7th Parachute Battalion,
6th Airborne Division

   "What you get by stealth and guts you must hold with skill and determination!"
     With these words, Major General Richard Gale sent the 6th Airborne Division to their plans and into the history books as part of the greatest airborne invasion in history -- D-Day, June 6, 1944.
     One of Gale's two airborne brigades jumping into Normandy that night was the 5th Parachute Brigade, commanded by J. H. N. Poett. One of Poett's battalions that was to play a critical role, not only that night, but for the rest of the war was the 7th (Light Infantry) Parachute Battalion.
     The 7th Para was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel R. G. Pine-Coffen, M. C.. The most famous member of the battalion was the British Actor, Richard Todd. Major Richard Todd was the first member of the battalion to land in Normandy. The mission of the 7th, and its Adjutant – Major Todd, was to reinforce the glider troops of Major John Howard at the Orne River Bridge. Ironically, some 20 years later, Richard Todd portrayed Major John Howard in the film The Longest Day.
     The 7th Battalion, as part of the 6th Airborne Division, stayed in the line continually from June 6 1944 until August 26, 1944, advancing as far as Port Avdemer. The Battalion returned to England, training in Southampton for its next go at the Jerries.
     However, things changed dramatically a few days before Christmas. The entire 6th Airborne Division was sent into the Ardennes between Dinant and Namur. The entire Division was in position by Boxing Day. The 7th Battalion attacked Wavreille, then seized Celles-Sur-Lesse and Veve. The Battalion was in action until the 3rd week of February 1945. When it again returned to England to prepare for Operation Varsity.
     The jump across the Rhine, Operation Varsity, began on March 24, 1945. Two days after helping to secure the Diersfordter Wald, the 7th Battalion, as part of the 6th Airborne Division, broke out of the bridgehead. The 6th Airborne Division covered 350 miles (mostly on foot) between March 26 and May2, 1945, reaching the Baltic Port of Wismar only 8 hours ahead of the Soviets.
     The 6th Airborne Division was sent to Gaza, Egypt and arrived in September 1945 to become part of the Imperial Strategic Reserve. However, it was primarily used as a security force in Palestine.
     Our goal is to present, as faithfully as possible, an accurate representation of the British Airborne soldier of World War II. We are constantly seeking any source of information to improve our impression. If you would like to be a part of an historically accurate, active and energetic unit, let us know. Go To It!

Commander:

Ken Fieth 615-862-5880