2 PARA is an airborne light infantry battalion capable of a wide range of operational tasks, based at Merville Barracks, Colchester Garrison, England.

[7] In 1951, the battalion was deployed to Ismaïlia, Egypt, after civil unrest in the region, to protect the Suez Canal.

[9] In June 1961, as part of an 8,000 strong battle-group, 2 Para was sent to Kuwait to forestall a threatened invasion by Iraq.

[10] In early 1965 the battalion was rushed to Singapore in response to a threat of invasion of Borneo by Indonesia.

The men, who were landed by boat from three Royal Navy frigates (along with 40 police officers) were later awarded the Wilkinson Sword of Peace "for acts of humanity and kindness overseas".

Following the Manchester Arena bombing and the enactment of Operation Temperer, 2 PARA were deployed in London to guard key locations, including the Palace of Westminster.