I was under the impression you had to complete an "arduous" prep course (P Coy, SFC Selection, AACC) AND serve with an airborne unit to get the wings. I imagine a PTI would have no problem completing the arduous bit, but where's the opportunity?
Is it possible he was on the posted strength of an Airborne unit, as
Roger the Cabin Boy suggests, if so he would have been expected to go with them in action and jump accordingly? Alternatively he may have been a member of an airborne element of the RAF Police? (If there ever was one?).
Reference
Airborne Aircrews remarks, an old Para once told me that Pre-Pre Para as conducted by units like 9Sqn RE etc. and 'P' Company earned the red beret and the jumps earned the wings.
