WHAT
WHAT ARE THE BELGIAN PARACOMMANDOS?
the story
“BOLDNESS, DISCRETION, INITIATIVE, TENACITY, AND TRUST ARE THE VALUES WE LOOK FOR IN YOU.”
As a paracommando, you are part of the elite units of the Belgian Army. You are always ready to be the first to depart on a new mission. You will be pushed to your limits, both physically and mentally, in order to face these challenges.
para + commando
01
THE BRITISH PRIME MINISTER’S IDEA
“Enterprises must be prepared, with specially-trained troops of the hunter class, who can develop a reign of terror down these coasts, first of all on the «butcher and bolt» policy…”
After his experience with the “Boer commandos” in South Africa in 1899, Sir Winston Churchill decided to create a similar force tasked with intervening rapidly in small groups to slow the German advance. In 1940, he decided:
02
"THE FIRST BELGIAN COMMANDOS"
In July 1942, the Belgian troop was created within the 10th Inter-Allied Commando.
About a hundred Belgian soldiers underwent rigorous training at the Commando Basic Training Centre in Achnacarry, Scotland. Captain Georges DANLOY commanded this 4th Belgian troop. He was nicknamed "Chesty George" because of his imposing appearance.
03
"THE FIRST BELGIAN PARATROOPERS"
At the same time, volunteers were being sought for the Belgian Independent Parachute Company. These men trained at Ringway, Hardwick, and Brize Norton. They completed their training near Inverlochy Castle and in other units, where they became parachutists. Under the command of Captain Eddy BLONDEEL (nicknamed Captain Blunt), they formed the 5th Belgian SAS Squadron.
04
CREATION OF A TRAINING CENTRE
In 1947, Captain Pierre Roman founded the Commando Training Centre in Marche-les-Dames, where all Belgian parachutists have been trained ever since.
At the end of the war, the Commandos had become a regiment. Back in Belgium, they settled in Marche-les-Dames, Namur, and Seilles.
COMMANDO
PARA
+
In 1951, Lieutenant-Colonel Danloy was appointed commander of the new Para-Commando Regiment.
The decision was made to merge the formations to create a single unit capable of carrying out a wide range of missions. Since 1952, all paratroopers have also been trained as commandos and vice versa.
THE BLACK BERET
The black beret is worn by soldiers of our units who have not completed their paracommando training. It symbolizes the importance of people over equipment, and the fact that we do not limit ourselves to the colour of the beret, the brevet, or even the uniform. Within the regiment, we seek people with this state of mind!
THE MAROON BERET
Introduced by Major-General “Boy” Browning within the British 1st Airborne Brigade (parachutists), it still pays tribute today to the Belgian parachutists of the 5th SAS Squadron.
This beret is inspired by the green lizard from the logo of the 1st British Commando. It commemorates the Belgian commandos of the 4th Belgian troop of the 10th Inter-Allied Commando. With this beret, soldiers receive the shoulder insignia “COMMANDO.”
THE GREEN BERET
