Parachute training 1939

[Fred J Crawley]

Hi, other than the Parachute Regiments was it obligatory for all aircrew during 1939 to undergo basic parachute training and if so were there specific Stations they were sent to for this? Thanks, Fred

[paulmcmillan]

In the late 1920's and 1930's The RAF Parachute Test Unit, at RAF Henlow used to send their Vickers Virginia's on 'tours' of active RAF Stations and invite aircrew to have a try using the "pull off method"... I know of at least one occasion where the officer of an reserve sqn "missed the tour" so he 'accidently fell out' soon after - he was given membership of Caterpillar Club - I do not know when this practice stopped