44 (British) Independent Pathfinder Company was formed as the pathfinder unit of the 44th (Indian) Airborne Division in 1945.
Personnel from a 'Special Force' Company formed the nucleus under the command of Major F E Templer, BEM.
Initially part of 77th Indian Parachute Brigade in the Order of Battle, it was later redesignated as the 2nd (British) Independent Company and by January 1947 had been reassigned to the 6th Independent Parachute Brigade Group, still under the command of Major Templer.
A ‘pathfinder' unit was usually deployed ahead of the main force to parachute onto the selected drop zone. Their tasks were to mark the drop zone, establish directional radio beacons to enable the coming transport aircraft to ‘home’ in on the exact drop point and to clear and protect the area as the main force parachuted or air landed.
The Pathfinder Company also acted as an early warning if the selected drop zone was heavily defended, possibly enabling diversion to an alternative. Once the main force was down the pathfinders were employed as a small reserve or reconnaissance force.
Private Robert Watson 