East Anglia - Colchester - PRA Branch

07/10/2026

An incredible journey by a former 3 Para soldier.

Karl Bushby has arrived back on British soil after 28 years of walking.

He left Hull on 5 October 1998, a 29 year old paratrooper with an idea, and set off from the southern tip of Chile that November. The rules he set himself were simple and brutal: no motorised transport at any point, and no coming home until the whole thing was finished. He thought it would take about twelve years.

He walked the length of South America, got through the Darién Gap while evading FARC guerrillas, did 18 days in a Panamanian jail for having no visa, and carried on north to Alaska. In March 2006 he and French adventurer Dimitri Kieffer made the first recorded crossing of the Bering Strait on foot, taking a 150 mile route over broken ice to cover a 58 mile strait, swimming where they had to. Russian border guards promptly detained them.

Russia banned him for five years in 2013, so he walked 3,000 miles across America to the Russian Embassy in Washington to argue his case. It worked.

Then Mongolia, China under police es**rt, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan. In 2024 he swam the Caspian Sea, 179 miles in 31 days, to avoid crossing Iran or Russia on a British passport. Turkey, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, Belgium, France.

The last obstacle was the Channel. Eurotunnel refused him access to a service tunnel on safety grounds, so he got special permission from the French government and swam it instead, walking onto Shakespeare Beach near Dover on Monday afternoon. He and his team kept the departure point secret for safety reasons, and the news only broke a day later.

That is 30,000 miles through 29 countries. He is 57 now.

He said it felt good to have UK soil under his feet after all these years, and that it hasn't been easy, which is rather the point, proving he's more capable than he gives himself credit for.

There is one leg left. He is walking to his mother's house in Hull.

29/09/2026

29 September. - Saint Michaels Day - Patron Saint of Airborne Forces.

Saint Michael, the archangel, is the universally recognised patron saint of Paratroopers. Archangel Michael, a warrior in the battle of good versus evil, descended from Heaven with his army ready to fight Satan and his allies. During WW2, it seemed appropriate to adopt St. Michael as Patron Saint & Protector of Airborne Forces.

27/09/2026

Major Cain - Victoria Cross - 25 September 1944 - Arnhem, Holland

The desperate fighting by the 1st Airborne Division around Arnhem in 1944 produced five Victoria Cross winners of whom only Robert Cain survived.

Commanding a r***e company holding a vital sector, Major Cain displayed outstanding gallantry, and powers of command and endurance over a six day period. Despite multiple wounds he was constantly in the forefront wherever danger threatened. Armed only with a light infantry anti-tank weapon, he single handedly immobilised a Tiger Tank, supervised its final destruction, drove off three other tanks, inspired leadership and fearless example, and broke up repeated enemy attacks. His heroism became legendary and severely demoralised the enemy around his position.

Fifty-nine decorations were published for the small group of men who successfully escaped Arnhem and these were awarded in an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on 6 December 1944. As well as being the only survivor of the battle to receive the Victoria Cross, Cain was also the first (and currently only) Manxman to be awarded the medal. Posthumous VCs were announced later, including one for Lance Sergeant John Baskeyfield of the 2nd South Staffordshire Battalion's anti tank platoon. The 2nd Battalion thus became the only British battalion to receive two VCs in one engagement during the Second World War.[38]
War Office, 2nd November, 1944.

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve awards of the VICTORIA CROSS to: —
Captain (temporary Major) Robert Henry Cain (129484), The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, (attd. The South Staffordshire Regiment) (I Airborne Division) (Salcombe, Devon).

In Holland on 19th September, 1944, Major Cain was commanding a r***e company of the South Staffordshire Regiment during the Battle of Arnhem when his company was cut off from the rest of the battalion and during the next six days was closely engaged with enemy tanks, self-propelled guns and infantry. The Germans made repeated attempts to break into the company position by infiltration and had they succeeded in doing so the whole situation of the Airborne Troops would have been jeopardised.

Major Cain, by his outstanding devotion to duty and remarkable powers of leadership, was to a large extent personally responsible for saving a vital sector from falling into the hands of the enemy.

On 20th September a Tiger tank approached the area held by his company and Major Cain went out alone to deal with it armed with a Piat. Taking up a position he held his fire until the tank was only 20 yards away when he opened up. The tank immediately halted and turned its guns on him, shooting away a corner of the house near where this officer was lying. Although wounded by machine gun bullets and falling masonry, Major Cain continued firing until he had scored several direct hits, immobilised the tank and supervised the bringing up of a 75 mm. howitzer which completely destroyed it. Only then would he consent to have his wounds dressed.

