ROME - Italy honoured the British Parachute Regiment for the first time during a celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Italian Maiella Brigade.

 

The three-day event, organised by the 11 mayors of the Aventino - Medio Sangro mountain community, was held in Casoli from Dec. 5 through 7 to honour the establishment of the Italian Maiella Brigade and the British Parachute Regiment in Orsogna.

 

The British Parachute Regiment was established during World War II after Winston Churchill called for the formation of an elite corps of troops. The Parachute Regiment completed many air raids in Italy during the war.

 

The celebration featured many distinguished guests, including the President of the Italian Senate, Pietro Grasso. Two Parachute Regiment veterans attended the event: Jim Knox, of the 2nd independent parachute brigade, and Major Richard Hargreaves MC, the Commanding Officer of the B Company of the 4th Battalion Parachute Regiment. 

 

On Dec. 7, research scholar Francesco Di Cintio presented his documentary "The Red Devils in the Battle of Sangro". In the afternoon, the veterans were making an official visit to the Sangro River War Cemetery.