After completing training on the Valetta at Dishforth, 1952, we Air Signallers were required to take a 'mini-para' course at Abingdon prior to posting to squadrons. This involved all the preliminaries leading to a balloon jump, after which we received an Irvin parachute badge. Troop despatching was an integral part of our duties in the Suez Canal Zone, and we also attended a refresher course out there later.
Before the troops were at 'Stand in the Door' it was advisable to ensure your safety belt was attached as a keen 'jumper' might have wanted to hold your hand on the way down, also, on post-despatch all the strops had to be hauled in.
A recalcitrant jumper could always be helped by a well aimed boot on his posterior when he 'froze' in the door - and he would probably be grateful for the continuance of his career thereafter.
Last edited by ValMORNA; 13th Aug 2014 at 20:54.