his shares in the airport parking business, Sir Tristram and Sir Gallahad, which killed 56 British Kemp and his wife bought and restored a farmhouse servicemen and wounded 150 more, Kemp set up the near the city of Angoulême in southwest France. Here helicopter casualty evacuation sites at nearby Fitzroy. He he perfected his homemade fig jam and improved his helped to evacuate more than 200 wounded and badly knowledge of Bordeaux claret. Visitors would be offered burnt soldiers. cognac with breakfast as well as lunch and dinner. He is By then he had attained plenty of operational survived by his second wife and by two children from his experience during three tours of duty to Northern Ireland, first marriage, which ended in divorce in 2000. Freddie

106 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS Second World War on 1 September 1939. His uncle Bernard, was arrested by the Gestapo and sent to Dachau Concentration Camp. He was never seen again. Their farm was taken over by the Germans. His maternal grandmother, uncle and aunty were displaced from their farm and they were forced to work on a different German farm. Made to work for the Germans it was suddenly ended on the 27 November 1943 when he was forced to enlist into the Wermacht (the German Army). Henryk became Grenadier Heinrich Kubinski assigned to the Grenadier Ersatz Battalion 82 in Göttingen, Germany. His basic army training took place in the snowy Harz Mountains. It looked as though he and his fellow soldiers were being prepared for the Eastern Front. However, last minute changes meant that they found Photo © Lance Sgt Freddie Kemp, HAC themselves in Koblenz. It turned out that their destination advises on the making of military films, and Hannah is a was not the Eastern Front, but France. He said that he was lawyer. very happy and relieved with this last minute change! In 2013 Kemp was promoted to Colonel and became During the D-Day landings Henryk used to joke that team leader for implementing the government’s Defence he was in Dunkirk but on the wrong side! He knew that Youth Engagement Review, introducing a Cadet Forces he wanted to desert the German Army to join the Allies. Commission that recognises Cadet Force officers as youth He was amongst a group of five Poles who started to workers rather than reservists. plan how they were going to do that. In the meantime, Kemp’s proudest achievement in the army was his he found himself in a German Field hospital for about appointment to the Defence Inquest Unit to assist two weeks. After he re-joined his Infantry Unit, their coroners coping with more than 300 military inquests opportunity to escape arose. Unfortunately, they came into the death of soldiers going back to 2002, mainly in across a two-man German patrol; it was obvious what Afghanistan and Iraq. Having experienced the loss of their intentions were so they did not try to deny it. Instead comrades in various conflicts, Kemp was sensitive to the they asked if the patrol wanted to join them. The older challenge of preparing traumatised service personnel to of the two seemed open to the idea but the younger one give evidence at the witness box. was dead against it. This had sealed their fate, as the young In charge of all Special Forces inquests for four years German soldier would likely have reported them for from 2009, he made a point of visiting bereaved families, desertion if they had not carried through with their plans who had often been given very limited information about and the penalty for desertion was the firing squad. the circumstances of their loved one’s death because of the Without warning, allied artillery started to shell their sensitive nature of the operations. For this work he was position. They took this as a chance and started to run appointed OBE in 2013. towards the Allied lines. Jumping through some bushes Kemp’s father-in-law from his first marriage, Lieutenant Henryk managed to become tangled up in some fallen Rod Pearson, had been deployed during Operation telephone wires and barbed wire. He desperately tried to Market Garden in September 1944 with the 1st Airlanding get up but the wires kept him pinned to the ground. In Light Regiment RA. As a result, Kemp developed a his imagination he could see the two Germans that they fascination with the fateful attempt to gain a bridgehead had just left behind running up behind him with fixed on the Rhine near the Dutch city of Arnhem and led bayonets. At that moment he managed to gather his wits many battlefield tours there. Using his considerable and strength, unbuckled his webbing and jumped out charisma to great effect, he painted a stirring picture of of the bushes leaving all his equipment behind. He kept gallantry. He parachuted into the battle site himself several his rifle, though, because if they did come across another times. German patrol, they would need to shoot their way out. Colonel Freddie Kemp OBE, soldier, was born on They had expected to meet up with the British face- January 18, 1954. He died of cancer on September 18, to-face. However, somehow, they found themselves behind 2020, aged 66. a British machine-gun nest with two soldiers manning it. They tried to attract their attention by whistling and Henryk Kubinski throwing pebbles at their helmets but the ambient noise Written by Arno Baltussen was such that they were not noticed. Eventually the Poles Henryk Kubinski was born on 22 November 1925 in did manage to get their attention but, not knowing their Poland; in a village called Łochowice, in the borough of intentions (they were in German !), the anxious Bydgoszcz. He was one of six children. His father was a British soldiers turned their machine gun against them. farmer and his family had lived and worked this land for However, instead of opening fire they gestured for the many generations. One of his early recollections is the Poles to throw down their weapons and come forward one passing of his mother in April 1932 – he was only 6 years at a time. They were then led behind the lines. The War as old at the time. German soldiers, for these five Poles, had come to an end! His life was severely impacted by the outbreak of the Henryk was taken to a prisoner of war camp in

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 107 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces Driffield in Yorkshire. Within a few days some Polish vehicles sank in this disaster taking three of his colleagues’ officers arrived at their camp and separated the Poles from lives. the Germans. As well-trained ‘German’ soldiers they were In October 1962 my father was posted to 312 TK a great asset to any Polish division to which they were TPTR MSO RASC in Fallingbostel, near Hanover in assigned. My father’s wishes were answered and joined West Germany. He was in Germany until June 1967. At the Polish Army. He was given a new identity; this was that point he was posted to 18 COY AMPH SQN RCT necessary just in case he would have been subsequently in Fremington. During this period he did a six month tour caught by the Germans would have meant facing a firing with the United Nations in Cyprus. He was in charge squad for desertion. He was now known as Henryk of UN Transport. He was posted back to 612 TK TPTR Rusin (his mother’s maiden name) and assigned to one SQN RCT (later 16 TPTR SQN RCT) in Fallingbostel, of the two Airborne Field Artillery Batteries of the 1st Germany in September 1971. Independent Polish Parachute Brigade. In May 1981 Henryk finally retired from the Army In June of 1945 the War was over, but not quite for of after having spent 33 ½ years in the Bristish Army, 5 years the 1st Independent Polish Parachute Brigade. They were in the Polish Army and 8 months in the German Army. part of the occupation force of north-west Germany. He may have been retired but the Army was never very far They were quartered in a small town called Berge. Being from his heart. I distinctly remember when the Falklands young and stupid, Henryk got into many scrapes of one Conflict started my father being on the telephone to the sort or another. Upon discharge of yet another stay in Army asking to be allowed back in…of course, his request the 1st Polish Parachute Brigade’s field hospital, this time was denied! following a motorcycle accident, in early April 1947, he From May 1981 to 22 October 2019 he lived in realised that while he had been in hospital his unit had Leicester. After retiring from the Army he worked as returned to England. He was, therefore, reassigned to an AA Patrolman for almost 9 years. Unfortunately, his the remaining liquidation unit that was left in Berge. He retirement was dealt a blow when his wife passed away in ultimately returned to Lincoln in the UK in November August 2012. 1947. Henryk was a straightforward man who demanded Upon return to the UK Hendryk signed a two-year little from life, and who expected only the best for his contract with the PRC (Polish Resettlement Corps). children. I have many happy memories of him as a child; Now he was under complete control of the British Army. the bike rides around camp, swimming for hours on end He decided that he would join the British Army. On 12 in the , the sledging expeditions in Germany, September 1949 he swore an oath to the British Army and teaching me to drive when I was only 10! signed a contract for five years and seven years reserve at And although in his final years, we’d all moved on to Bulford RASC. He was given a new army number and the different parts of the world, that bond was never broken. rank of Lance Corporal. It’s difficult to imagine him not being around and I’m not Posted to 65 COY RASC (GT) Trieste, Italy. He was sure how we will all cope. His grandchildren, Anna, Adam stationed there for the best part of 4 years. His 5 year and Sophie will miss him dearly. active-service commitment was almost up. He went to It’s strange to think that I can’t just give him a call or Leicester to look for a job as a bus driver while still on pop around whenever I am in the UK. leave and quickly decided that civilian life was not for him. Dad lived a long and happy life, and only succumbed to Returning to his unit in Bordon, Hampshire Henryk ill health right at the very end. promptly signed for another 7 years of active service. In He was an imposing figure of a man, who provided a the latter part of 1954 he was posted to the Far East. He reassuring presence we all felt during difficult times. sailed from Southampton in England for Japan, sailing through Port Said, Port Sudan, Aden, Colombo in Ceylon, Ken Lang Singapore, Hong Kong, Pusan in Korea and eventually Written by Chris Compton arriving in Kure in Japan. After a short stay in Kure, near Ken Lang passed away on Saturday 25 April 2020 after Hiroshima, he departed for Korea as he was posted to 78 suffering a fall at his care home. Ken had no obvious COY RASC in Pusan, Korea. He actually enjoyed his time injuries after the fall. His daughter, Chris Hesketh (nee in Korea where he was promoted to Sergeant and when Lang) remembers talking to him on the phone, “He said his 12 months posting was up he volunteered to stay on he was tired and would walk home after having a sleep. but this was denied. Instead he was posted 8 COY RASC When the carers checked him in the evening, they found in Hong Kong. His posting in Hong Kong lasted two that he had passed away. It is a great comfort that Ken did years. not contract the coronavirus and died peacefully in his On 12 February 1958 Henryk was posted to 116 COY sleep, dreaming of returning home.” AMPH TPT RASC in Fremington in North Devon. I am so pleased that he and all the family were able to He was married on 2 March 1959 in Watford. After the go over to the 75th Anniversary of Normandy and thank honeymoon Henryk was assigned a new amphibious tank, you so much for our invitation to the Chateau. It was a LVTP5, for a two year trial period. He really enjoyed wonderful experience although Ken was not feeling his that period. On 1 December 1959 he was promoted to best. He most enjoyed talking to the young squaddies Staff Sergeant as Company Quartermaster. The date 15 attending, they are people that knew what a number one March 1960 stuck in his mind forever; a maritime disaster on the 3” mortars had to carrying and how difficult it was occurred on the sea off Westward Ho! Two amphibious to adjust the belt on the Vickers Machine gun to keep it

