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All of us got kitted out and separated into the group’s ability, even looking at the experts I could see apprehension on their faces. The first group got up and as we watched the chutes open two collided, if they had been squares this could have been a dangerous incident, with the rounds they just gently separated – this was a great confidence boost for us jump virgins.

 
The time has come and we are getting kitted out.  Not a hint of nerves!?!?

Ian and I were waiting with the other novices and suddenly we were sent up with a group of sky divers – the time had come. We boarded last and the plane taxied onto the runway, the door closed and we started climbing, Ian and I gave each other a nervous look, the altimeter leveled out at 2,400 feet and the door opened.  Without flinching Ian slid to the door on the command of the jumpmaster and went, I slid over with my legs hanging into oblivion, felt the tap on the shoulder and followed Ian out of the door.

1,000…2,000…3,000…Check Canopy!

‘1,000’,’2,000’,’3,000’ – ‘Check canopy’, but it had a twist on the lines above my head, slight panic, a quick bit of kicking out of the twist and it all popped open just like a swing that had been twisted and suddenly opened up. I looked around and I could see the whole island.  I searched for the airport below me and turned the ‘chute round. Now it was time to enjoy the ride and admire the view. Getting closer to the airport I turned and ran with the wind to find a nice big bit of grass to land on. I turned into the wind, feet together, hands on lines, elbows in, the ground was getting closer & it’s there, PLF landing & up, ran around the chute gathered it up and SMILED. I walked back to the hangar with the driest mouth desperate for some water.

Ian came over as he landed elsewhere on the airfield and smiles abounded. For Ian and I to learn to jump on the 17th September was a special day, it’s the day back in ’44 that the 6 Para landed on Ginkle Heath.

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