First Canadian Parachute Battalion
The first Canadian Parachute Battalion was formed on June 10, 1942 and its first members were trained at Fort Benning, Georgia until the camp at Shilo, Manitoba could be constructed. I joined this unit when they came to Shilo and was the 32nd soldier to qualify as a parachutist at this new location.
Para training took a rigorous 14 weeks. By July, 1943, the unit was in England and after receiving a conversion course on how to egress aircraft other than C-47 Dakotas at Ringway, we were mustered in combination with the British 3rd Para. Brigade, British 6th Airborne Division, under Brigadier James Hill, D.S.O., M.C. a great soldier and disciplinarian.
I am proud to have served as a member of the Battalion under this distinguished leader until it was disbanded in 1945.
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Beret Badge
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Shoulder Flash
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Divisional Badge
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Slip-on Shoulder Flash
This so called "gold" strip of material was slipped on over the epaulettes of our battle dress and Denison smocks as it was the designated identification colour of our battalion.
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Battalion Battle Colours
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CPB Association Crest
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