North Africa (Operation Torch) November 11th 1942 – May 31st 1943

1ST Parachute Brigade was fully operational for Operation TORCH, which began with amphibious landings by the Allied 1st Army on 8th November 1942. Employed initially in the classic airborne role, dropping ahead of advancing ground forces until link-up, they were later employed in the infantry role, earning for themselves the nickname the ‘Red Devils’.

On 12th November 3 PARA jumped onto and seized the vital airfield at Bone between Algiers and Tunis, arriving barely before German paratroopers deployed for the same mission. Four days later 1 PARA dropped and occupied a key road junction at Beja 90 miles from Tunis. Both operations achieved the desired link up with the advancing 1st Army.

2 PARA under Lt Col Frost fared less well. They parachuted on 29th November to destroy aircraft at Oudna, only to find it abandoned. 1st Army halted by unexpected heavy opposition left the battalion isolated 50 miles behind enemy lines. A two day epic fighting with drawl followed to reach Allied lines, losing 16 officers and 250 men en route. Oudna became a Parachute Regiment battle honour.

With the onset of Winter 1943 and 1st Army vigorously opposed by a reinforced enemy, 1st Parachute Brigade was committed to fighting in the infantry role. They blunted an enemy thrust in the Tamera Valley sector in March, where the Germans and Italians threatened to break out along the coastal road. Despite desperate assaults coming in at division strength, supported by artillery and aircraft, the line held across rough ground in bitter wintry conditions. Enemy losses were severe and 1,170 Germans and 550 Italians were captured by the Brigade.

During the final stage of the North African campaign with the Afrika Korps trapped between 8th and 1st Allied Armies the 1st Parachute Brigade opened the coast road for the last attacks, until relieved by the 9th American Division. The Brigade was withdrawn to refit and prepare for further airborne operations.

The Brigade conducted three major airborne operations and took part in more battles than any other formation in 1st Army, capturing 3,500 prisoners and inflicting 5,000 casualties at a cost of 1,700 to themselves. General Alexander congratulated the Brigade on learning the Germans had conferred the ‘Red Devils’ nickname, which has since become the unofficial title for British Airborne Forces.

Battle Honours Conferred for North Africa:

Oudna
Tamera
North Africa 1942-43
Soudia
Djebel Alliliga
Djebel Dahra
El-Hadjeba
Kef-El-Debna
Djebel Azzag 1943