5 Airborne Brigade Logistics Battalion

5 Airborne Brigade Logistics Battalion was created to support 5 Airborne Brigade on operations. The Logistics Battalion was reformed in the mid-1980s based at Mont Lines, and shared their Mess and accommodation with 9 Squadron RE, 216 Signal Squadron, Pathfinders and 5 Airborne Brigade HQ.

Each Parachute Battalion had a PARA FRT from the Logistics Battalion to support the Battalion Motor Transport (MT) and assist Drop Zone recovery. In accordance with these duties, around half of the Logistics Battalion personnel were Parachute trained. In the tradition of the earlier Airborne Logistics Battalion, personnel were instructed to wear a black stable belt with a Pegasus on the buckle. This was later supplemented by a full set of webbing.

The remainder of the Logistics Battalion were intended to support the Brigade from the Airhead (for example, the capture of an airfield). The Logistics Battalion helped provide the defence and security for the Airhead (or landing site), which would be assessed immediately on landing. This allowed to release of any Parachute Battalion involved on the drop to secure the airfield or objective.

Although not deployed operationally in the mid-1980s, the Battalion undertook overseas training in Oman and Cyprus to supplement an extensive programme of exercises in the UK.

The units included

Commanding Officers

1985              Lt Col Mike Squires (RCT)

Record under construction - with thanks to Lt Col Alan Flavell