Red Devils pay tribute after death of founder Colonel Edward Gardener

The Parachute Regiment's famous Red Devils have paid tribute to their founder Colonel Edward Gardener, who has died aged 84. 

Col Gardener created the Parachute Regiment Free Fall Team and commanded the unit in 1964. 

His creation was later renamed the Red Devils, the British Army's official parachute display team.

• Red Devils show off their daring skills ahead of the 2023 display season
• Red Devils: How WWII paratroopers earned the nickname
• Red Devils take to the sky to complete first week of 2022 training

The Red Devils shared a tribute to their late founder on Twitter and Facebook, saying: "Unfortunately, while out in Miami, the team was informed that Col EAJ Edward Gardener sadly passed away.

"The team landed back in the UK this morning, which is very pertinent to this post as this trip wouldn't have happened without Col EAJ Edward Gardener creating the Red Devils back in 1964.

"In 1964, he raised and commanded The Parachute Regiment Free Fall Team (later called the Red Devils) for a year before returning to 3 PARA (3rd Battalion) as Adjutant in the Middle East, UK, and British Guiana.

"Col EAJ Edward Gardener went on to have a very favourable career and became the Regimental Colonel of The Parachute Regiment in October 1984.

"He leaves behind his wife Janet, his daughter, and four grandchildren.

"Every man an emperor."

Born on 21 June 1938, Mr Gardener was called up for National Service in 1958 and later commissioned into the Parachute Regiment in 1959.

He served in the 3rd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment as a rifle and mortar platoon commander in the UK and the Middle East until 1962, when he was posted to the Infantry Junior Leaders Battalion at Oswestry as an adventure training instructor before forming what is now known as the Red Devils.

Col Gardener became the Regimental Colonel of the Parachute Regiment in 1984.