The Parachute Regiment of the British Army marked its 80th anniversary yesterday with the unveiling of a memorial stone at Colchester Castle Park.

Now based in Colchester, the Parachute Regiment was formed by Winston Churchill and General Montgomery in 1940, during the Second World War.

In a service well attended by both veteran and serving personnel, the Rev Richard Smith officially dedicated the East Anglian Branch of the Parachute Regimental Association a memorial of solid granite, marking the formation of the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces 81 years ago.

Initially postponed in 2020 due to Covid restrictions, yesterday’s dedication service was attended by a slew of officers both past and present, as well as Mayor Robert Davidson, and Will Quince MP.

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Mr Davidson emphasised in particular the importance of having such an important army regiment based in Colchester.

“We’ve been a continual army town ever since the Romans left, and more importantly, the Paras are now the rapid reaction force for the whole army,” he said.

“To have them here as their base is amazing – and they’ve been here twenty years now.

“So many of the veterans have retired to Colchester, so we’ve got that strength of community feeling amongst the town and the barracks.”

When asked about the excellent turnout, Mr Davidson joked: “I think it’s because they’ve been invited to the Castle Pub afterwards!”

On a more serious note, he added: “What is so clear is the bonding between both retired and current members.

“It’s a massive family and they feel so proud and so united.

“I’ve just asked one of the veterans if the training is as tough now as it was in his day – and he says it’s just as tough.

“They’ve got to be so fit, and we are so proud to have them here in Colchester.”

As with Mr Davidson, Lieutenant Colonel Ed Rankin, Commander of Colchester Garrison, also paid tribute to the sense of togetherness which the armed forces contribute to Colchester.

“The relationship the parachute regiment has with the town, the connection, the relationships – it’s absolutely key,” he said.

“It’s a really important part of all the community linkages with the people but also all the different agencies, schooling, health – all of the aspects for all of us to work and operate and be part of Colchester and the wider surrounding area.”

“And to represent the garrison and all elements of the community I’m absolutely delighted to be part of that – and the support we have here in the town.”

He added: “It’s a really important aspect and this as another element of cementing those really strong relationships that we have.”

The dedication service also featured readings from Field Marshall Montgomery’s famous speech “What manner of men are these that wear the Maroon beret,” as well as readings from the Old Testament, before concluding at midday.