World War II

[NEILL THE NOTORIOUS]

Not the diet before being strapped into a Parachute Harness !!!

When I did my 1300ft Skydive for Charity,on my 80th Birthday,---I was very careful to adjust my harness, with great care.

The Instructors (Who knew I was an ex-Pra) had the giggles !

Two straps come up between the legs, and, if not properly adjusted, snap together as the main 'Chute opens.

"Amateurs" speak in a high-pitched voice for a few days !!

This did, not, of course, apply to the ladies present, but there were none in my day !!!

[J.R.]

Not the diet before being strapped into a Parachute Harness !!!

When I did my 1300ft Skydive for Charity,on my 80th Birthday,---I was very careful to adjust my harness, with great care.

The Instructors (Who knew I was an ex-Pra) had the giggles !

Two straps come up between the legs, and, if not properly adjusted, snap together as the main 'Chute opens.

"Amateurs" speak in a high-pitched voice for a few days !!

This did, not, of course, apply to the ladies present, but there were none in my day !!!

Hmm. I'm not going to comment further.

[NEILL THE NOTORIOUS]

Before I get mis-understood ----

There were ladies sky-diving with me ------- but not serving in the Paras !

I wonder if there are any female Paras now, or is it a "Last Bastion" ?

[loringa]

Before I get mis-understood ----

There were ladies sky-diving with me ------- but not serving in the Paras !

I wonder if there are any female Paras now, or is it a "Last Bastion" ?

One of the last bastions I think, like the Royal Marines and the submarine service. There has been one woman (just the one I think) by the name of Capt Philippa Tattersall who has passed the all arms commando course and was awarded her green beret back in 2002 or 2003. A Lt Jenny Hands RLC attempted P Company in 2005 but had to withdraw injured and I don't know whether she ever made another attempt. There are female paras in Guyana, Sri Lanka and Russia and of course a significant number of women in the SOE made operational parachute jumps during World War 2. One of these wonderful women lived in our village (Agent Rose - Mme Andree Peel) until moving to a home nearby a couple of years back. She still attends our Remembrance Day parade and takes the salute as (by far) the most decorated and distinguished Service person present.

[englishangel]

A bit of Googling found female submariners in Norway and Denmark and this...

http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/69516

It wouldn't be my choice, but that's claustrophobia rather than anything else.

My son's best friend is a submariner, and son says he couldn't do it either.

[J.R.]

A bit of Googling found female submariners in Norway and Denmark and this...

http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/69516

It wouldn't be my choice, but that's claustrophobia rather than anything else.

My son's best friend is a submariner, and son says he couldn't do it either.

Do submariners in our Navy still get extra pay ?

[NEILL THE NOTORIOUS]

Paras used to get Qualification Pay (Qually Lolly) I seem to remember it was 5/- a day.

It was said that Paras joined for one of two reasons------- The Qually Lolly or the Wings to impress the Girls

I confess to the latter !!!

(Although as a 2/Lt -- the lolly was useful !)

[Fjgrogan]

I seem to remember that the Navy had a saying - probably aimed at the Marines - that only two things come out of the sky - bird sh*t and idiots!

[NEILL THE NOTORIOUS]

The RAF always asked the inevitable question "Why do you jump out of perfectly servicable Aircraft ?"

And received the equally inevitable reply "Because we don't trust the Pilots !"

[jhopgood]

Do submariners in our Navy still get extra pay ?

Ask the Clerk, he was the Head of the "Silent Service".

[englishangel]

Yes they do, about an extra 10%

[NEILL THE NOTORIOUS]

I'm afraid that senility, prevents me from remembering the Play, in which one of the Characters remarks-----

"Ah the Navy -- the Silent Service !"

And another replies "Of course the Navy has a lot, about which to be silent ! "

Doubtless, others will remind us all !

[J.R.]

I'm afraid that senility, prevents me from remembering the Play, in which one of the Characters remarks-----

"Ah the Navy -- the Silent Service !"

And another replies "Of course the Navy has a lot, about which to be silent ! "

Doubtless, others will remind us all !

'The Navy Lark' ?????????????

(That brings back sweet memories.)

[anniexf]

I'm afraid that senility, prevents me from remembering the Play, in which one of the Characters remarks-----

"Ah the Navy -- the Silent Service !"

And another replies "Of course the Navy has a lot, about which to be silent ! "

Doubtless, others will remind us all !

That sounds like a Noel Coward quip, Neill, but I can't think where it comes from!

[J.R.]

Must admit, at first glance. I thought it sounded very Noel Coward-ish as well.