Formation 7th (Light Infantry) Parachute Battalion

parachute training

the 7th (light infantry) parachute battalion formed, in november 1942, conversion of 10th battalion, somerset light infantry, war service battalion created 2 years earlier, parachute duties. battalion assigned 3rd parachute brigade, part of 1st airborne division later transferred 6th airborne division. when 1st canadian parachute battalion arrived in britain, assigned 3rd parachute brigade , 7th parachute battalion transferred 5th parachute brigade, part of 6th airborne division.

in 1942, parachute battalion had establishment of 556 men in 3 companies (three platoons each) supported 3 inch mortar platoon , vickers machine gun platoon. 1944, support company added command battalion s heavy weapons. comprised 3 platoons: mortar platoon 8 3 inch mortars, machine gun platoon 4 vickers machine guns , anti-tank platoon ten piat (projecter, infantry, anti-tank) anti-tank projectors.