Late 70's, young Lovechild is in basic training at Swinderby and has been dicked for escort duties on a mate's charge. Standing at ease in the corridoor outside the offices, an hossifer approaches with an overflowing boxfile and more loose paperwork on top. Lovechild snaps smartly to attention...
Well, not quite smartly enough. I had failed to notice that one foot was on the end of a carpet and the other was on the lino. As my feet came together, the carpet got caught and raised up between my shoes.
The Officer tripped, flat on his face, boxfile and papers up in the air.
Thinks 'Bugger me, I've only been in the Air Force a week and I'm in the **** already'
By the time he had regained his composure, and gathered his paperwork, I had managed to straighten the carpet back down to its original position.
I don't think he sensed the terror in my eyes, or the subsequent relief, when he said :
'Oops, silly me'
(Over 30 years ago and my Dad still makes me re-enact this one for his friends)