261 Field Park Company (Airborne) RE

Formed from 204 (Wessex) Field Company as 261 Field Park Company RE in 1939, it became part of the newly formed 45th (West Country) Division.

The Company joined the Airborne Division (later the 1st Airborne Division) in January 1942 and was the forerunner of the Airborne Forces Experimental Establishment. From March 17th 1943 the unit designation became 261 Field Park Company RE (Airborne), the glider-borne Field Park Company of 1st Airborne Divison.

In November 1942, ten sappers (with 20 from 9 Company) set off for the heavy water plant in the Telemark District of Norway with the objective of destroying it. Both gliders crashed and there were no survivors.

261 Company supported the 1st Airborne Division throughout the war in North Africa, Italy, Sicily, NW Europe and a detachment of 21 sappers landed in Arnhem.

Officers Commanding

1944            Maj JN Chivers