108 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS firing at 500 rounds a minute. led a Cambridge Ken’s machinegun platoon was known by Peter Luard University as, ‘the Oily Rags’, as they spent all their time with cloths mountaineering in their hands oiling the Vickers. In latter years, it seems expedition that the re-enactors knew more about the equipment he in the Tibesti used but he had a soft spot for the current soldiers of the Mountains, Parachute Regiment who gave up their time to be part of Central the D-Day celebrations each year. Sahara. He was Ken’s daughter recalls, “One of is his best memories was successively when he was ‘kidnapped’ by a number of PARAs outside Adjutant of the Café Gondree at Pegasus Bridge. It was about 10.00 1 PARA and am on 5th June 2014 and about twenty of them stopped 10 PARA (V), the traffic crossing the bridge and knelt down to have a before attending photograph taken of them with Ken in the centre. the Army Staff “The PARAs then bought him a large calvados and all College at lined up to shake his hand and thank him for his service Camberley in and being one of the forerunners of their Regiment. I 1965. From don’t think I have ever been more proud to witness this there, he went celebration. on to be Brigade “Fortunately, the ‘kidnapping’ was witnessed by my Major of 5 daughter Emma who had walked over the bridge to Infantry Brigade look at the monuments where the gliders had landed. As on active service in Borneo, followed by Strategic Reserve she was returning, someone came up to her and asked if duties in Tidworth. Ken was her grandfather and was he here in 1944? She From 1967 to 1969, Gordon commanded A Company, answered, “Yes he was.” 2 PARA, in Malaya, Hong Kong and during the Anguilla “And then there was uproar and he disappeared Emergency. He then took up the duties of Regimental amongst a throng of excited and respectful men; absolutely Adjutant of The Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces wonderful.” at Browning Barracks for two years. In 1971, aged 37, he The most poignant personal moments was when assumed command of 3 PARA. The Battalion was based Ken laid a wreath at the Memorial Wall at Bayeux, to in Aldershot, but it was deployed as the British United the Unknown Soldiers, with no known graves. This was Nations battalion in Cyprus in 1972 and then to Northern situated beneath the names of the nine PARAs and six Ireland (in the Shankhill and Ardoyne areas of Belfast) aircrews that were listed as MIA after D-Day when Ken during 1973. was the last man out of the Stirling N204 bomber that In 1974, Gordon decided to leave the Army and go night. He dropped number 11 and the rest along with the into business. He joined WH Smith and in 1975 was plane and aircrew were never found. appointed Industrial Relations Executive, reporting to During lockdown we have not been able to arrange an the Board. In those days, the Firm dealt with some of open funeral but will be having some sort of remembrance the major trades unions, including SOGAT, NGA and and celebration when we are free to do so. Rest in Peace, the TGWU and countless Staff Associations. Since this Ken Lang 1922 – 2020. was before the ‘union reforms’, life was pretty exciting and uncertain, particularly in the publication and Lt Col Gordon Lorimer distribution of newspapers. He instituted several national Written by Lt Gen Sir John Lorimer agreements to stabilise the situation and trained all of Gordon Lorimer was born in Edinburgh in 1934 and the top management in negotiating skills. He then took educated at Marlborough College and the Royal Military on the staff management of the Wholesale Group and Academy, Sandhurst. In 1954, he was commissioned into its subsidiaries. After ten years with WH Smith, Gordon the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, serving with the retired early to follow his favourite pursuits of deer 1st Battalion in Berlin, Bury St Edmunds and Cyprus. stalking in the United Kingdom and hunting in Europe, For six months, he commanded A Company, aged 23, on Scandinavia and Africa. counter-terrorist operations in Cyprus as a Temporary In 1959, Gordon married Fiona Molteno. They had Captain, before being seconded to The Parachute a daughter and two sons, 14 grandchildren and 3 great- Regiment in 1958. grandchildren. He passed away peacefully on 4th July Gordon was a gifted and enthusiastic sportsman, 2020. representing the Combined Services at Rugby and the Argylls in Modern Pentathlon. He also boxed and he SSgt Charles Macdonald delighted in the fact that he was beaten in the Battalion Written by Stephanie Macdonald Middleweight boxing finals by one of the Officers’ Mess SSgt Charles Macdonald was born in 1938 and died on waiters, Pte Berry, who then became his batman. the 21st March 2020 aged 82 years old. In 1960, when The Parachute Regiment formed a Always known as ‘Charlie’, he served in 2 PARA from permanent cadre of officers, Gordon elected to transfer. 1957 until 1968 in the A/TK Pln and Support Coy. The next year, having been granted leave on half-pay, he He saw active service in the Middle and Far East from

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 109 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces Cyprus to Jordan, the Trucial States of Oman in the The 21st IPC were instrumental in the pioneering of Persian Gulf, then Aden Malaya and Borneo. These years new techniques and new equipment for this specialised were special to him and he made genuine friends who role. Despite having to drop rank to do so, Glynne remained with him all his life. accepted and joined the Company. He was a loyal and loving man and will be loved forever After an initial period in the UK at Larkhill Camp, the by his wife Stephanie, sons Charles and Alister, daughters- company was sent to North Africa where they continued in-law Mellie and Tracy, and grandchildren, Lauren and training in preparation for operations, which often were Jack. frequently planned and then cancelled. Stand down my love. Job done. In September 1944, his platoon, in Italy moved from Bizerta to Taranto by sea. The platoon, along with the Donald McKay Parachute Reconnaissance squadrons and some irregular Written by Christine McKay units, spearheaded the advance up the east of Italy to On the 21st of October 2020, Donald McKay sadly passed Foggia, harassing the German retreat in a series of brief away at his home in Sheffield, he is survived by his wife, engagements among which his baptism of fire one at Grace. Mellitto Station where a scouting party of 12 men in Donald’s nephew Bob McKay writes, “My uncle two jeeps and two motorcycles were sent to check on Donald was born in 1935 and joined the 1st Battalion, The a potential German stronghold. In the ensuing action, Parachute Regiment in January 1957. Glynne, armed with a sten-gun took part in an attack “He was deployed during which the platoon suffered its first casualties when to Cyprus (HQ Coy, 1 they were fired on by German machine guns which were PARA) on the 15th of quickly driven off. June 1957, along with When in November 1943 the 21st IPC was recalled fellow recruits, my father, to the UK to prepare for landings in Northern Europe, Graham McKay, Peter No. 3 Platoon was left behind in Italy to become initially Hodgkinson and Geoffrey 23rd Independent Parachute Platoon, later corrected to Widdowson, who all 1st Independent Parachute Platoon, as the Pathfinder unit served in A Company. for 2nd Independent Parachute Brigade which was to take Despite serving for only part in Operation Dragoon to liberate Southern France. three years until early The platoon’s initial role was to train the American 1960, I don’t think that aircrews of 51 Troop Carrier Wing in Pathfinder duties uncle Don ever really left in recognition of which they were given the privilege the regiment. of wearing the US Pathfinder Wing insignia – a flaming “His time with the winged torch - on their lower left sleeve. PARAs made a huge, The (23rd) 1st Independent Platoon War Diary positive and strong records that on, “27/12/43 5349697 Pte. Medlicott G.G. impression on him and admitted to 59th Evac. Hospital American, Palermo” with his future journey through life. meningitis. Despite the medical authorities wanting to “I know that Don would be so proud to be send him back to the UK, Glynne pulled strings to enable remembered in the Last Post of the Pegasus Journal.” him to return to his active unit week ending 18/3/44. Training with the American pilots continued until at Glynne George Medlicott 01.20hrs on 15th August 1944 when the platoon took off Written by Chris Compton from Marcigliana in Italy in three planes to drop ahead of After leaving school at 14, Glynne worked as a trainee the main force to guide them in. butcher. He joined the Home Guard when it was formed All the Pathfinders remember marching past the and tried to enlist as an air gunner while still under age, French parachutists’ camp to emplane and seeing them, but his father found out and stopped him. disappointed not to be taking part in the first wave to On his 19th birthday, Glynne enlisted in the Royal Berkshire Regiment. He had tried for the PARAs, but was told he must join first. In the RBR, they were trained to a high standard by experienced soldiers so he was accepted into The Parachute Regiment when he next applied. Glynne did his parachute training at Hardwick Hall and Ringway and early in 1943, on being awarded his wings, he was approached to join Major Lander’s newly formed 21st Independent Parachute Company, the specialist Pathfinder company for the Airborne Forces, which would drop in advance of parachute and glider landings, clear the DZs and LZs of obstacles and lay out homing equipment (Eureka beacons) and panels to indicate the zones’ designation and wind direction.