In the next morning this officer drove off three more tanks by the fearless use of his PIAT, on each occasion leaving cover and taking up position in open ground with complete disregard for his personal safety.

During the following days, Major Cain was everywhere where danger threatened, moving amongst his men and encouraging them by his fearless example to hold out. He refused rest and medical attention in spite of the fact that his hearing had been seriously impaired because of a perforated eardrum and he was suffering from multiple wounds.

On 25 September the enemy made a concerted attack on Major Cain's position, using self-propelled guns, flame throwers and infantry. By this time the last PIAT had been put out of action and Major Cain was armed with only a light 2" mortar. However, by a skilful use of this weapon and his daring leadership of the few men still under his command, he completely demoralized the enemy who, after an engagement lasting more than three hours, withdrew in disorder.

Throughout the whole course of the Battle of Arnhem, Major Cain showed superb gallantry. His powers of endurance and leadership were the admiration of all his fellow officers and stories of his valour were being constantly exchanged amongst the troops. His coolness and courage under incessant fire could not be surpassed.
There are some errors in Cain's citation. The action described as occurring on the 20th actually took place on the 21st[28] (indeed this is the day on which Lieutenant Meikle—his spotter in the building above—was killed), and the Tiger tank he engaged was in fact a StuG III.

22/09/2026

Lance Corporal Joshua Leakey - Victoria Cross - 22nd August 2013

Citation
Between May and December 2013, Lance Corporal Leakey was deployed in Afghanistan as a member of a Task Force conducting operations to disrupt insurgent safe-havens and protect the main operating base in Helmand province.

The majority of operations took place in daylight in non-permissive areas, attracting significant risk. On 22nd August 2013, Lance Corporal Leakey deployed on a combined UK/US assault led by the United States Marine Corps into a Taliban stronghold to disrupt a key insurgent group. After dismounting from their helicopters, the force came under accurate machine gun and rocket propelled gr***de fire resulting in the Command Group being pinned down on the exposed forward slope of a hill. The team attempted to extract from the killing zone for an hour, their efforts resulting in a Marine Corps Captain being shot and wounded and their communications being put out of action. Lance Corporal Leakey, positioned on the lee of the hill, realising the seriousness of the situation and with complete disregard for his own safety, dashed across a large area of barren hillside which was now being raked with machine gun fire. As he crested the hill, the full severity of the situation became apparent: approximately twenty enemy had surrounded two friendly machine gun teams and a mortar section rendering their critical fire support ineffective. Undeterred by the very clear and present danger, Lance Corporal Leakey moved down the forward slope of the hill, and gave first aid to the wounded officer. Despite being the most junior commander in the area, Lance Corporal Leakey took control of the situation and initiated the casualty evacuation. Realising that the initiative was still in the hands of the enemy, he set off back up the hill, still under enemy fire, to get one of the suppressed machine guns into action. On reaching it, and with rounds impacting on the frame of the gun itself, he moved to another position and began engaging the enemy. This courageous action spurred those around him back into the fight; nonetheless, the weight of enemy fire continued. For the third time and with full knowledge of the extant dangers, Lance Corporal Leakey exposed himself to enemy fire once more. Weighed down by over 60lbs of equipment, he ran to the bottom of the hill, picked up the second machine gun and climbed back up the hill again: a round trip of more than 200 metres on steep terrain. Drawing the majority of the enemy fire, with rounds splashing around him, Lance Corporal Leakey overcame his fatigue to re-site the gun and return fire. This proved to be the turning point. Inspired by Lance Corporal Leakey’s actions, and with a heavy weight of fire now at their disposal, the force began to fight back with renewed ferocity. Having regained the initiative, Lance Corporal Leakey handed over the machine gun and led the extraction of the wounded officer to a point from which he could be safely evacuated. During this assault 11 insurgents were killed and 4 wounded, but the weight of enemy fire had effectively pinned down the command team. Displaying gritty leadership well above that expected of his rank, Lance Corporal Leakey’s actions single-handedly regained the initiative and prevented considerable loss of life, allowing a wounded US Marine officer to be evacuated. For this act of valour, Lance Corporal Leakey is highly deserving of significant national recognition.

