Inspired by the exploits of the famous German Fallschirmjager in the blitzkrieg campaigns, Winston Churchill called for the formation of Britain's own 5,000-strong Airborne Force in June 1940. From these beginnings in World War II, The Parachute Regiment has become one of the most formidable units of the British Army. This new history of the British Paratrooper from 1940 to 1945 is written by the former curator of the regimental museum, and details the unique training, weapons and equipment used by these elite troops. Drawing on a wealth of illustrations and photographs, first-hand and unpublished material, Rebecca Skinner brings the history of the ordinary paratrooper to life. This is the full story of the formation, development and combat performance of men that were at the forefront of the fight against Nazi Germany, from their baptism of fire at Operation Biting, through to D-Day and Operation Market-Garden. Book jacket.