110 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS liberate their country, stand to attention to sing the Sarkozy, in a ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of Marseillaise and deeply moved by this display, the British General De Gaulle’s appeal to the French nation. A rare soldiers joined in the singing. honour for the proud veterans and their families. Despite thick ground fog, the platoon was dropped accurately at 0334hrs although dropping at 1500 feet cause Frank Pendergast the stick to spread out and Glynne had to make his way a Written by Neil Barber mile and a half through tall vineyards, hedgerows and trees Frank Harry Edward Pendergast was born in South collecting half a dozen men on the way and having a brief London on 31 August 1925. exchange of fire with the nearby German headquarters, Perhaps being brought up in such a tough area, he nevertheless arriving just in time to set the markers. always loved a fight. He and his friend would even go to The platoon set up the homing beacons and marked Millwall, stand on ‘The Mound’, a notorious spot and out the DZs for the main parachute drop successfully deliberately shout for the opposition! Leaving with black managing good concentrations of paratroops from those eyes and other pains, they would return again a few weeks aircraft, which did not suffer technical difficulties with later for more! their equipment. He enjoyed a good childhood, but left school with no Once the paratroops had landed, the 1st IPP’s task was real education. His father helped him to obtain a job in to prepare the ground for the gliders then, having guided the Woolwich Arsenal. Then, on 22 July 1943, he tried them in, they assisted in the unloading. to enlist underage and was ‘released to the Reserve’, but The next ten days were spent in scouting and foraging re-joined the colours on 2 September, being posted eleven missions ahead of the allied advance in jeeps. days later to the Royal Army Service Corps. Less than a On 26th August, the platoon embarked for return to year later he volunteered to join The Parachute Regiment, Naples and preparation for their next mission. ‘for the extra two bob a week.’ This was to be the Greek campaign, where after an Frank arrived at Ringway on 23 July 1944 to carry out initial operation to hasten the retreating Germans on their his parachute training. Over the next eleven days, during way (the windswept drop at Megara where Glynne was Parachute Course 126, he completed five days of ground almost blown into a minefield), the 1st IPP, along with the training, followed by eight descents; three from the static 2nd Independent Parachute Brigade Group, experienced balloon (one at night), two from a Whitley and three unpleasant guerrilla, street warfare against the communists, from a Dakota. His assessment comments were ‘Quiet and playing a pivotal part in the critical stages of the fighting confident. Exits very good.’ around Iroon which was the turning point of the battle for He was subsequently posted to Lieutenant Colonel Athens. Geoffrey Pine-Coffin’s 7th Parachute Battalion on 3 Another part of their role consisted in feeding the October 1944. The Battalion provided an environment and starving population of Athens from mobile “soup kitchens” discipline that he liked and when he looked around, he in an early “hearts and minds” operation. saw men similar to himself; ‘Everyone was a tough nut !’ The Greek interlude lasted from October 1944 until February 1945 when the platoon returned to Italy for further training exercises. On 17th June, the platoon embarked for the UK and on arrival at Chilton Foliat was disbanded with the majority rejoining the mother company, the 21st IPC. Glynne next found himself with the company in Palestine where the British army was engaged in keeping the peace between the Palestinians and the Jews in what would be another unpleasant period of guerrilla and terrorist warfare. While there, Glynne was demobbed and returned to the UK in 1946. After the war, Glynne, through a chance meeting, took up his pre-war job as a butcher, though now in London, until he retired in 1988. He met and married Peggy, with whom he had two sons, Paul and Nicholas. Glynne returned many times to the areas of Le Muy, La Motte, Le Mitan, notably for the 50th and the 65th anniversaries and was gifted with almost total recall of the locations where they dropped, laid out their equipment, where the different waves of airborne landed, as well as the events which took place. On 18th June 2010, Glynne, along with Walter Freegard (also 1st IPP), Alec Sutton (5Bn) and three French veterans, were presented with the Légion d’Honneur at Chelsea Barracks by the then President of France, Nicolas

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 111 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces His first action commenced on Christmas Eve 1944 Pte Arthur ‘Alec’ Smart when the 6th Airborne Division was rushed by boat and Written byTony Coxall road to the Ardennes in Belgium to take part in repelling A member of the the German assault during the ‘Battle of the Bulge’. After 8th (Midlands) the enemy had been pushed back, the Battalion moved Battalion, where he into Holland. served with the MG His next action began in March 1945 when the Platoon, Alec jumped Division was dropped over the River Rhine in Operation into the Rhine from Varsity, and served through to the end of the campaign a Dakota at 600’ in North-west Europe when they reached the Baltic Sea. and found himself With the war over, on 31 August 1945 he transferred back completely alone, to the RASC. carrying a sten gun Upon his release, Frank arrived home, threw his kit bag and MG ammo in in the corner and while he would never forget, he had both hands. Alec nothing more to do with it for over fifty years. He did not eventually found even claim his medals. He just got on with his life, which Brigadier Hill and was very much going the same way as before the war. six other PARAs However, he started a job working on railway and was ordered maintenance, and then occurred the event that would to clear a small change his life. He met Betty Irene Kennell. She was a wood of German bit lacking in self-esteem and confidence and so naturally troops, which they fell for a South London wide boy with ‘more front than did without taking Blackpool.’ Everyone including members of his own casualties. They later linked up with the family thought he was not good enough for her and it tank Div, to then link with Paton’s US Army. took a court case before they could marry in 1947. Arthur Smart 9 May 1926 to 13 October 2020. Throughout their marriage, she had the ability, most of the time, to quietly keep him in check and was the great Konstanty Staszkiewicz love of his life. They subsequently had two children, David Written by Helena Staszkiewicz and Kathleen. I have always loved my dad but it is only as an adult that I In 1994, after watching the commemorations for the have realized quite how extraordinary he was. A survivor 50th Anniversary of D-Day, Frank was persuaded by his of the horrors of the Siberian labour camps and a veteran son and someone they met on holiday, to request his of the Battle of Arnhem, he never showed any self-pity medals and also to become involved in the Regimental over what had happened to him during his younger years. Association and groups. This he did, and Frank and David He was still in his early twenties when he was demobbed. ultimately re-traced the 7th Battalion’s path throughout Starting with nothing, together with my mum who he Europe and Frank was made a Freeman of the city of met in the Palais de Danse in Nottingham, he built a Rochefort in the Ardennes. happy family life for us all. He worked for many years In about 2010, Betty became ill and Frank acted as as a bus conductor and then in a textile factory until his her carer until she passed away in 2014. Proving all the retirement in 1989. A proud father of three and an even doubters wrong, they had been married for sixty-six years. prouder grandfather of ten, his greatest joy in recent years Subsequently, Frank became heavily involved with was the birth of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, collecting money a beloved great (and also for the Poppy Appeal) and enjoying all of their grandson. organised trips, making good friends, both here and My dad abroad, as well as those in the PRA and British Legion. was joyful. He Frank passed away on 30th May 2020, aged 94. loved to make people laugh. Basil (Reg) Kenneth Reading Anyone who Written by Michael Reading met him in Driel On Friday 10th January 2020 after a short illness, Reg will probably aged 94 years, peacefully passed away at Airedale General remember his Hospital with his family by his side. fondness for Reg, former Sergeant, served with the 21st Independent singing and Parachute Company, The Parachute Regiment Pathfinders dancing! He was and jumped at Arnhem during Operation Market Garden. generous to a Loving husband to Mabel, proud father to David, father fault. Visitors to in law to Jeanie, much loved grandad to Michael and his house came Stephanie. away laden with He had hoped to make the Arnhem 75th Anniversary chocolates, Polish Celebration, but was too ill to attend. sweets and wine. He liked nothing

112 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS more than to have his family around him and at the end of was hit on the port wing. any gathering he would often declare, “This is the best day It caught fire and began a steep dive before exploding of my life”. in a fireball when it hit the ground. Waddy looked at his My dad was loyal. The friends he made in the Parachute men who were seated on each side of the aircraft but, with Brigade became his friends for life. He never forgot flak increasing, in the din they had not noticed what had his comrades who had fallen in battle. As a teenager, I happened. He said nothing. remember walking along the graves in Oosterbeek with As they approached the Drop Zone on Ginkel Heath, him as he described what had happened to them with flying at 700 ft, he could see the upturned faces of the tears in his eyes. I often think that he was determined German gun crews. Snipers were shooting at the doors of to live the happiest life he could because so many of his the Dakota aircraft as he jumped. On landing, he found comrades had been denied that chance. that the battalion was missing about 60 men. It was an My dad treasured the bond he had with the people of hour before 156 Para was on the move. They were eight Driel. The kindness and generosity they showed him was miles from Arnhem and encountering growing opposition of great comfort to him in the years after my mum died. in the failing light. We cannot thank them enough. The following day, at 0700 hours, “B” Company’s As a family, it is now our duty to ensure that my dad’s first objective was to advance along the railway line to a story and that of his comrades is never forgotten. I am point close to Oosterbeek railway station and to lay down very grateful that my children had the opportunity to visit covering fire to support “C” Company’s advance. Driel with my dad. Although they are still quite young, After completing this mission, Waddy was ordered to they are beginning to understand that freedom can never attack the German blocking line – the Dreijensweg – be taken for granted. Through the wonderful friendship along a track through the Johanna Hoeve woods. He was that has grown between the people of Driel, the veterans leading his company when they were held up by heavy and their families, my children appreciate that good Spandau fire. things can come from the most terrible of situations. This A self-propelled, double-barrelled flak gun was knowledge has helped us as we face this difficult year. slamming high explosive shells into scrub where one of his My dad’s story could have been of a life shattered by platoons was trying to edge forward. It was taking heavy war but instead it was one of courage, love and hope. I am casualties from splinters. pleased to have had the opportunity to pay tribute to his Waddy spotted the gun 150 yards ahead of him at the tremendous spirit. end of a ride. Taking a small group of men, he pushed through the undergrowth until he was within 15 yards of Col John Waddy OBE it. © The Daily Telegraph At that moment, the soldier on his right was hit in the Colonel John Waddy, who has died aged 100, was one forehead by a bullet and killed as he was about to throw a of the last surviving British officers from the Battle of phosphorus grenade. Waddy saw a sniper in the tree above Arnhem; he later commanded the SAS. the gun. He fired five rounds with the only weapon he On September 18 1944, in the second lift of Operation had, his .45 Colt, but missed. He was then hit in the groin. Market Garden, 156 Parachute Battalion, part of Brigadier When he came to, he started to crawl away but the “Shan” Hackett’s 4th Parachute Brigade, embarked for sniper fired again and the bullet hit the ground near his Arnhem. The Brigade was tasked with capturing and hand. He collapsed and pretended to be dead until a large holding the high ground to the north-west of the Dutch Rhodesian private burst out of the bushes, picked him up town, the aim of the operation being to establish a bridgehead over the Rhine. Low mist delayed their departure by several hours; surprise had been lost and the enemy alerted. The battalion commanders were warned to expect hard fighting but the violence of the German resistance came as a shock. Waddy, in command of “B” Company, recalled flying into anti-aircraft fire and seeing families perched on the roofs of their houses in areas flooded by the Germans. Hackett had suggested that he monitor the route, and he was looking out of the open door when the aircraft to his right