Victoria Cross citation, published in The London Gazette, 26th February 2015

20/09/2026

Lieutenant Grayburn - Victoria Cross - 20 September 1944 - Arnhem, Holland

John ‘Jack’ Hollington Grayburn was born 30 January 1918 in Manora Island, Karachi. On his family’s return to England, he was brought up in Chalfont St. Giles along with his two brothers. He attended Sherborne School where he excelled at boxing and rugby until 1935. He continued playing rugby for Chiltern Rugby Club until 1939. Following his schooling, he joined the London office of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation as a Foreign Staff Junior.

Jack Grayburn was commissioned into the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry in September 1940, undertaking his training at Hatherleigh, Devon. Whilst serving with the Ox and Bucks he gained the nickname “Mad Jack”. In 1942, he was married to Dorothy Chambers with whom he had a son in 1943 called John.

Following a recommendation from an old banking colleague, Jack volunteered for The Parachute Regiment. He attended course 77 at RAF Ringway from 9 to 18 August 1943, where he was described as "An average performer, but an excellent leader, tonic to men". Following his training he joined the 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment in North Africa in time for the Italy campaign.

On 17 September 1944, Lt Grayburn emplaned for Arnhem. From the evening of 17 September until the night of 20 September, a period of over three days, Lt Grayburn, a platoon commander, 2nd Parachute Battalion, led his men with supreme gallantry and determination at Arnhem Bridge.

Although in pain and weakened by wounds to his face and back, his courage never flagged. There is no doubt that, had it not been for this officer's inspiring leadership and personal bravery Arnhem Bridge could never have been held for that time. Lt Grayburn died during the night of 20 September, aged 26 years old. For his gallantry at Arnhem, he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

His body was recovered from a ruined building in 1948 and is now buried at Oosterbeek War Cemetery. His medal set is now on display at the Airborne Assault Museum.

Major General Frost CB DSO MC paid tribute to him in the Pegasus Journal in 1982: .
“So ended the days of a very gallant gentlemen. During the last few weeks of his life, his unassuming manner and quiet attention to duty disguised the resolution which led to his outstanding performance in the battle. Since then his example has permeated the Parachute Regiment to the present day for those who have followed him say, “I must try to do likewise.”

The full citation for Grayburn's Victoria Cross appeared in a supplement to the London Gazette on 23 January 1945, reading:

War Office, 25th January, 1945.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the posthumous award of the VICTORIA CROSS to: —

Lieutenant John Hollington Grayburn (149002), Parachute Regiment, Army Air Corps (Chalfont St. Giles).

For supreme courage, leadership and devotion to duty.
Lieutenant Grayburn was a platoon commander of the Parachute Battalion which was dropped on 17th September, 1944, with the task of seizing and holding the bridge over the Rhine at Arnhem.

North end of the bridge was captured and, early in the night, Lieutenant Grayburn was ordered to assault and capture the Southern end with his platoon. He led his platoon on to the bridge and began the attack with the utmost determination, but the platoon was met by a hail of fire from two 20 mm. quick firing guns, and from the machine guns of an armoured car. Almost at once Lieutenant Grayburn was shot through the shoulder. Although there was no cover on the bridge, and in spite of his wound, Lieutenant Grayburn continued to press forward with the greatest dash and bravery until casualties became so heavy that he was ordered to withdraw. He directed the withdrawal from the bridge personally and was himself the last man to come off the embankment into comparative cover.

Later, his platoon was ordered to occupy a house which was vital to the defence of the bridge and he personally organised the occupation of the house.
Throughout the next day and night the enemy made ceaseless attacks on the house, using not only infantry with mortars and machine guns but also tanks and self-propelled guns. The house was very exposed and difficult to defend and the fact that it did not fall to the enemy must be attributed to Lieutenant Grayburn's great courage and inspiring leadership. He constantly exposed himself to the enemy's fire while moving among, and encouraging, his platoon, and seemed completely oblivious to danger.

On 19th September, 1944, the enemy renewed his attacks, which increased in intensity, as the house was vital to the defence of the bridge. All attacks were repulsed, due to Lieutenant Grayburn's valour and skill in organising and encouraging his men, until eventually the house was set on fire and had to be evacuated.

Lieutenant Grayburn then took command of elements of all arms, including the remainder of his own company, and re-formed them into a fighting force. He spent the night organising a defensive position to cover the approaches to the bridge.

