Airborne Diehards

In 1947 The Territorial Army (TA) was reformed. Part of that reformation was the creation of 16 Airborne Division (TA). The Divisional Headquarters was based at the Duke of Yorks Headquarters with units based over Greater London. Some existing units converted to the Airborne role. One such unit was the 8th Battalion the Middlesex Regiment (DOC) (TA). Regimentally known as the ‘Diehards’.

With its Headquarters in Hounslow, this Battalion had a fine record in both world Wars. In 1947 there was no shortage of recruits from men with no military experience and Veterans who had served in wartime Parachute units.

Like most infantry battalions that were re-rolled, there was a reluctance to change their name without reference to their heritage. This new unit became The 11th Battalion The Parachute Regiment (8th Middlesex). All other items of dress would comply with the Parachute Regiment including Red Beret and Parachute Regiment Badge.

The Colours of the 8th Middlesex were originally presented on the 19th June 1909 at Windsor and it was decided that new Colours would not be presented to 11PARA. Instead, the Colours of the 8th Middlesex would be formally handed over to 11PARA at a ceremony held on the 15th October 1947.

The 16th Airborne Division lasted until 1955 by which time it had become clear that a large formation of relying on TA soldiers could not be recruited and trained to such a high standard in anything like the numbers required and the Division was reduced to a Brigade sized formation. As part of the reduction 11PARA reverted back to the 8th Middlesex.