The Paras' elite regimental badge is to be scrapped when they move to Colchester.

More than 1,000 paratroopers will begin moving to the town from September and will amalgamate with 24 Airmobile Brigade which is already based at Colchester Garrison.

But the Parachute Regiment's distinctive Pegasus flying horse emblem will be ditched along with 24 Airmobile's Griffin badge.

A new emblem is to be created for the new brigade which will be known as 16 Air Assault Brigade. It will comprise three helicopter regiments, medics, engineers and gunners.

An Army spokesman said today (Friday) the Pegasus badge actually belongs to 5 Airborne Brigade to which two of the three paratrooper battalions belong.

The spokesman said 5 Airborne Brigade would disband on August 31 which is why its emblem will be lost.

On the same day the 24 Airmobile Brigade and its Griffin badge would also be discontinued.

On September 1 the new 16 Air Assault Brigade will be formed as a "joint venture" between the two brigades.

By then a new badge will have been chosen.

The spokesman said: "It will encompass elements and reflect ethos and values of both brigades. "It will be a modern brigade - the newest in the Army. It is the way ahead."

The Paras' distinctive red beret and motto Ready For Anything will not be scrapped. The Pegasus badge has accompanied the Parachute Regiment throughout its most famous battles including Arnhem and the Falklands.

The badge, originally chosen by airborne forces pioneer Major General Boy Browning, features the mythical warrior Bellerophon riding on a flying horse.

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