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 113 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces and carried him 200 yards to the Company HQ. Parachuting was in its infancy; there were no helmets At the regimental aid post the doctor, Waddy said, in use, and while jumping through a hole in the floor of a must have thought that his patient was beyond help and Vickers Valentia biplane, he fractured his skull. It was three “just chucked me his silver whisky flask”. In the field months before he recovered. ambulance casualty post he was given a plasma transfusion His battalion was redesignated 156 Parachute Bn. He and then wrapped in a parachute and taken by jeep to the used to say of his men that they were “like my spaniels, Hotel Tafelberg at Oosterbeek which was being used as a brilliant in the field but a bloody nuisance out of it!” The dressing station. battalion took part in the capture of the Italian port of He was operated upon on the hotel’s billiard table and Taranto in September 1943. The landing was unopposed then moved to a house nearby. There he was wounded but the advance northwards to Foggia was hampered by again when a mortar bomb scored a direct hit and killed ambushes and roadblocks set up by retreating German six of the patients. After five days of attacks and counter- forces. attacks, with a stream of casualties being brought in, the Between September 1945 and March 1948, Waddy position was overrun. served in Palestine on internal security duties, first at HQ With the building on fire, Waddy, who had been 3 Para Brigade and then with 9 PARA Bn. In 1947, while wounded for a third time, was dragged out to a pile of 30 drinking in the bar, he was shot in the back and severely bodies in the back garden. When a sergeant carried him to wounded. His assailant was thought to be a member of a jeep, he thought reinforcements had arrived at last, but the Irgun paramilitary organisation. A brother officer was they were captured and he was taken to a German hospital killed. at Apeldoorn. His battalion had suffered the highest After a spell in Athens, where he broke his jaw, he casualty rate of any involved in the operation, with three- attended Staff College, followed by a posting to HQ quarters of its men killed or captured. 1st Infantry Division in Egypt and Libya. He then At Apeldoorn, he was fortunate not to have his foot commanded a company of 1st Bn Somerset Light Infantry amputated, an over-common remedy at a time when during the Emergency. Patrols in the Selangor jungle German battlefield surgery had lagged well behind best earned him a Mention in Despatches. practice. An orderly, with heavy German humour, told Having volunteered to rejoin The Parachute Regiment, him, “Never report sick with a headache.” he was posted on exchange to the Airborne School at the When a Spitfire put a burst of cannon fire through the Canadian Joint Air Training Centre, Manitoba. There he operating theatre, killing a British soldier and a German enjoyed undertaking Arctic exercises. nurse, Waddy was upbraided by the matron for the RAF’s A posting to Jordan and then Cyprus as second-in- disregard for the Red Cross displayed on the roof. command of 2 PARA was followed by command of The After having had a two-inch sliver of shell extracted, he Parachute Regiment’s Depot. He set up The Parachute was taken by hospital train to Stalag VIIA at Moosburg in Regiment Battle School at Brecon, which is now part of Bavaria. He spent three months in the PoW camp hospital the School of Infantry. He was appointed OBE in 1962. before being passed fit. The camp was liberated by the In 1964, Waddy took up a newly created post as Americans at the end of April 1945. Colonel SAS, which has since evolved into that of John Llewellyn Waddy was born near Taunton in Director Special Forces. He did much to develop new Somerset on June 17 1920. The son of Colonel Richard roles for the SAS in the post-colonial war period, and Waddy DSO of the Somerset Light Infantry, and born streamlined 22 SAS’s command structure. into an Anglo-Irish military family, he was educated at After brief stints on the Army liaison staff in Washington Wellington DC and Fort Benning Infantry School in Georgia, in 1970 before attending he was posted as defence adviser to the British Embassy in Sandhurst. Saigon, during the Vietnam War; helicopter patrols during He was the day were followed by cocktail parties in the evening. commissioned His experience led him to suggest more use of helicopter into the co-ordinated operations to the MoD, but this advice was Somerset Light only implemented 20 years later. Infantry in He worked at the Joint Warfare Establishment in July 1939 and Wiltshire before retiring from the Army in 1974. For the posted to India next 15 years he was chief military adviser to Westland and the North Helicopters, but in 1976 he took six months leave to West Frontier advise on the film A Bridge Too Far directed by Richard with the 1st Attenborough. Bn. In October He was responsible for training the extras who 1941, he portrayed Lt Col (later Major General) John Frost’s men at volunteered for Arnhem Bridge and, with his fellow consultants, he did his 151 Parachute best to ensure that some parts of the American-produced Bn and was film were historically accurate. appointed Over the years, a bond of friendship developed between Intelligence Waddy and the Dutch. Together with other veterans, he Officer. returned to Arnhem many times, and in 1982 he started

114 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS leading staff college tours around the town, pointing out the errors made in the planning of Market Garden. Later he did the same for parties of Dutch and British children, and he wrote A Tour of the Arnhem Battlefields (1999). The last of seven generations of his family to hold a commission in the Army, to the end of his life he would have his gin and onions at lunchtime, a passion developed in India where the gin was undrinkable. John Waddy married, in 1945, Ann Davies, whom he had met the previous year at Melton Mowbray; his battalion had been billeted in the town and she had been working in the remount depot. She died in 2012. There were no children.

Thomas ‘Tom’ Arthur Wallis Written by Malcolm Rowlands, West Berkshire PRA 15 April 1926 – 23 June 2020 Tom was born in Streatham in April 1926, the only child of Annie and William, but part of a large family of aunts, uncles and cousins enjoying a happy childhood. With the outbreak of WW2, Tom was evacuated to Ware in Hertfordshire to live with an aunt and uncle spending a few years there before returning to his family home in London. Some years ago, Tom was approached by a military author who asked him to write a resume of his wartime experiences. Tom was inspired and set to work on writing down his memories. This obituary draws on that work. As a young lad of 17, Tom volunteered for the British Army in 1943 at Whitehall Recruiting Office, where issued with aerial maps with the spot marked in pencil he was given the ‘King’s Shilling’ and went on to join where each glider was expected to land (400 gliders in the . Having spent nine months training, total). Tom and his mate, Pat Rock found themselves at Larkhill A total of 10,000 men of the 6th Airborne Division Garrison. They were the only guys in the squadron not yet were to take off at about 0600 hrs, including the 6th posted to a service regiment. Air Landing Brigade, flying in gliders, towed by Halifax Tom and Pat were painting windows and cleaning bombers. Regiments involved included Glider Infantry, the Nissan hut in readiness for the next batch of young Oxford and Bucks, 12th Parachute Battalion, Irish soldiers to undergo the course of general-purpose Royal Battalion, Devon Regiment, Royal Engineers, Royal Artillery gunners. These duties did not appeal to them Artillery, Anti-Tank and Light Regiments, Royal Tank greatly and they thought it might add spice to their lives Regiment, Royal Army Service Regiment, Royal Army if they volunteered for airborne service. This proved to Medical Corps and Ordnance Corps. be an accurate prediction. Little did they know that on Various meetings took place for the operation. The 24th March 1945 they would be taking part in Operation Colonel addressed his troops, the 3rd, 4th and 6th Anti- VARSITY, involving more than 16,000 paratroopers Tank Batteries, each with 12 x 6-pounder anti-tank guns and several thousand aircraft. It was the largest airborne and 4 x 17-pounder anti-tank guns, giving a total of operation in history to be conducted on a single day 48 guns. The Colonel explained the latest information and in one location, and it was the last large-scale Allied available was that a total of 40 German tanks were thought airborne operation of WW2. to be within the area where they were due to land. As luck would have it, the newly formed 2nd Air So, the big day had arrived and at the crack of dawn Landing Anti-Tank Regiment needed two driver/wireless on 24th March 1945 they moved out of the transit camp operators. Within two days of volunteering the pair had bound for the RAF Station where gliders were waiting been interviewed by the Colonel, accepted and transferred loaded with all the military equipment required. Tom to Bulford Barracks. In less than a week, they were on didn’t recall the name of the RAF Station taken off from, their way to a guarded security camp somewhere in East but does remember that early in the morning all the Anglia, where the VARSITY plan was revealed and a RAF men and women were all out in large numbers to briefing for an operation would take place the next day. wave them off. The probable locations of the East Anglian All the 6th Airborne Division personnel were scattered RAF Stations were Great Dunmow, Matching, Rivenhall, about East Anglia in similar camps, with RAF airstrips Gosfield and Earls Colne. nearby. Over the next few hours, they were given details of Each glider and parachute battalion were given a how Operation VARSITY was to proceed and they were specific dropping off landing zone (LZ), which applied

