Canadian Airborne Forces Since 1942

Osprey's detailed study of the fascinating and proud history of the Canadian Airborne Regiments, from World War II (1939-1945) to the present day. The 1st Canadian Parachute Bn jumped into Normandy on D-Day as part of 6th British Airborne Division. They fought with distinction for the rest of the North-West Europe campaign, making a second combat jump at the Rhine crossings in March 1945, and fighting in Holland until VE-Day. In the post-war years the Canadian SAS and the Mobile Striking Force maintained an airborne capability, formalized in 1968 with the raising of a Canadian Airborne Regt, which later served overseas in Cyprus and Somalia. Since its disbandment in 1995 a parachute capability has been maintained by companies of light infantry units - Royal 22e Regt, Princess Patricia's, and Royal Canadian Regt - which served against the Taliban and al-Quaida in Afghanistan, 2002-03.