On 20 September 1944, he extended his defence by a series of fighting patrols which prevented the enemy gaining access to the houses in the vicinity, the occupation of which would have prejudiced the defence of the bridge. This forced the enemy to bring up tanks which brought Lieutenant Grayburn's positions under such heavy fire that he was forced to withdraw to an area farther North. The enemy now attempted to lay demolition charges under the bridge and the situation was critical. Realising this, Lieutenant Grayburn organised and led a fighting patrol which drove the enemy off temporarily, and gave time for the fuzes to be removed. He was again wounded, this time in the back, but refused to be evacuated.

Finally, an enemy tank, against which Lieutenant Grayburn had no defence, approached so close to his position that it became untenable. He then stood up in full view of the tank and personally directed the withdrawal of his men to the main defensive perimeter to which he had been ordered.

He was killed that night.
From the evening of September 17th until the night of September 20th, 1944, a period of over three days, Lieutenant Grayburn led his men with supreme gallantry and determination. Although in pain and weakened by his wounds, short of food and without sleep, his courage never flagged. There is no doubt that, had it not been for this officer's inspiring leadership and personal bravery, the Arnhem bridge could never have been held for this time.

19/09/2026

Captain Queripel - Victoria Cross - 19 September 1944 - Arnhem, Holland

Lionel Ernest Queripel was born on the 13 July 1920 at Winterbourne Monkton in Dorset. Having moved with his parents to Tunbridge Wells, he returned to Dorset for schooling, attending Durnford Prep School before attending Marlborough College. Whilst at Marlborough he represented his house at boxing and rugby, as well as excelling in the Officer Training Corps.

He was admitted to the Royal Military College, Sandhurst on the 27 January 1939, becoming the fourth generation of his family to join the military, with a family history dating back to the Crimea. In October 1939, he completed his training and commissioned into the Royal Sussex Regiment.

Whilst serving in the Middle East in December 1942, the 2nd Royal Sussex Regiment was converted to become the 10th Battalion, The Parachute Regiment. Lt. Queripel was one of those who volunteered, undertaking his parachute training in the Middle East before being promoted to Captain in A Company. Capt Queripel was involved in fighting in Italy in his role as 2IC, A Company before returning to the UK at the end of 1943. In February 1944, he attended a Company Commanders Course at the School of Infantry in Durham.

On 18 September, Captain Queripel emplaned with other members of 10th Para Bn for Arnhem. By 19 September, he was commanding a composite company composed of three Parachute Battalions when it became split and pinned down by continuous and heavy enemy fire. Despite wounds to his face, he carried an injured Sergeant to the Regimental Aid Post and, ignoring enemy fire, returned to reorganise his force. He then destroyed two enemy machine guns and captured an anti-tank gun. Later, although wounded in both arms, he inspired his men to beat off all attacks with gr***des, pistols and r***es.

The enemy pressure continued and Captain Queripel ordered is men to withdraw. He stayed behind to cover their withdrawal with his pistol and some hand-gr***des. This was the last occasion on which he was seen.

During the whole period of nine hours of confused and bitter fighting Captain Queripel displayed the highest standard of gallantry under most difficult and trying circumstances. His courage, leadership and devotion to duty were magnificent and an inspiration to all.

Sgt L Read paid tribute to him in ‘The Tenth’ by R Brammall:
“He was one of the finest men I was privileged to serve under - always the last officer to return to his mess. His first thought was for his men…..One hears of V.C.’s being given for impulsive bravery, but not Capt. Queripel. Anyone who knew him would have expected him to do just what he did.”

He died on the 19th September, aged 24 years old and is now buried at Oosterbeek War Cemetery. In January 1945, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. His medals, along with his Fathers, Grandfathers and Great-Grandfathers were presented to the Airborne Forces Museum by Captain Queripel mother and sisters in 1972.

The full citation for Queripel's Victoria Cross appeared in a supplement to The London Gazette on 1 February 1945, reading:

War Office, 1st February, 1945.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the VICTORIA CROSS to:—
Captain Lionel Ernest Queripel (108181), The Royal Sussex Regiment. (1st Airborne Division) (Dorchester).