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 115 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces to the US 17th Airborne and the British 6th Airborne in all directions to find their meeting points. The smoke Divisions – the 6th Airborne Division on the left and screen created by the Allies on the west bank of the Rhine the 17th Airborne Division on the right. The 6th was had been blown over to the east side of the river by a wind taking off from East Anglia and the US 17th from France. change. It was like a London smog in the days of coal fires. The next day the 6th and 17th Airborne Divisions Gliders were still landing and how the pilots could see was formed up and flew in side by side to land on top of the a miracle. Operation VARSITY had begun for Tom Wallis German Army defending the Fatherland. The two US and his friend Pat Rock. and UK Divisions were to be known as the 18th US Airborne Corps commanded by US General Ridgeway, A move to the Far East commanding 40,000 airborne troops, with their mission When Operation VARSITY was safely behind him, to land on the banks of the Rhine near the village of Tom was selected for a parachute course. Following Hamminkeln and secure the bridges over the River Issel successful completion, he was sent to the Far East, where within a 24-hour period. his military service was primarily in the Dutch East Each plane hooked up with its towrope to the glider Indies, Singapore and Java. After a year’s service there, Tom and slowly took up the slack, then full power and the four was transferred to re-join the 6th Airborne Division in engine Halifax bomber took off. Tom’s glider had two Palestine. Army Staff Sergeant Pilots with its cargo of Lt Col W In 1946 Tom received a Class ‘B’ Army release on Allday, Capt Argent, an SAS Liaison Officer and the RSM the grounds of being a draughtsman and he returned (Royal Horse Artillery) at the front followed by Jeep and to his job in London, while continuing to serve in the trailer with radio, then one Bombardier and two Gunners Territorial Army Reserve. A year later, on 15th October, a at the back. The farewell committee waved and cheered demonstration Parachute Jump took place in Hyde Park and one by one they screeched down the runway. Once by paratroopers of the 16th Airborne Division, Territorial the glider was airborne the Halifax took to the sky. This Army to celebrate ‘Wings for Victory’. experience for the boys at the back, was their very first Tom was very proud to have been chosen to participate. flight, which went very well with little turbulence, except The picture of Tom on his balloon drop appeared on the when the pilots changed towing position from above the front cover of ‘Flight’ Magazine in 1947. Halifax to below the slipstream. As they looked out of the Tom’s working life was in the building construction porthole windows, all that could be seen were dozens and Industry, starting off as a draughtsman and progressing dozens of airplanes and gliders heading out towards the to an air conditioning design engineer and salesman. He North Sea. worked with British, American and Italian manufacturers Hours later they crossed the coast and at about 2,000 and some of the most well-known and respected engineers feet, they could see hundreds of faces looking up and in the industry, as well as having his own business for waving. It was bright and sunny and all very pleasant. several years as Wallis Technical Services. He travelled More hours passed. The 10:30 hrs landing time was getting extensively to the Middle East, Nigeria, America and close. Looking out of the windows, there was still a tight Europe and made many lasting friendships along the formation flying. Then all of a sudden little black puffs of way. Being a salesman and generous to the extreme, smoke appeared, then more and more, and looking again entertaining clients was all part of the job and there out of windows, down below there was the Rhine, big and was nothing Tom liked more than mixing business with wide. pleasure and hosting interesting and memorable social Then came total silence, no engine noise, the Halifax events. had cut them loose; they were now on their own. There Like many soldiers today, Tom applied to become a was a whistling Freemason in 1965. He was initiated into the London sound, then Irish Rifles Lodge and after progressing through the bang, wheels had official levels; he became a Worshipful Master in January hit the ground, 1974. He was always a great supporter of the Freemasons through hedges, and became a Country Member in 1999 and later an and more Honorary Member in recognition of his services to bumps and then the Lodge. He was presented with his 50 years’ service they stopped Certificate at a special ceremony in November 2015. and could Membership of the West Berkshire Branch of the PRA not believe a was a significant source of pleasure for Tom in the final landing without decades of his life. The monthly meetings were a highlight a scratch. They in his diary. A warm and generous man, he thoroughly opened the door enjoyed the meetings, the craic and the banter with his and the jeep airborne brothers. He would often attend commemorative and trailer were events overseas of which a very significant one being the unloaded into a 50th Anniversary of Operation VARSITY and the Rhine landscape thick Crossing. He travelled to attend the memorial service with smoke and at the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery in Germany shadowy groups and found it very emotional to revisit the battlefields in of troops moving peacetime and be welcomed by former enemy veterans.

116 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS Tom Wallis died aged 94 years and is survived by his wife Carol and daughter Natalie. It was a delight and privilege to have known Tom. May he forever Rest in Peace

Sgt Laurence Weeden © The Times Laurence Weeden, D-Day and Arnhem glider pilot, was born on June 6, 1922. He died on November 14, 2020, aged 98. History books record that the D-Day landings were delayed by a day because of the weather, but Laurie Weeden had his own explanation. “My birthday is on the sixth of June”, he said, “and the truth of the matter probably is that General Eisenhower found out that I was going and wanted to give me a birthday treat.” He and his fellow glider pilots had been briefed vaguely in May about an operation that would involve a moonlight landing. Then in early June they were briefed about Operation Tonga, to glide across the Channel at night, carrying troops whose mission was to blow up bridges in Normandy. If they were successful, then the Germans would be unable to reinforce their troops defending the coast. At 10.45pm on the night of June 5, Weeden’s glider was Ouistreham at the end of Sword Beach. After a celebratory towed into the air, carrying a Jeep. Both towing aircraft beer in a café, he boarded a ship back to England. “And and glider turned off their navigation lights over the that was D-Day,” he recalled. “Incredible really, we were Channel, and reached France in the early hours. Passing walking about the place as though we owned it.” through the smoke rising from the Allied bombardment of Laurie Weeden was born in London, as he later put it the Merville battery, Weeden spotted a flare path laid out “within the sound of the bells of Wandsworth jail”, in by pathfinding paratroopers. 1922, the son of Margaret, and Leonard, a bank official As the aircraft released the glider, its radio operator at Schroders. He was educated at the Royal Grammar wished him a happy birthday. Weeden headed for the flare School, Guildford, and was training as an accountant when path, but realised to his dismay that he would have to land war broke out. He had already joined the Territorial Army with a 27-knot wind at his back. Hitting the ground at to please his father. Placed in a searchlight battalion, he was speed, the glider ploughed across the field, stopping 20 tasked with illuminating German bombers during air raids, yards from the tree line. but the lights the battalion used were relics of the last war. Luckily, the Jeep was unharmed. It was commandeered “We had difficulty picking up a Tiger Moth at 80mph,” by a Royal Engineers officer, who loaded it with he recalled, “so we weren’t much good at picking up a explosives that would soon be used to blow up the bridge Dornier at 250mph.” over the River Dives at Troarn. Weeden had now played He was then offered the chance to become a glider his part in the capture of the Normandy beaches, but due pilot. Having attended training school in Shobdon, on to a misplaced homing beacon he did not know where he the Welsh border, he was posted to Tunisia. In September was. 1943 he took part in the seaborne invasion of Italy. It was, He joined a column of paratroopers heading for his he said “the right sort of invasion” — the Italian navy had rendezvous, Touffréville. Weeden recalled that they were already surrendered and the Allied troops were greeted in stopped by the owner of a café offering them beer, which Taranto by the mayor. they had to refuse, “having other rather important business In September 1944 he took part in the Battle of to attend to”. Arnhem, landing a glider carrying 25 troops at Wolfheze, Marching through a village, they were sprayed by eight miles from the “bridge too far”. Demobilised in machinegun fire, and ran for cover, breaking the column in 1946, he returned to accountancy and married his boss’s two. In the confusion, Weeden found secretary, Lorna Cooper, with whom he had a son, Tim, himself in charge of 30 soldiers, whom who became a tax accountant. In 1972, three years after he led back to their commanding Lorna’s untimely death from breast cancer, he married Ann officers. They reached Touffréville as Whitehead, whom he had met at Frensham Pond Sailing the sound of the landings thundered Club. She and Tim survive him, as do her two children, in the distance. Weeden, told there was Jonathan, a lawyer, and Peter, a finance director. nothing for him to do, went to sleep Known for his warm chuckle (sometimes at his own under an apple tree. jokes) and unassuming disposition, Weeden was a lifelong The next day, after escorting a sailor, who was still out in his dinghy at 85. He was also a group of prisoners, Weeden reached keen gardener, made his own wine and prepared a large

