Fiftieth Parachute Brigade
| 50th Indian Parachute Brigade 50 (Independent) Parachute Brigade |
|
|---|---|
| Active | 1941–present |
| Country |
 British India India
|
| Branch |
 British Indian Army Indian Army
|
| Type | Airborne forces |
| Role | Parachute infantry |
| Size | Brigade |
| Garrison/HQ | Agra |
| Engagements |
Burma Campaign 1961 Indian Annexation of Goa |
The 50th Parachute Brigade is a brigade-sized formation of the Indian Army, first formed in 1941. The brigade was initially raised as part of the Indian Army during World War II. It was formed in October 1941, during the Second World War, as an independent parachute brigade. Later it was one of two parachute brigades in the 44th Indian Airborne Division. Its main force is formed of battalions of the Parachute Regiment, which became the Parachute Regiment (India) after Indian independence in 1947.
The brigade's initial composition included 151st British Parachute Battalion, 152nd Indian Parachute Battalion, and 153rd Gurkha Parachute Battalion. When the British battalion was recalled to the United Kingdom, it was replaced by a 154th Gurkha Parachute Battalion. Other components of the brigade included 411th (Royal Bombay) Parachute Squadron, Indian Engineers and 50th Medium Machine Gun Company. The brigade took part in the Battle of Sangshak, which has been credited with delaying the Japanese forces moving up for the Battle of Imphal which allowed British and Indian reinforcement to reach Kohima.
The brigade took part in the 1961 Indian Annexation of Goa along with 17th Indian Infantry Division. Although the 50 Para Brigade was charged with merely assisting the main thrust conducted by the 17th Division, its units moved rapidly across minefields, roadblocks and four riverine obstacles to be the first to reach Panjim.
On the morning of 18 December, the 50 Para Brigade moved into Goa in three columns.
The western column, facing no resistance, reached the town of Betim at 1700 hours, just a 500 metre wide river crossing away from Panjim, the capital town. In the absence of orders, the units set camp at Betim and proceeded to secure areas up and down the riverfront.
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