Heritage Talk: The Birth of Airborne Forces

12th May 2025 6:00pm

Kirkgate Centre

In 1940, Churchill calls for the formation of a 5000 strong airborne force. Over the next five years, the Airborne Forces go from nothing, to two Divisions, with a reputation forged in battle. This talk draws upon the stories, as told by the veterans that fought in some of the most iconic battles of the 2nd World War. It tells the story of how the Airborne Forces came to be; from their nickname ‘the Red Devils’ hard won in Africa, to their cheeky use of ‘Airborne Initiative’ to get the job done.

The talk is delivered by Becks Skinner, a Freelance Heritage Practitioner, thanks to funding from Arts Council England. Becks specialises in working with small to medium sized heritage organisations, interpreting collections and bringing them alive to wider audiences. She is a published author of 'British Para 1940-45' and provides talks on a variety of topics she has covered in her professional life, including the 'Victorian Reverse Striptease'.