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 117 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces bed of raspberries last year. Officer with the rank of Captain. Not happy with a desk He never lost contact with the friends he made during job he took a drop in rank to lieutenant to join the 9th the war. At D-Day Remembrance services in Normandy Scottish Commandos, subsequently seeing action at the he would speak in French, and from 2013 to 2018 he was latter end of the Italian Campaign. the pilgrim leader for airborne forces during annual visits Michael was disappointed not to join his friends in the to Arnhem. In 2015, Prince Charles chose him as one of 156 Parachute Battalion when they were dropped near 12 veterans to have their portrait painted for exhibition Arnhem in September 1944. He was devastated to hear in Buckingham Palace. He would bat away any suggestion about the loss of many of his friends including the much- that his was a tale of derring-do. “We volunteered for loved Lieutenant Colonel Sir Richard des Voeux; he said it something which seemed to be dangerous, and at Arnhem was like being hit in the solar plexus and that he felt dazed we were not disappointed. I just wanted to do something for some time. useful.” In February 1945 Michael was made Intelligence Officer of the 9th Scottish Commandos and restored to Captain Michael Alfred Wenner his former rank of Captain His account of his unit’s action Written by John O’Reilly in Operation Roast in north-east Italy during the Spring Michael Alfred Wenner died on 21st November 2020. In 1945 offensive is as follows, which has been taken from his 1941, Michael was serving with the Lancashire Fusiliers in book, So It Was, published in 1993. India when, as a 20-year-old lieutenant, he volunteered to “We prepared for the final onslaught of the German join the newly formed 151 Parachute Battalion. Based in Armies, strongly fortified behind the ‘’ running New Delhi, the 151 was commanded by the flamboyant aslant the northerly neck of Italy. A narrow strip of 10 Lieutenant Colonel Martin Lindsay who, in 1940, served miles of land separates the eastern part to the vast swamp- as Staff Officer to Carton de Wiart VC in the Norwegian like Lake Comacchio from the Adriatic. Our (2nd)) Campaign. Commando Brigade, comprising four Commandos and Michael recalled that Lindsay acquired a string of horses support forces, was to capture the spit by attacking across for his officers. Michael chose a 16-hand chestnut gelding the lake as well as from below it and from the sea. In this with a kind eye that he called Percy. They hunted jackal way we hoped the German armour and reserves would be and raced at the Delhi course in their specially made silks. drawn away from the centre and towards the Adriatic coast. Training intensified using the two serviceable pre-war If so, our manoeuvre would enable our more powerful 8th twin-engine Valencia aircraft converted for parachute Army to penetrate thus-weakened Po Valley defences west jumping with a crudely cut exit hole in the floor, carrying of the lake and drive through the so-called Argent Gap. a stick of 10. Parachuting at that time was perilous and 151 “I had carefully studied air photos and had even been lost six men over an eight-week period when their chutes flown over the area. But what I did not detect, nor had we failed to open, as well as a variety of other serious injuries. been informed of, was the extreme shallowness of the lake One of Michael’s fellow officers, Captain John Waddy, at that time of the year. Massive, amphibian, tracked, troop- fractured his skull when he collided with the metal tip on carrying vehicles oddly called Fantails were supposed to the end of a static line as he dropped through the aperture. ferry 9 Commando over several miles of water towards In 1942 rioting in India was widespread – particularly the enemy’s western flank some half-way up the spit. On in Delhi – and it was the 151, together with a battalion of the night of the attack, we waited interminably in the dark Gurkhas, who were charged with controlling the critical while the Fantails revved their engines to a scream and situation which, had it continued, would have necessitated juddered. But they just couldn’t move in the mud; so, we the commitment of many British troops to remain in spent precious night hours awaiting other transportation. India, thus preventing them from stopping the Japanese The commanders consulted. Since our little show was in advance from Burma into India. effect to trigger the whole 8th Army final offensive, they Ultimately it was a series of parachute training accidents decided to go ahead with the operation; with the help this that brought to an end Michael’s time with the battalion, time of a fleet of small, open, outboard motor-powered the first of which was in the late summer of 1941 when he ‘storm’ boats. Even these after a while kept sticking in the broke his fibula and tibia of one leg. At the end of 1942, Michael’s battalion was shipped to Palestine and was there re-badged the 156 Parachute Battalion. From 15 March 1943 it was commanded by a new CO who had been on the staff of General ‘Boy’ Browning, Lieutenant Colonel Sir Richard des Voeux (previously from the Grenadier Guards). Michael had an excellent regard for ‘Dickie’ who improved both morale and standards all round, preparing the battalion well for its subsequent invasion of Italy as part of 1st Airborne Division. Whilst in Palestine, however, a low altitude night drop took place at around 300 feet (far too low) over the Haron Valley resulting in many casualties, including Michael who broke the same leg again. This forced him to change unit, initially joining 1st Para Brigade in Naples as a Staff

118 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS weeds and ooze and we had repeatedly to jump thigh- Battalion who were deep into the slime and push. landing maybe a “But from the air photos, I had alerted the Colonel to mile further north a series of concrete emplacements within the area of our up the beach. intended landing. The German defences had, we hoped, Their Fantails came been pulverised by air and artillery bombardment which under heavy fire had thundered for hours before we left the shore. It was of all kinds. Many close to dawn as we approached our designated landing were set on fire and area. Happily, only one small gun or mortar seemed to exploded, and their be able to fire in our direction and its little shells kept casualties must have plopping ineffectually into the water as we waded in. The been very serious. I German defences had nearly all been planned against an saw later that they attack by land, no-one thinking anything serious could get had come in at a across the swamp. Most of them had been silenced by the configuration of bombardment. So, as far as the landing went, we were in shoreline, which on luck. the map was very “Our foe was ethnically mixed. Russians pressed to similar to where we serve with the surrendered readily. Other had landed. Right auxiliaries were also easily rounded up and I believe our under a Wehrmacht total POW score the first day approached 200. There were Weapons School die-hard SS troops leading them, however, many of whom manned by Above: John Jeffries and Michael Wenner (L) fought bitterly before withdrawing; and we lost around a experts, this was, dozen officers and men killed, including my close friend in retrospect, exactly where I believe No. 9 Commando Mike Starling. I was with him for a few minutes as he would have gone if I had read my map unerringly. Had I died; his stomach shattered by machine-gun bullets and done so, I would not be typing these notes. his face ashen. I promised to write to his young wife. I did “The Commando, pipers from each Troop playing as so and she came to visit me in Oxford after the war. The their objectives were gained one after the other – but at Germans, too, did not all leave or surrender. I still have a considerable cost – fought its way by nightfall to positions German helmet I picked up in a concrete emplacement varying from quite close, to some hundreds of yards from there that day. It has a bullet hole through the left temple. the bridge and its wide canal. Despite valiant attempts to The Commandos advancing from the south met with get nearer still, we were pinned down there under fixed more trouble than we did. A member of one of the Royal line and continuous mortar fire, and took a good many Marine units was posthumously awarded the Victoria casualties. My dear friend George Bisset, the Sapper Cross. So was the genial Danish SBS (Special Boat (Engineer) officer, very bravely got to the bridge with two Squadron) Major, Andy Lassen, killed during mopping-up men and was in the course of defusing it when, with a raids round Camacchio. He had been with us in Greece, shattering explosion, most of it blew. George had, in fact, and, more than anyone I have known, deserved the title succeeded in disarming one span of the bridge and this ‘fearless’. remained intact all the way to the other side, but was not “The feint across Commacchio succeeded, but another wide enough to take a vehicle. It did, however, later prove operation along the shore and the Fossa Marina bridge helpful to the Guards Armoured Brigade – our successors and sluice gates west of the lake was needed to help open there – in getting over. the way through Argenta. This was to facilitate penetration “Meanwhile, the Germans had brought up a Tiger in strength by other 8th Army forces, including a Polish tank, perhaps the most devastating ground weapon of division, through the Argenta and sectors and World War II, at the other end of the bridge. With the beyond. resources available to us at that moment, it would have “Once again, I had incredible luck, or perhaps God been suicidal to try to force a crossing, or even get closer. was watching specially over us that early morning. The Mortar bomb clusters continued to fall sporadically, Commando set off westwards across the lake in 20 or and bursts of machine-gun fire chattered whenever the more of the big ‘Fantail’ amphibian, tank-like transports. Germans on the other side of the canal thought they This time they worked. An IO’s map-reading is expected saw movement our way. Somewhere nearer our side of to be irreproachable and mine had been shown in the past the canal … a wounded German or Italian cried out in to be good. There had been no time for air photographs, pain most of the night. The impulse was to go out and do but it anyway fell to me to direct the fleet to the something for him. But it was an impulse that had to be designated landing places. Dawn was breaking as we came curbed. When you have been shot at all day and seen men close, landed safely, and fanned out unopposed except killed, whatever the nightmare of your feelings, you have for a little mortar fire. The various troops dug in and a responsibility to your own people, as well as to yourself, gradually moved on towards farm buildings dominating not to court almost certain extinction in defiance of the approaches to the vital bridge. orders. “We were being ‘stonked’ rather more by various kinds “The mist descended and blanketed all movement of mortars; but not too intensively, and from Commando throughout the ensuing day. I was sent out with two men HQ’s position we could look down at the Queen’s to reconnoitre whether any Germans were still on our

