Third Battalion, Parachute Regiment | |
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![]() Cap badge of the Parachute Regiment | |
Active | 1941–1948 1948 – present |
Country | ![]() |
Branch | ![]() |
Type | Airborne infantry |
Role | Air assault infantry |
Size | Battalion 662 personnel[1] |
Part of | ![]() ![]() |
Garrison/HQ | Colchester Garrison |
Nickname(s) | Gungy Third[2] |
Motto(s) | Utrinque Paratus (Latin for "Ready for Anything") |
Engagements | |
Commanders | |
Notable commanders | Sir Gerald Lathbury Richard Lonsdale |
Insignia | |
Drop zone flash | ![]() |
The 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment (3 PARA), is a battalion sized formation of the British Army's Parachute Regiment and is a subordinate unit within 16 Air Assault Brigade.
Roled as an Airborne light infantry unit, the battalion is capable of a wide range of operational taskings. Based at Merville Barracks, Colchester Garrison, their barracks in England, personnel regularly deploy outside of the United Kingdom on operations and training.
A unique part of the 3rd Battalion is the inclusion of the Guards Parachute Platoon, which is incorporated into B Company and also known as 6 (Guards) Platoon. The Guards Parachute Platoon is made up of volunteers who have passed P Company from the five Regiments of Foot Guards and Infantry qualified members of the Household Cavalry; they can be distinguished from other paratroopers by a "blue red blue" patch sewn to their beret beneath the Parachute Regiment cap badge.