can anyone please tell me who is responsable for the design of the paras capbadge.
thanks scooter.

haven't a scooby mate and couldn't find the answer via the web!

Scooter if you go on the AMAZON web site and purchase a book titled

“Allied Special Forces Insignia 1939-1948” by Peter Taylor you will see that most all of the regiment badges cap and shoulder types changed so much it would be impossible to get the information.
When you consider how small the number of men who formed the regiment (SAS) and the amount of speculative stories on their badge design. It seems to be an impossible task for you.


http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=sr_pg_4?ie=UTF8&rs=266239&keywords=peter%20taylor&rh=n%3A266239%2Ck%3Apeter%20taylor&page=4

The Wikipedia states-

The maroon beret has been the international symbol of elite airborne forces since its selection for use by the Airborne Forces in World War II. This distinctive head dress was officially introduced in 1942, at the direction of General Frederick Browning, commander of the British 1st Airborne Division.[1]. The maroon colour of the beret reportedly was chosen by his wife, the novelist Daphne du Maurier.[1] It was first worn by the men of the Parachute Regiment when it went into action in North Africa during November 1942.

I've just done some research and I personally think that this is completely incorrect though.
Whilst it's true that General Browning wanted a distinctive and uniform headress that paras would feel proud of, it was Sir Alan Brooke,Chief of the Imperial General Staff who made this decision. He looked at many in various shades of blue, green and red, placed one by one on an orderly's head and his choice hovered between a maroon and a blue one. Unable to decide he asked the orderly's opinion who said the blue one reminded him of a labour corps. This decided the matter, maroon was chosen and worn first in Africa in November '42.
At the same time the regimental badge, a parachute crowned and winged, was adopted
So my final answer is-

Sir Alan Brooke,Chief of the Imperial General Staff

Foxy

Scooter, just got this email from the Airborne Forces Museum:

Dear Mick

According to a letter from Lt Gen Sir Frederick Browning to Colonel Ken Darling dated 20 December 1949. General Browning produced the original design for the Regimental Badge. This was a parachute in the centre with normal shaped parachute wings on each side. The Commander-in Chief Home Forces had this altered to what it is today.

Regards

Tina Pittock
Airbourne Forces Museum

It was always told that it had been designed by a civilian prison inmate.

thanks guys,guess this gives me a overall veiw,thanks to you all for your efforts.
a truly educational forum,
scooter.

"It was always told that it had been designed by a civilian prison inmate."

No mate, you misheard - what was actually said was that all para's, at some time, had been prison inmates!

______________________________________________

"Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat its mistakes..."

"No mate, you misheard - what was actually said was that all para's, at some time, had been prison inmates! "

Or were overdue!