16th South Staffs Parachute Battalion
16th South Staffs Parachute Battalion
1945 to 1946
The 16th Parachute Battalion, formally known as 16th Battalion The Parachute Regiment, was formed from the 1st Battalion The South Staffordshire Regiment in January 1945 in India. It was originally part of the newly formed 77th (Indian ) Parachute Brigade belonging to 44th (Indian) Airborne Division.
Following the Japanese surrender the Division was reorganised and relocated in October and November 1945. It was also renamed 2 Indian Airborne Division.
At the end of 1945 decisions were taken on the future of 2 Indian Airborne Division, which eventually resulted in its reorganisation and 'nationalisation' in preparation for the independence of India.
The effect of the reorganisation resulted in all British troops being withdrawn from 2 Indian Airborne Division, including the 16th Parachute Battalion, and formed into the 6th (British) Independent Parachute Brigade although it remained under divisional command.
The unit was disbanded in 1947 as a result of Indian independence and reformed in the UK as the 16th (Welsh) Parachute Battalion (TA).
Commanding Officers:
| 1945 | Lt Col PGF Young |
| 1945-6 | Lt Col AWE Daniell |
| 1946-7 | Lt Col PGF Young |
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