In Holland on the 19th September, 1944, Captain Queripel was acting as Company Commander of a composite Company composed of three Parachute Battalions.
At 14.00 hours on that day, his Company was advancing along a main road which ran on an embankment towards Arnhem. The advance was conducted under continuous medium machine-gun fire which, at one period, became so heavy that the Company became split up on either side of the road and suffered considerable losses. Captain Queripel at once proceeded to reorganise his force, crossing and recrossing the road whilst doing so, under extremely heavy and accurate fire. During this period he carried a wounded Sergeant to the Regimental Aid Post under fire and was himself wounded in the face.

Having reorganised his force, Captain Queripel personally led a party of men against the strong point holding up the advance. This strong point consisted of a captured British anti-tank gun and two machine-guns. Despite the extremely heavy fire directed at him, Captain Queripel succeeded in killing the crews of the machine-guns and recapturing the anti-tank gun. As a result of this, the advance was able to continue.

Later in the same day, Captain Queripel found himself cut off with a small party of men and took up a position in a ditch. By this time he had received further wounds in both arms. Regardless of his wounds and of the very heavy mortar and spandau fire, he continued to inspire his men to resist with hand gr***des, pistols and the few remaining r***es.

As, however, the enemy pressure increased, Captain Queripel decided that it was impossible to hold the position any longer and ordered his men to withdraw. Despite their protests, he insisted on remaining behind to cover their withdrawal with his automatic pistol and a few remaining hand gr***des. This is the last occasion on which he was seen.

During the whole of a period of nine hours of confused and bitter fighting Captain Queripel displayed the highest standard of gallantry under most difficult and trying circumstances. His courage, leadership and devotion to duty were magnificent, and an inspiration to all. This officer is officially reported to be wounded and missing.

17/09/2026

17/09/1944 - 25/09/1944 - Arnhem (Operation Market Garden) - Holland

1st Allied Airborne Corps, which included the American 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, was tasked to secure the main canal and river crossings between Eindhoven and Arnhem. The aim was to provide an ‘airborne carpet’ along which the ground forces spearheaded by 30 Corps would break into the Ruhr and end the war.

The 1st British Airborne Division, which included the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 10th, 11th and 156th battalions of The Parachute Regiment under the command of Major General R E Urquhart was dropped near Arnhem to seize the road bridge over the Neder Rijn.

Due to insufficient aircraft to fly the division complete, the Air-Landing Brigade had to be used to protect the drop zones and landing zones for the second lift, leaving only the three battalions of the 1st Parachute Brigade to secure the bridge.
Despite the initial surprise the lightly equipped parachutists were soon encountering unexpectedly heavy German resistance, because elements of the II SS Panzer Corps happened to be refitting in and around the Arnhem area. Only the 2nd Parachute Battalion commanded by Lt Col J D Frost and elements of the Royal Engineers squadron and Recce Company reached the bridge and secured the northern end. They were soon cut off.

Though under constant attack by armour and infantry the Arnhem bridge was held for three days and four nights. The division task had been to hold for 48 hours until relieved by ground forces.

Meanwhile, the rest of the division, depleted by its attempts to fight through to reinforce at the bridge, were compressed into a small perimeter across the river at Oosterbeek. They held on against overwhelming odds for nine days until ordered to withdraw across the river during the night of 25/26 September.

Of the 10,095 all ranks that landed, fewer than 3,000 got out across the river. The ground forces failed to link up and the bid to end the war in 1944 failed.

Five Victoria Crosses were won during the battle, two by members of The Parachute Regiment.

Battle Honour conferred:
Arnhem 1944

From Paradata https://www.paradata.org.uk/.../arnhem-operation-market... See less

17/09/2026

17 Sep 1946 - Theirs Is The Glory - Film Premier - London, Arnhem & Ottawa

"They have written in letters of fire an immortal page of history. Their manner of passing shall be carried like a banner borne high by all those who shall come after. Their story will be told wherever men cherish deeds of good report. The story of those filthy, grimy, wonderful gentlemen who drop from the clouds and fight where they stand. Just Ordinary Men."

The film Theirs Is the Glory, produced in 1946, was the first significant effort to chronicle the gallant stand of the British 1st Airborne Division, including 2 Wings of the Glider Pilot Regiment and the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade Group in the Battle of Arnhem (Operation Market Garden) which lasted from 17 September to 25 September 1944. It preceded the epic film A Bridge Too Far by 31 years.

