Paignton Parachutists

Land, Drop and Roll; Parachutists have landed on Paignton Green near the harbour

The Red Devils Free Fall British Parachuting team land on Paignton Green during a training exercise. The Army Parachute Association (APA) formed in 1962 and was headed by Lt Col Dare Wilson MBE, MC Commanding Officer of 22nd SAS. The team consisted of volunteers including Maureen Brown, Lt Edward Gardener, LCpl Sherdy Vatnsdal, pte Charlie Gowans and pte Ernie Rowberry a few of whom are seen training in this film.

The British Parachute Association (BPA) was founded in 1961 aimed at bringing the recreational sport of parachuting to a wider audience. Lt Col Wilson became the Chairman of the BPA in 1962, Lt Edward Gardner and LCpl Sherdy Vatnsdal became instructors and formed the first free fall air display team in 1963. In 1962 championships were held in Scotland. The World Parachuting Championships were held for the first time in Orange Massachusetts USA in 1962, the Red Devils managed to win several trophies using British X-Type parachutes supplied by GQ, known as scorpion parachutes.