Parachutists Collection

Colonel David Stirling with a patrol in the desert
Colonel David Stirling with a patrol of Special Air Service (SAS) men in the Middle East. Date: 1944

Telegraph Key (Morse Code) Type J-37
A well-used example of the portable telegraph key issued by the US Signal Corps during WW II, the Korean and Vietnam wars

Packing Parachutes at US Air Fields, San Antonio, Texas, USA Date: circa 1942

Parachutists from the Royal Air Forces Falcons Display Team, drift gently back to terra firma following a display at the RAF Kinlosss Family & Friends Day in 2006

WW2 Christmas Card Illustration
A WW2 Christmas greetings card illustration issued by the directors and staff of dairy companies including Dried Milk Products Limited, Cow & Gate Limited and Home Counties Dairies Limited

Parachute training in a hangar. Date: circa 1960s

RAF parachutists pouring beer while in freefall. Date: 1960s

Local Defence Volunteer Force 1940
Local defence volunteer force turns out to defend towns and villages if German attempt to parachute in Britain. Volunteers wearing two-piece khaki uniforms

A Warm Welcome for Every Parachutist
Sixth column strategy: Foresight plans, if London gets invaded by landing Germans dropping from the skies dressed as British civilians they would be collected up by cyclist with tubs of hot boiling

Eusebius Church parachutists, Arnhem, Holland
The original church was built between 1452 and 1650. During German occupation most of the church bells were, as with many Dutch churches, taken away to be melted down for the German war effort

Liberation of the 1st Town Hall, Benouville, Normandy
This plaque, on the wall of the Mairie just up the road from what became known as Pegasus Bridge, claims that Liberation came at 2345 hours on 5 June

Portrait of Professor Thomas Scott Baldwin (photo)
614152 Portrait of Professor Thomas Scott Baldwin (photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Portrait of Professor Thomas Scott Baldwin)

Allied aircraft tow gliders carrying airborne troops over the Netherlands
PNP412195 Allied aircraft tow gliders carrying airborne troops over the Netherlands, Battle of Arnhem, 1944 (b/w photo) by English Photographer

A blackboard lecture on parachutists by Lieutenant Ewart Evans to men of the Welch Regiment. Circa January 1942

RAF Parachute Nurses. October 1948 O15033-002

RAF Parachute Nurses. October 1948 O15033

RAF Parachute Nurses. October 1948 O15033-004

RAF Parachute Nurses. October 1948 O15033-007

RAF Parachute Nurses. October 1948 O15033-006

RAF Parachute Nurses. October 1948 O15033-005

RAF Parachute Nurses. October 1948 O15033-008

RAF Parachute Nurses. October 1948 O15033-001

RAF Parachute Nurses. October 1948 O15033-003

Vickers Virginia Biplane Aircraft flying in formation - ?
Vickers Virginia Biplane Aircraft flying in formation - Empire Air Day Preview at Henlow, UK - Parachute Testing and Dropping with 24 Parachutists

16th Parachute Brigade training, RAF Abingdon
Soldiers of the 16th Parachute Brigade undergoing training at RAF Abingdon, Oxfordshire. Date: 1962

16th Parachute Brigade training
Two soldiers of the 16th Parachute Brigade undergoing training. Date: 1962

Sky diver practising in a field. Date: circa 1963

Sky diver practising before a show. Date: 1965

Two sky divers preparing for a jump, with an aeroplane in the background. Date: circa 1960s

RAF parachutists pouring beer while in freefall. Date: 1960s

WW2 - American paratroopers dropping in over Europe - illustration on an American First Day Cover. Date: circa 1943

Illustration, five parachutists in formation, view from above

Plate show parachutists

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"From Desert Patrols to Freefall Beer: The Thrilling World of Parachutists" Step into the daring world as we explore their incredible feats and historic moments. Colonel David Stirling leads his patrol through the vast desert, showcasing the bravery and skill required in this high-stakes profession. Meanwhile, at US Air Fields in San Antonio, Texas, dedicated individuals meticulously pack parachutes, ensuring safety for those who rely on them. In a heartwarming WW2 Christmas Card Illustration, we witness the joyous spirit shared by these fearless individuals during a time of war. Fast forward to the 1960s, where parachute training takes place within hangars - an era marked by technological advancements and increased precision. RAF parachutists take it up a notch as they pour beer while in freefall during the swinging 60s. This display of camaraderie showcases their ability to remain composed even under extreme circumstances. Looking back at history, we see the Local Defence Volunteer Force of 1940 stepping up to protect their homeland with unwavering determination. Their courage is matched only by the warm welcome every parachutist receives upon landing safely. The loss of Harvey Powers reminds us that this profession is not without its risks; however, it also highlights the indomitable spirit that drives these brave men and women forward. Eusebius Church parachutists in Arnhem demonstrate how this aerial expertise played a crucial role during wartime operations. Similarly, witnessing the liberation of Benouville's first Town Hall in Normandy serves as a testament to their pivotal contributions on battlefields across Europe. Finally, let us not forget "The fight in Sicily, " depicted vividly through color lithography - an artwork that encapsulates both danger and heroism intertwined within each jump made by these extraordinary individuals.