Red Devils: The Trailblazers of the Paras in World War Two

by Mark Urban

A gripping, widely-praised, authorized history of the Parachute Regiment in World War Two

'Gripping and authoritative' Andy McNab
'Superb accounts of the battles and a deep understanding of personalities' Patrick Bishop, The Telegraph


A GRIPPING, AUTHORIZED HISTORY OF THE DARING 'RED DEVILS' TOLD THROUGH THE FATES OF SIX HEROES . . .

In Britain they were known as The Parachute Regiment, but their German enemies christened them The Red Devils. Circus performers, solicitors, gravediggers, family men. . . they were ordinary people who became wartime heroes.

Showing what it took to succeed in this new regiment, Urban vividly brings to life six men and their experiences across D-Day, Arnhem and WW2 - from the recently-widowed Geoffrey Pine-Coffin, who had to leave his young son to head to the front, to Mike Lewis, whose photographs became iconic images of war.

Using deep archival research, British and German sources, and new material from the men's families, Red Devils paints a true and moving picture of the heart of war.
 

Genres: Nonfiction, History, World War II, Historical, Military History

384 pages, Paperback

Published November 14, 2023

About the author

Mark Urban is a British journalist, author and broadcaster, and is currently the Diplomatic Editor for BBC Two's Newsnight.

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant Wartime account of the Parachute Regiment's formation and actions.

[Johnny De Berggeit · Rating 3 out of 5]

I needed some time to work through the first half but then it grabbed me.

[Bill Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Established on Winston Churchill's order in 1942, the Parachute Regiment's first success was a raid on a German radar station in Normandy.

They fought in North Africa, Italy, D-Day, Arnhem and the Rhine crossing, forging a mixed bunch of blokes into an elite unit distinguished by their red beret and Pegasus winged-horse badge from Greek mythology. 

Written to mark their 80th anniversary, journalist and historian Urban brings to life the regiment's birth, triumphs and disasters in World War Two.

The Germans named them 'Red Devils'. This story moves fast and hits hard, just like its subject.

[Aloysius Teng · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting historical account about the Parachute Regiment and its battles in WWII. Unlike other historical accounts of units that fought in WWII, Mark Urban’s style of writing ensured that the book never became too dry or boring as readers are hit with excessive information. Instead, by focusing on six main characters throughout his book, Mark was able to give a well rounded an interesting account of the Regiment’s formation and history.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well written, and interesting account of a British parachute regiment, from it's beginnings to the end of the war. Brave soldiers, but on the unfortunate end of a number of "cock-ups". Still, they proved their worth in overcoming adversity. My grandmother's nephew, a glider pilot, was a killed at Arnhem trying to escape The Cauldron - described starting on page 233, and with an accompanying map. There are quite a few maps included, which is always a bonus.

[John Ollerton · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting account of the regiment that became an anachronism with parachuting becoming a rite of passage rather than a means of entering battle. The experience of entering battle by glider must have been horrific.

[The Villan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Easy read even with all the detailed information.

[Chris Shepheard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very thorough history of the Parachute Regiment in WW2, it is rather a harrowing read as it doesn't pull any punches about the terrible losses they encountered.

[Samuel Boucké · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterpiece

[Simon Tyldesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A utterly brilliantly written book about the history of the parachute regiment.

[Ian Willey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairly clear and well written

[William Sloan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but hard read on how they were used and basic it was cannon fodder to get success

[ANDREW M · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book and it kept me interested all the way through it.

[Sean Flatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great history of the Parachute Regiment during the Second World War

I loved this book as its well written and well research by the author. I am a massive fan of Mark Urban and wasn't disappointed when I read his latest book.
It the story of the founding of the Parachute Regiment and their battles during the Second World War.
Its well written and enjoyable and recommended to any military historical.
Best wishes Sean ex RE Sapper