Post by Diarist on Sept 8, 2015 20:44:20 GMT 1
We left TRADOC after lunch in three Hillman cars and arrived at Aldershot at about 15:30. A few hundred trainees had already arrived and we from TRADOC were all assigned to Bravo Company and I ended up being a platoon leader. Each platoon has there own building and I even have my own room. There are four squads of 12 men each plus the platoon leader and platoon sergeant. We have all received tunics without rank insignia and after the evening meal our company commander gave us a briefing.
He explained that the intention was to have as many people as possible qualify therefore the first week would be used to prepare us for the three-week course that follows. Getting us fit, teaching us how to rig a parachute, rappelling and general theory. The bad news is that we won't be receiving Thompson SMG's - they will only be issued to the parachute battalion to be formed later. We shall have wooden mock-ups....
Later in the evening I managed to locate Major Hawkins and Captain Franklin, the commander and XO of the experimental company. They both already have their jump-wings and are now commanding the training facilities. I was informed about a few new developments. I have been busy with the Italian mission and have therefore become out of touch. I can't wait to start.
I called Sally before returning to our platoon's building then retired expecting an early wake-up call.