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 119 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces side of the canal, not my life’s most agreeable experience. of the 156, 11th and 2nd Parachute Battalions, together We patrolled very gingerly up to, and near the bank for with the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade who an hour or more and overheard Germans talking on the lost their lives at Arnhem in September 1944. It also other side, the fog magnifying sound. I was expecting to remembers the Air Force 314th Troop meet an enemy patrol or be shot at any moment. I found Carrier Group based here and who died during World War the building where Harry Kither had died, but no trace II. of George Bisset – later reported killed – nor any enemy. At first light on the morning of Michael Wenner’s On approaching our own positions, perhaps because of the funeral on Tuesday, 8 December the Union Flag was 48-hour strain without sleep, we all forgot the password; lowered to half-mast in his memory. He was the last but even in the mist were fortunately recognised as we surviving veteran of the 156 and he will be dearly missed. approached. Four Troop tried to get assault boats up to He leaves widow Raven and his three sons Andrew, launching positions from the canal bank but sustained too Christopher and Martin His fourth son, Miles, predeceased many casualties to justify a full-scale attack of that kind. him. Michael Alfred Wenner 17 March 1921 – 21 One officer, testing the canal to see if it could be waded November 2020. across, came back with mud up to his chest. “… The Commando had suffered badly in this only Józef Wojciechowski partly successful battle. My friend Peter Bolton’s section of Written by Arno Baltussen 24 men, the heaviest hit, was down to seven active soldiers. Born on the 28th September 1922, Jozef Wojciechowski’s On being relieved by the Guards, we were withdrawn home was in Eastern Poland, in the town of Mielnica some distance back. I chose a large haystack in the open Podolska, which is now in Western Ukraine. to rest in while awaiting transport back to Marina di In February 1940, Jozef, aged seventeen and his mother Ravenna, a small resort on the Adriatic close to Ravenna. I were deported, together with one million other Polish had always heard haystacks were dry and comfortable. This citizens to Siberia and Kazakhstan after the 1939 invasion one was ice cold and sopping wet. But I slept like a baby into Eastern Poland by the Russian Army. in it for hours, and afterward for another 24 hours in our The situation suddenly changed when Hitler declared billet from the moment we got back to it.” war on the Russians in June 1941 by deploying German After the war Michael took up his Oxford scholarship troops on to Russian soil. The Polish Government, who at Oriel College, where he studied modern languages and were in exile, entered into the Sikorsky-Mayski Agreement won a full blue for boxing. He entered HM Diplomatic with the Russians in July 1941 and organised a Polish Service in 1947, and his first posting was as 3rd Secretary military force on Russian soil. While this was happening, in Stockholm where he met his first wife, Gunilla with Stalin granted amnesty to all Polish nationals imprisoned whom he had four sons: Miles, Andrew, Christopher and in Russian camps, which enabled them to join their own Martin; she died in 1986. Advancing through various armed forces. posts around the world, his last appointment was as British Jozef and his mother left Siberia and headed to Ambassador to El Salvador from 1967 to 1970, where he Kazakstan to join the Polish Army commanded by General founded Academia Británica Cuscatleca. Anders. In the meantime, Stalin allowed the Polish troops Taking early retirement from the Diplomatic Service, to board ships and sail to Persia via the Caspian Sea. Jozef’s he went to live in Houston, Texas. He had various business escape route took him to Pahlevi, Teheran, Habaniya, interests, including acting as Commercial Advisor to the Iraq, Palestine, Egypt and South Africa. The ships then new Consulate General of Switzerland from 1974 to 1979, joined British Naval vessels taking Italian prisoners of war and Wenner Communications, specialising in translation to Scotland and in October 1942, Jozef disembarked in services. He married his second wife, Holly (Raven) Greenock. Adrianne Johnson in 1990. For the last 12 years of his Immediately, he joined General Sosabowski’s Parachute life, he and Raven lived in Cheshire. The Imperial War Brigade as a Signaller and took part in the Battle of Museum interviewed him for a living history which was Arnhem, landing at Driel on 21st September 1944. After recorded, and he donated his hobnailed paratrooper boots Arnhem, Jozef served in Germany from 1945 – 1947 and that he had worn around the farm for decades – the laces, was later demobbed at a barracks in York, UK. He then and some items in the attic, can be found mended with settled in Bradford, West Yorkshire where he took a job still-strong parachute cord from World War II. as a weaver in the cotton mills. After his retirement, he Michael’s hobbies including fly fishing, old maps, choral played an active part in the Bradford Polish community singing, volunteer teaching and elocution. He never lost and Polish Ex-Servicemen’s Association, in which he was a his love for his former unit and for the last 12 years or so member for fifty years. attended every 151/156 Parachute Battalion Reunion at Becoming President of the British Parachute Regiment its former wartime base in Melton Mowbray. Association, Bradford Branch, he had been married for sixty-four years to his late wife Emilia who died before Farewell to 156 Parachute Battalion’s Last Veteran him. Emilia, who met Jozef in Siberia, had served in the by John O ‘Reilly Polish WAAFS during the war. Ten miles north-east of Melton Mowbray lies Saltby Josef leaves two children, a daughter who lives near his Airfield, tucked away half a mile down an unmade road. home in Bradford and a son who is in Ottawa, Canada. Close to the runway is a monument constructed from the His two grandchildren, Leon and Sonya, who reside in hardest Leicestershire stone. It commemorates the men Canada.

120 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Parachute Regimental Association

Formed at the end of WW2, the Parachute Regimental Association (PRA) aimed to allow those that had served on joint operations an opportunity to continue the close bond they had developed. The following years of conflict that encompassed Aden, the Falklands, NI, Iraq and Afghanistan have seen these links continue to this day. Membership of the Parachute Regimental Association is available to all those who have served with the Parachute Regiment or Airborne Forces, their wives and families.

To apply for membership of this exclusive club, fill out the form online at: www.theparachuteregimentalassociation.com

Life Membership is only £7.50 and serving soldiers need only provide their Name, Rank, Unit, Coy/Sqn and Pl/Tp for confirmation of service. Proof of service is required from all ex members. A digital, passport style (head and shoulders) photograph is required. No uniform and no headdress are permitted in the photograph.

Search for us on Facebook: The Parachute Regimental Association - Regimental Headquarters

PRA Secretary: 01206 817073 PRA Admin: 01206 817077 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

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The Last Post

Rank Initials Surname Unit Died Pte T Abbott Royal Signals, 1st Parachute Bde 16/04/2019 LCpl B Allen No 1 (Guards) Ind Para Coy 23/11/2020 Pte W A Allen 3 PARA 03/12/2020 Pte T Anderson GSC Holding Bn 28/11/2020 Pte K D Angell Glider Pilot Regt 07/05/2020 Capt N M Archdale 7th (Light Infantry) Parachute Bn 05/03/2020 Pte S Atkinson 3 PARA 20/09/2020 Sgt L F J Attoe 3 PARA 06/04/2020 Pte C F Barrett 2 PARA 11/2020 LCpl C R Beard 3 PARA 03/01/2020 Pte G S Beck 2 PARA 11/11/2020 Col (Retd) D G Benest OBE 2 PARA 09/08/2020 Major Lord P Beresford No 1 (Guards) Ind Para Coy 20/03/2020 Sig J W Betts 305 Sig Sqn (MxYeo) Para Bde GP (TA) 09/05/2020 Pte F G Birch 799 Coy RASC 11/10/2020 Pte P Blackmore 3 PARA 15/04/2020 Sgt W R Blair 7th (Light Infantry) Parachute Bn 28/03/2020 LCpl T G Brant 5th (Scottish) Parachute Bn 29/12/2020 Sgt G Buckman 3 PARA 10/07/2020 Col (Retd) J U H Burke 2 PARA 14/08/2020 Capt R G Campbell 1 Ind Para Coy 01/11/2020 Capt D Chatterton 2 PARA 08/08/2020 Maj (Retd) T S W Churcher 1 PARA 29/02/2020 Sgt R Clark 16 PARA Bde 14/04/2020 LCpl T Clarke 9th (Essex) Parachute Bn 06/07/2020 Pte D Coates 9th (Essex) Parachute Bn 13/11/2020 Pte A W Cork 3 PARA 03/04/2019 Pte A Cortmann 3 PARA 23/05/2020 Pte D G Cotton 9th (Essex) Parachute Bn 29/01/2020 Sgt M J Craven 3 PARA 28/12/2020 Pte L Crichton 4 PARA 29/03/2020 Cpl J S K Crookshank 2 PARA 17/03/2020 Maj (Retd) D M Cuthbertson-Smith 1 PARA 22/10/2020 Lt C Daukes 562 Para RASC 15/06/2020 Pte A F Dean 16th Indep Coy TA 09/2020

