The 1st Independent Polish Parachute Brigade

(1 Samodzielna Brygada Spadochronowa)

Military Exercises Of

1st Independent Polish Parachute Brigade

Ordnance

All members of the 1st Independent Polish Parachute Brigade were required to undertake weapons training.

Ski-Ing

Some members (but not all) even got ski lessons in the highlands as part of their training.

Rock Climbing

Some members were given special training in rock climbing. This took place in the Scottish highlands and would also feature outdoor survival skills and a good swim in the clean Scottish water for extra measure!

Although rock climbing would appear to have little to do with parachuting, it was done to conquer fear of heights and to teach the men how to get fear under control.

Parachuting

Extensive parachute training occurred not only at RAF Ringway. Indeed, there were frequent exercises over Shell Bay (Near Kincraig Point,Elie). On Sundays, locals would sit on the cliffs and watch the young Polish men practice their parachuting.

1IPPB On Exercises - Karta 1267© Karta

Whether at Largo House, Shell Bay or local greens in Leven, the men of the 1st Independent Polish Parachute Brigade were well known in the area and were often seen with their parachutes.

Inspections By Dignatories

Not only did the polish parachute soldiers get a lot of local attention, many dignitaries and military figures came to inspect this unit as it was ground-breaking for it's time.

THE POLISH ARMY IN BRITAIN, 1940-1947 (HU 128274) Second Lieutenant of the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade adjusting a bungee helmet (paratrooper's training helmet) on Clement Attlee's head during his visit to the Brigade. Cupar, 20 April 1942. Colonel Stanislaw Sosabowski, the Commander of the Brigade, is on the right. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205402362© IWM
THE POLISH ARMY IN BRITAIN, 1940-1947 (H 18882) Clement Attlee visiting troops of the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade at Cupar, 20 April 1942. Note their headwear - paratrooper's training helmets also known as 'bungee helmets'. Copyright: © IWM. Original Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205194899