Parachutist Badge (United Kingdom)
The British Armed Forces award a range of Parachutist Badges to those qualified as military parachutists. The version awarded depends largely on the unit or role that the individual fills following qualification.
Member of 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment showing Parachute Badge with Wings on his right sleeve
Field Marshal Lord Walker of Aldringham showing the Parachute Badge without Wings on his left sleeve
Major General Martin Smith (left) with the SBS parachutist badge on his right sleeve.
General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith with the SAS parachutist badge on his right sleeve.
The Special Air Service (SAS) is a special forces unit of the British Army. It was founded as a regiment in 1941 by David Stirling, and in 1950 it was reconstituted as a corps. The unit specialises in a number of roles including counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, direct action and special reconnaissance. Much of the information about the SAS is highly classified, and the unit is not commented on by either the British government or the Ministry of Defence due to the secrecy and sensitivity of its operations.
SAS patrol in North Africa during WWII (1943)
21 SAS soldier after a night parachute drop exercise in Denmark (1955)
Ascension memorial at Hereford Cathedral