122 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS

Rank Initials Surname Unit Died Pte W R Dean 3 PARA 29/10/2020 Pte F A Deane 10 PARA 30/07/2020 LCpl P W Denny 1 PARA 01/06/2020 Pte R Denyer 10 PARA 16/04/2020 Pte S Derbyshire 3 PARA 27/10/2020 Sgt N Didsbury Glider Pilot Regt 04/03/2020 Pte F Dobson 5th Parachute Bde 01/09/2020 LCpl K Douglas 17th () Parachute Bn 03/04/2020 Lt Col (Retd) D L Dryhurst 10 PARA 10/06/2020 Lt Col (Retd) A Edwards RE(PARA) 08/11/2020 Capt D P Evans 12th (Yorkshire) Parachute Bn 11/06/2020 Pte E Fairweather 8th (Midlands) Parachute Bn 20/10/2020 Pte J J J Finn 3 PARA 21/05/2020 Pte M Francis 10 PARA 10/2019 Cpl D C Gatherum 1 PARA 25/08/2020 LCpl R E Gedge 3 PARA 29/07/2020 Sgt F J Glover 9th (Essex) Parachute Bn 31/10/2020 Pte J J Gray 2 PARA 16/11/2020 Pte G Griffiths 1 PARA 23/07/2020 Pte R Guest 1 PARA 10/06/2020 Bdsm C Gunn 2 PARA 26/06/2020 Sgt J R Hare 2 PARA 20/12/2020 Pte P J Harris 1 PARA 02/05/2020 Cpl R J Hinson 10 PARA 24/11/2020 Maj (Retd) D Hobbs RASC 22/12/2019 Col (Retd) J Holland CBE JP DL 1 PARA 19/04/2020 Pte R Hopkinson 3 PARA 26/12/2019 Pte P J Horne 2 PARA 25/03/2020 LCpl J Hughes No 1 (Guards) Ind Para Coy 02/11/2020 Cpl T R Hughes 9th (Essex) Parachute Bn 08/11/2020 Gnr S Hull 1st AB Div 21/05/2020 LCpl B Hunter 3 PARA 15/12/2020 Pte A Hutchinson MBE 7th (Light Infantry) Parachute Bn 29/12/2020 Cpl J J Hutton 13th (Lancashire) Parachute Bn 12/08/2020 Sgt J P Jeffries 1st Airborne Div Signals 30/08/2020 Pte W Jenkins 3 PARA 21/07/2020 Cpl R Jones 2 PARA 03/02/2020 Pte P R Jones 3 PARA 05/12/2020 Pte J D K Kay 1 PARA 2019 Gnr H Kearns 33rd Parachute Field Regt RA 03/07/2020 Pte T Kelly 1 PARA 25/05/2020

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 123 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces

Rank Initials Surname Unit Died WO2 N Kelly 2 PARA 27/04/2020 Col (Retd) F C Kemp OBE 10 PARA 18/09/2020 Sgt T Keoghan 3 PARA 17/12/2020 Lt B C Kirkwood 12th (Yorkshire) Parachute Bn 15/09/2020 Col (Retd) D Kirkwood 7 Para Regt RHA 01/05/2020 Maj (Retd) R Koldeway AAC 15/06/2020 Pte W K Lang 13th (Lancashire) Parachute Bn 24/04/2020 Pte K Leggat 1 PARA 03/01/2020 Pte B Lomax 1 PARA 12/04/2020 Lt Col (Retd) S G Lorimer 3 PARA 04/07/2020 Pte C MacDonald 2 PARA 21/03/2020 WO2 R Malcolm 2 PARA 23/06/2020 LCpl J Malster RA (PARA) 09/07/2020 Cpl A J Mann 15 PARA 29/03/2020 LBdr D Marshall 33rd Parachute Field Regt RA 24/04/2020 Cpl E P Martin 2 PARA 46 Fd Amb 18/09/2020 Cpl J Martin RCT 03/12/2020 Pte L Martin 1st Airborne Div Signals 29/03/2020 Pte A M McKenzie 15 PARA(V) 16/09/2020 CSgt C Meek 1 PARA 21/12/2020 Pte P Merrick AAC 30/05/2020 Pte C Meynell 1 PARA 2020 Pte W J Millington 8th (Midlands) Parachute Bn 27/05/2020 Maj (Retd) M Minter-Kemp 22 SAS 15/02/2020 Cpl J Mitchell 1 PARA 01/02/2020 Cpl A G Moodie 1 PARA 07/2020 LCpl G T Moores 16 PARA Bde 21/12/2019 WO2 P Morrison 3 PARA 16/10/2020 Pte R P Murrant Depot AFD PCAU 04/04/2020 LCpl L W Neale 1 PARA 01/2020 Pte L R Nice 2 PARA 18/09/2020 Maj (Retd) N J Nichols 15 PARA 24/11/2020 Pte J Nicholson 1 PARA 11/05/2020 Maj (Retd) J Noble MBE NOM (Fr.) 1 PARA 04/06/2020 Maj (Retd) P Nordmann 63 Para Sqn RCT 22/11/2020 Maj (Retd) N O'Brien BEM 2 PARA 03/06/2020 Maj (Retd) D O'Connor 3 PARA 07/2020 Pte P E Oliver Depot AFD PCAU 05/2020 Pte J M Osborne 1 PARA 12/08/2020 Cpl G F Owen 6th Airborne Div 26/05/2020 Pte L Owen Depot AFD PCAU 10/05/2020

124 Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces – Yearbook 2020 PEGASUS

Rank Initials Surname Unit Died Pte F H E Pendergast 7th (Light Infantry) Parachute Bn 30/05/2020 Sgt D Penman 3 PARA 21/07/2020 LCpl A T Perrott 3 PARA 24/11/2020 Pte G Pye Depot 6 PARA GSC 03/05/2020 Pte E Rae TA AAC 24/08/2020 Pte F Rawlings 10 PARA 02/2020 WO2 M J Ray 15 PARA 12/12/2020 Pte C W Reeve 4 PARA 03/05/2020 Sgt K J Rennie 4 PARA 08/2020 Pte E E Richards 4 Parachute Sqn RE 21/07/2020 Capt T Robertson 15 PARA 2020 Pte S L R Robinson 3 PARA 18/12/2020 Bdr J Rundle 33rd Parachute Field Regt RA 29/03/2020 Maj (Retd) A D Scott TD 44 Para Bde 21/12/2020 Driver R Sheeress 44th Para Field Ambulance 16/06/2020 Sgt M J Shepherd 16 PARA Bde 04/03/2020 Sig A N Simpson 6th Airborne Div Signals 09/05/2020 Pte A C Smart 156 Parachute Bn 13/10/2020 Sgt A Smart 13th (Lancashire) Parachute Bn 02/01/2020 Pte A Smith 66th Airborne Light Regt RA 28/11/2020 Maj (Retd) F W Smith 2 PARA 30/11/2020 Lt Col (Retd) D Smith 33rd Para Light Regt RA 06/12/2020 Pte J G Speechley 9th (Essex) Parachute Bn 06/2019 Maj (Retd) P Springfield 7 Para Regt RHA 25/06/2020 Spr D H Squires 3rd AB Sqn RE 27/06/2020 Pte E Stanmore 7th Bn GSC 18/06/2020 Spr C M Steggles Depot 09/2020 Pte R D K Stewart 1 PARA 10/11/2020 CSgt A Sutton 2 PARA 25/10/2020 Sgt E W Tandy 2 PARA 25/03/2020 WO2 R B C Tattersall 1 PARA 29/10/2020 Pte W Taylor 7th (Light Infantry) Parachute Bn 02/05/2020 LCpl I Taylor 2 PARA 08/12/2020 Pte J Thomson 3 PARA 08/11/2020 Cpl A R Tyler 2 PARA 04/10/2020 LCpl R A J Tyler MBE 1st & 6th Airborne Div Provost Coy 17/04/2020 Col (Retd) J L Waddy OBE 156 Parachute Bn 27/09/2020 Maj (Retd) P G Wade 9 PARA Sqn RE 03/12/2020 LCpl K Walker 2 PARA 2020 Gnr A Wallace 33rd Para Fd Regt RA 29/07/2020 Gnr T A Wallis 2 PARA 23/06/2020

PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 125 PEGASUS Yearbook 2020 – The Journal of The Parachute Regiment & Airborne Forces

Rank Initials Surname Unit Died Gnr D M Watson Glider Pilot Regt 12/2020 WO1 J A Watson 1 PARA 24/11/2020 SSgt L Weeden Glider Pilot Regt 14/11/2020 Col (Retd) L P Weeks 3 PARA 17/09/2020 Sgt E S G Weller 1 PARA 18/06/2020 LCpl T W Welsh 1st (Airborne) Bn The Border Regt 11/12/2020 Capt M A Wenner 156 Parachute Bn 21/11/2020 WO2 P F White Royal Marines 17/11/2020 Pte F G Whitehouse 1st Airborne Div 18/04/2020 WO2 J Wileman 12th (Yorkshire) Parachute Bn 03/12/2019 Pte A Willday 1st Airborne Div 07/11/2020 CSgt A M Winfield 3 PARA 06/05/2020 LCpl M R Wood 2 PARA 29/12/2020 Sgt W Wood REME - 6th Airborne Div 01/10/2020 Pte P Workman No 1 (Guards) Ind Para Coy 28/12/2020 Wg Cmdr M Young MBE 3 PARA 19/06/2020

Names listed here are of our Airborne brothers we lost in 2020. In addition to the name and date of death, we like to publish their rank on retirement, any post nominals and one Airborne Unit. Please contact [email protected] to include a name in the 2021 Last Post.

The Airborne Prayer May the defence of the Most High be above and beneath, around and within us, in our going out and in our coming in, in our rising up and in our going down, through all our days and all our nights, until dawn when the Sun of Righteousness shall rise with healing in his wings for the people of the world

THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT BATTLE HONOURS NORTHWEST EUROPE 1942 BRUNEVAL NORTH AFRICA 1942-43 SOUDIA, OUDNA, DJEBEL AZZAG 1943, DJEBEL ALLILIGA, EL HADJEBA, TAMERA, DJEBEL DAHRA, KEF EL DEBNA SICILY 1943 PRIMOSOLE BRIDGE ITALY 1943-44 TARANTO, ORSOGNA NORTHWEST EUROPE, 1944-45 , PEGASUS BRIDGE, MERVILLE BATTERY, BREVILLE, DIVES CROSSING, LA TOUQUES CROSSING, ARNHEM 1944, OURTHE, RHINE, SOUTHERN FRANCE GREECE 1944-45 ATHENS FALKLAND ISLANDS 1982 GOOSE GREEN, MOUNT LONGDON, WIRELESS RIDGE IRAQ 2003 AL BASRAH

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