Did you know? HISTORY

* The name ROOIPLAAS refers to the mother unit 1 Parachute Bn and 44 Brigade

* The slogan for 1 Parachute Battalion is Ex Alto Vincimus: We Conquer From Above

* 1 Parachute Battalion was established 01 April 1961.

* The first military jump in South Africa was on 04 August 1961

* The first 1 Para Bn ceremonial parade took place in Cape Town, 1962 with the opening of Parliament

* The First Regimental Sergeant Major of 1 Para Bn was SM PJ Grove, 1962

* Colonel Jan Breytenbach, the most highly decorated soldier in the SADF was born 14 July 1932. He was Officer Commanding of 44 Para Brigade from 24 September 1980 – 31 December 1982.

* 44 Parachute Brigade was established in 1976

* The Aapkas is named after Colonel W.P. Louw.

* Colin Deysel, a veteran paratrooper (now retired) was the official boxing coach in the para unit since the 1970’s and onward.

* On 13 May 1974, RSM Johnny Kieser made history to celebrate 1 Para Bn 100 000th jump

* 2Lt Johan Blaauw was the first recipient of the Honoris Crux Medal for bravery in the battalion on 17 December 1975

* Rondies was a tuck shop and cinema theatre for recreational purposes opposite 1 Para Bn

* FNLA Battalion – Bravo group from Angola became 32 Battalion (Buffalo Battalion)

* Com W.P. Louw was the first Commanding Officer of 1 Para Bn and his 2IB was Maj T.J. Renfree

* Colonel Archie Moore was Officer Commanding of 1 Para Bn, 1978

* Colonel Chris le Roux was the Officer Commanding of 1 Para Bn 1984

* Col Hans Moller was Commanding Officer from 1972 – October 1974

* General Constand Viljoen, previous Chief of the South African Army is a qualified paratrooper

* The current Commanding Officer (2015) at 44 Para Regiment is Col V.S. Mahlasela*