I only just spotted this in The Telegraph and if it wasn't near my bedtime I would break open a bottle of champers to celebrate the return of Bellerophon and his famous winged horse Pegasus.
Since WWII, when the novelist Daphne du Maurier suggested it to her husband, Gen Frederick ‘Boy’ Browning, then commanding officer of the 1st Airborne Division, they have formed the shoulder-badge for all airborne forces. About 15 years ago, the anti-Para clique, actually a majority, I guess, in the War Office managed to find an excuse to do away with it. But, on November 15th, there will be sundry parades in which the Paras will be given back their proper shoulder badges and about bloody time, too!
Lawrence, get the champagne ready - excuse for a family party!
David, the MOD are hell bent on removing army tradition. It is probably some rubber desk johnie idiots that have never served .
I was hoping the photo in the Telegraph was the waster Scottish Nat si MP's being dropped back in Scotland.
Posted by: jimmy glesga | Thursday, 22 October 2015 at 22:36
Duffers that is good news.
Tradition/custom [call it what you will] is among those indefinable things which turn a loose group into a solid fighting force.
I'll raise a glass to "The Paras" on 15 November.
Utrinque paratus.
Posted by: AussieD | Friday, 23 October 2015 at 00:27
I don't remember us having Pegasus Bellerophon on our combat jackets in 1989-92?
Trust the top brass to puff and blow a load of hot air and tax payers wedge on the politics of a badge. Never mind the shit boots, rifles, ...
SoD
Posted by: Lawrence Duff | Friday, 23 October 2015 at 06:44
Wonderful news.
I was beige rather than maroon, but I still have my Pegasus t-shirt. I will wear it today!
Posted by: Richard | Friday, 23 October 2015 at 08:22
In the cold light of morning it all sounds a bit silly getting excited over a badge but that's what soldiers, and especially old ex-soldiers, do!
Posted by: David Duff | Friday, 23 October 2015 at 08:59
David, it's not silly at all - see the second comment above.
I shall now look forward to the re-establishment of the Essex regiment.
(There is (or used to be) a rather interesting little museum in Chelmsford, about this fine body of men and their various battle honours.)
Posted by: Andrew Duffin | Friday, 23 October 2015 at 12:13
Ah yes, the "Pompadours" - where did that name come from? No time just now to read the whole Wiki entry for the Essex Regiment but I was taken with their exploits in Ireland 1919/21 when many of them volunteered for the Police Force and gave the IRA a right good kicking! Pity they weren't around a few years ago!
Posted by: David Duff | Friday, 23 October 2015 at 13:30