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grinned at each other. Jim mimed floating down, rolling up the parachute, and then downing a large drink.
    ‘You’re on,’ Stan shouted in his ear. ‘The first drink is on you.’
    A couple of the officers were jumping with them. They were old hands at this, having jumped many times. Just having them there helped to bolster the first-timers’ courage.
    The door was opened and the cold air rushed in. They all stood up on the signal, and the sergeant moved along the line to check that no one had made any mistakes.
    The men began to disappear, and then it was Jim’s turn. He took a deep breath, and as soon as he felt the tap on his shoulder he stepped out.
    It seemed an age before his parachute opened, but of course it wasn’t. Those first few seconds had been terrifying and exhilarating at the same time. As he floated down he relaxed enough to look around. It was cold, but the morning was bright with clear skies, and the view was incredible. Below the landscape stretched like a patchwork quilt of many shades.
    Suddenly the ground was rushing towards him and he turned his whole attention to landing safely. The last thing he wanted to do was break something, because he wouldlike to do this again. Oh, boy, did he want to do this again! Perhaps that officer had been right when he’d told Jim that he was just the type they wanted in the paratroopers. He landed heavily, but safely, with Stan not far from him, grinning in triumph.
    They gathered in the barracks afterwards, all smiles and jokes now the first jump from a plane was over. The officers marched in and they snapped to attention.
    ‘At ease.’ Captain James swept his gaze over the assembled men. ‘I can see you’re all feeling pleased with yourselves, and no doubt planning a bit of a celebration this evening. But I’m about to spoil your fun. The booze-up will have to wait, because you’re going to do it all again tomorrow morning.’
    There were some quiet mutters, but the officer ignored them.
    ‘I want you to have your kitbags packed ready for you to collect after we’ve had another jump. Then we’re getting straight back on the plane and going for a little trip.’
    ‘Where would that be, sir?’ Stan asked.
    ‘You’ll find out when we get there. Now go and get some lunch. I expect some of you didn’t feel like eating breakfast.’
    There were a few sheepish grins, and the officer nodded. ‘You did well today, and your training is officially over. You’ve all been issued with your wings and are now part of the Parachute Regiment.’
    As soon as the officers had left the room, Stan grabbed Jim’s arm. ‘Come on, let’s get something to eat. I’m starving.’
    ‘Where do you think they’re sending us? And why byplane?’ Jim asked Stan as they headed for the mess.
    ‘No idea. I expect we’re being transferred to another part of the country and it’s quicker to get us there by plane. After all, this is just a training camp, and I expect they need to make room for the next batch. We’re paratroopers now, and have the badges to prove it.’
    Jim’s smile spread as they sat down with a welcome plate of sausages and mash. ‘I never dreamt I’d end up doing this, and enjoying it.’
    ‘Me neither.’ Stan tucked into his meal with gusto, speaking in between mouthfuls. ‘Though we mustn’t forget that it won’t be so much fun when we have to jump over enemy territory, and that’s what we’ve been trained to do.’
    ‘True, but we’ll face that when we have to. I hope we can stay together, Stan.’
    Stan nodded. ‘That would be great.’
     
    The clear weather held, and the jump the next day went smoothly. Afterwards they were flown to their permanent posting and, much to their delight, were greeted with friendliness by the regiment they had been assigned to. And that evening they were herded to the mess by the regulars so they could all get to know each other better.
    It turned out to be hilarious as they listened to the stories they