Directed by Brian Desmond Hurst, the film was a unique production in many respects. It was filmed on the war-torn site of the battle, using only actual participants in the battle as actors in the film, and was jointly produced by the J Arthur Rank Organization and the British Army’s Film and Photographic Unit (APFU). Some of the cast members had been only recently released from POW camps at the time of filming.

Among the persons appearing in the movie were, Lt Hugh Ashmore, Maj CFH 'Freddie' Gough, Maj Richard 'Dickie' Lonsdale, Mrs Kate ter Horst, Pte Tommy Scullion of County Antrim, Pte Peter Holt from Middlesex, Pte David Parker from Scotland, Cpl Pearce from Wales, Pte George ‘Titch’ Preston from Grimsby, Pte Frank ‘Butch’ Dixon (proven lethal with a PIAT), Sgt John Daley of Waterford, and war correspondents Stanley Maxted and Alan Wood. In addition, the total cast included other paratroopers, gunners, sappers, RAMC, RASC, reconnaissance squadron and glider pilots - all veterans of the battle. Each member was paid £3.0s.0d. per day by the Rank Organisation.

The movie had simultaneous premieres in Ottawa, Arnhem and the Gaumont Theatre in the Haymarket London on the second anniversary of the start of the battle, 17 September 1946.

A remastered high definition version was shown in the Astra Cinema on the Imperial War Museum Duxford site on 10 September 2014 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the battle, organised by Gil Boyd and Jon Baker of The Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces Museum with the assistance of Allan Esler Smith, the nephew of Brian Desmond Hurst. Attendees at the screening included three Arnhem veterans and the Colonel Commandant of The Parachute Regiment.

A detailed article on the making of the film is contained in After the Battle Magazine, Issue Number 58.

15/09/2026

15 Sep 1940 - England - Battle Of Britain Day

On 15th September 1940 the Luftwaffe launched a massive assault in the skies over Britain. It was a day of heavy fighting, and the Luftwaffe suffered significant casualties. It was a decisive defeat for the Luftwaffe, and since then this date has been celebrated as ‘Battle of Britain Day’. 544 RAF aircrew were killed during the Battle of Britain. 312 RAF personnel were killed on the ground, as RAF stations were often targets for Luftwaffe bombing.

The Battle of Britain saw the RAF facing off against the formidable German Luftwaffe in a series of intense aerial clashes over British skies. This period of combat showcased the RAF's unyielding spirit, exceptional skill, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding their homeland.

Using science, ingenuity, and support from across the UK and overseas, the RAF defended the UK from N**i Germany’s air force. It was the first major battle fought entirely in the air, and N**i Germany’s first major military defeat.

This victory was made possible by the hard work and determination of 'The Many', to the courage and sacrifice of 'The Few' - the 2,945 RAF aircrew who faced the Luftwaffe from July to October 1940.

11/09/2026

11 September 1974 - Bovenau - Germany
Kiel Canal Disaster

The Kiel Canal accident on September 11th, 1974 is one of the many tragic events punctuating Parachute Regiment and British Airborne Forces history. This happened about 13 miles East of the city of Kiel in Northern Germany, in the vicinity of Bovenau, on a stretch of the Kiel Canal. The disaster claimed the lives of five men serving with 15 PARA (V) and one man from 4 PARA (V).

Elements of the three Territorial Army Parachute Regiment Battalions had been chosen to take part in the largest airborne operation of the year as part of 16th Parachute Brigade Group on Exercise Bold Guard, a NATO enterprise involving British, German and Danish armed forces. In total, the exercise involved thirty-five C130 Hercules aircraft dropping 540 paratroopers and twenty-six heavy loads in two waves onto a DZ whose northern perimeter was the busy shipping canal connecting the Baltic and the North Seas between Keil and Brunsbüttel. To the south lay the smaller but no less dangerous Eider canal.
These men from 4, 10 and 15 PARA were part of the second wave, 2 PARA having jumped the previous day on September 10th. Some 2 PARA soldiers who had been unable to jump with the first wave, emplaned with the Territorial paratroopers.

Fifteen soldiers and several heavy load platforms landed in the canal which is eleven metres deep and between 103 and 162 metres wide. A further casualty of the disaster was the German Army officer on safety duty that night, who committed su***de. He blamed himself when, in fact, he was entirely blameless.

For an in depth look at he the disaster please visit https://theparachuteregimentalassociation.com/.../the.../ See less