British Guiana October 1st 1965 – February 1st 1966

In October 1965 3 PARA was deployed to British Guiana (now Guyana) in South America on internal security duties, reliving the 1st Battalion The Lancashire Fusiliers. There had been considerable inter-racial political tension prior to recognition that Independence was to be granted in 1966.

With a population mainly of Negroes and Indians with some Chinese, the Indians supported the Socialist People’s National congress while the Indians backed the communist inspired People’s National congress. Despite underlying tension the situation remained calm during the battalion four-month tour.

Companies were thinly spread around Demerara and Courantyne in the east, with platoons often deployed 50 miles from their parent company headquarters. They rotated every four weeks, with a reserve company based at Atkinson Field. Every opportunity was taken to conduct field firing and extensive jungle training.

The battalion was further tasked to train the Guyanese Defence Force to prepare for its defence and internal security responsibilities after Independence.

Independence was granted on 4 February 1966 during a three day celebration at the capital Georgetown attended by The Queen and Prince Philip. Six days later the leading elements of 3 PARA departed for Aldershot in the UK.