British Paratroopers
Britain's first airborne assault was launched in 1941 when 38 volunteer paratroopers of No.2 Commando dropped into Calitri, southern Italy to destroy an aqueduct.

The fighting spirit of these troops is exemplified by their action at Arhem Bridge (Operation Market Garden). Outnumbered soldiers of the British 1st Airborne division fought to hold their ground, some with nothing but their combat knives.

Upon finally surrendering in the ruins of Arnhem, with no ammunition and virtually starved, a German officer reputedly said to a British officer: 'I fought at Stalingrad on the eastern front but I have never seen troops as good as you at cityfighting - where did you learn this?', to which the officer replied 'well it was our first time - but we'll try to do better next time!'