Since their foundation during the Second World War, the Parachute
Regiment has acquired a formidable reputation as tough, fearless
soldiers. The Red Devils have played a key role in many of the battles
of the past sixty years - the capture of Sicily, the D-Day landing, the
heroic but doomed attempt to capture the bridge at Arnhem. In the
so-called years of peace since the Second World War, the Paras have seen
action all over the world - from Cyprus, Palestine, Egypt, Borneo and
the Falklands to Bosnia. Their service in Northern Ireland has been
surrounded by controversy - the events of Bloody Sunday in Londonderry
in 1972 are still the subject of fierce debate, and a continuing
government inquiry.