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Meet the Red Devils: Parachute Regiment

This footage is all that remains of the programme that was first transmitted in 1960. Sgt George Brown demonstrates training exercises designed to give paratroopers confidence.

This footage is all that remains of the programme that was first transmitted in 1960. Sgt George Brown demonstrates training exercises in a wooded area is known as the 'trainasium'. The aim is for the recruits to overcome a series of physical obstacles which encourage movements of daring and agility. They are also set team challenges aimed at encouraging initiative.

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30 minutes

Last on

Tue 27 Sep 196017:00
BBC Television Service

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BBC Four Army Collection

BBC Four Army Collection
This programme is part of Army: A Very British Institution, a collection of classic BBC programmes about the British Armed Forces available online to watch in full.

Go to the BBC Four Army Collection

More about this programme

Originally recorded for a children's programme, this is the only footage that remains. It features a series of physical challenges including zip wire descents and 40 foot climbing frames that would not be out of place in a contemporary adventure playground. The aim is to give soldiers the confidence they will need progress on to and pass the main training course held at Abingdon.

About BBC Four Collection programmes

Programmes are selected, in part, for their historical context and reflect the broadcast standards and attitudes of their time, which may not accord to some current BBC editorial guidelines. We aim to select programmes which can be shown in their entirety but in some cases edits are required.

Broadcast

  • Tue 27 Sep 196017:00
    BBC Television Service

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