Never Not Ready
RAF Regiment Parachute Units 1942-2012
Chapter 7 II (Field) Squadron RAF Colerne 1962-1969
In 1962 II (Field) Squadron was re-roled as a Parachute Squadron. The first volunteers were required to pass the Parachute Regiment's P Company selection course at Aldershot.
Once the Squadron had enough trained personnel it established its own Pre Para course at RAF Colerne.
The Squadron deployed operationally on the following occasions;
1964 - Reinforcement of Nicosia, Cyprus as a result of the tensions between Greek and Turkish Cypriots.
1965/1966 - Defence of RAF Khormaksar in Aden
1966- Defence of RAF aircraft and installations in Zambia during tensions with Rhodesia.
1967 - Reinforcement of RAF Khormaksar in Aden during the withdrawal of British Forces
1969- Defence of RAF Stations in Northern Ireland at the start of the Troubles.
(Photos- Bill Fell/II Squadron History Room/Ron Evans)