From their inception in 1940, the Airborne Forces have been deployed in virtually every conflict participated in by the British Army. Their leading role and the intensity of these conflicts meant that sadly not all would return home.
Veterans, families and friends and units of the Airborne Forces alike are all proud to remember their fallen. Memorials erected to commemorate them remember the experiences and sacrifices of all Airborne soldiers, provide recognition for the dead, and solace for the families and friends of those who did not return.
During the Second World War, casualties could were not repatriated and had to be buried in the field. Large cemeteries have been created across these locations. Most are carefully and respectfully managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC).
The largest and best known of these is the so-called 'Airborne Cemetery' in Arnhem at Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery. No less significant however are the many more cemetries in Algeria and Tunisia, Sicily, Italy, Normandy, Holland, Belgium and Palestine.
In more recent times following the Falklands War, British Army casualties have been returned home to the UK. Many are now buried at Aldershot Military Cemetery, and a Roll of Honour for the Parachute Regiment kept in the Aldershot Parish Church near the former Barracks of the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces. Others are buried in municipal graveyards, and parish churchyards throughout the British Isles.
In addition, a large number of smaller-scale memorials and commemorative plaques have been established and carefully maintained over the years in various sites of importance to victims, conflict veterans and their families. These include battle locations, unit headquarters and other special sites of interest.
For a list of memorials dedicated to Second World War airborne forces in the UK please click here.
For a list of memorials at the Royal Garrison Church, Aldershot, please click here.
The following memorial lists have been compiled by the Airborne Network
For a list of rolls of honour at the Royal Garrison Church, Aldershot, please click here.
For a list of memorial kneelers at the Royal Garrison Church, Aldershot, please click here.
For a list of memorials to the Airborne Forces in mainland Europe, please click here.
For a list of memorials to the Airborne Forces outside of Europe, please click here.
For a miscellaneous list of memorials to Airborne Forces, please click here.
Please note these memorial lists may not be complete. Please contact us to add any further airborne memorials you know of.
ParaData takes its place in this heritage to make a lasting digital memorial to those who lost their lives in Airborne service.
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