PARAS 2 Munn, Michael

Craig Robertson

Administrator
Staff member
  • SURNAME
Munn
  • FORENAME
Michael
  • UNIT
Parachute Regiment
  • RANK
Captain
  • NUMBER
498228
  • AWARD
Member of the Order of the British Empire
  • PLACE
1987
  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
born 12.12.1935
02.09.1976 Captain
London Gazette 51171, 30th December 1987, Page 6
01.09.1989 retired
 

CITATION:

Member of the Order of the British Empire : Captain Munn was appointed Officer in charge of the Parachute Regiment Free Fall Team, "The Red Devils" in October 1977. Since then, under his leadership, the team has gone from strength to strength to achieve its current pre-eminent position in both military and civilian Sport Parachuting.

These high standards are only maintained by undertaking a tremendous round of competitions and displays. During last year the team performed for among others, The House of Lords Defence Committee and the President of Kenya as well as numerous recruiting events, a total of 221 displays in all.

The Red Devils are also heavily involved with work for both civilian and military charities and have carried out displays for among others the Army Benevolent Fund and The Soldiers', Sailors and Airmen's Families Association, for whom last year they raised £11,000. The Red Devils also run weekend parachute courses for both civilian and military personnel. Very often these individuals jump for charity and during 1986 over £175,000 was raised in sponsorship money. As a result of their activities the team generates a tremendous amount of positive public relations which is of immense benefit not only to the Parachute Regiment but also to the Army as a whole.

Captain Munn's tireless energy, determination and eternal optimism all combine to make light of the many and varied demands that are placed upon him to ensure the successful smooth running of the team.

The Red Devils are entirely self supporting and in 1985 the team mounted an appeal to raise £500,000 for a new aircraft to replace their ageing Islander. The success of this was vital to ensure the long term future of the team and their role as ambassadors for the Regiment and the Army. Captain Munn co-ordinated the appeal and throughout he demonstrated an exceptional flair for public relations work and great organisational skill. He dealt with a wide range of public figures, including Lord Trefgarne, Robert Maxwell of Mirror Group Newspapers, Alan Curtis of Lotus Cars and a number of Members of Parliament. The plane was finally delivered in October 1985 and has since put in a hard season of displays, being seen by thousands of people. Much of the credit for a successful campaign is due to Captain Munn's hard work and tenacity.

Over the years Captain Munn's energy, enthusiasm, flair and leadership have been an inspiration to the Regiment. His public relations activities and work for charity have brought much credit to the Army as a whole. His efforts should now be formally recognised by an appropriate award.

Place : Browning Barracks, Aldershot, Hampshire
Date of Action : October 1977 - October 1986
How Employed : Officer Commanding The Parachute Regiment Free Fall Team

WEB LINKS:

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/51171/supplement/6
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D7636219
Last edited:
Top