Amazon.com description: Product Description: I was born during World War II. In the aftermath of the war, in Northern England as shipyards were laying men off in their thousands and the same in the mines. I learnt at a very early age the art of survival, as food was hard to come by. It soon became obvious to me that I also loved adventures, not knowing that is was the buzz of adrenalin guiding me. Aged 17, I joined the Parachute Regiment Territorial Army. This helped me to get through an unwanted apprenticeship in the shipyards. When I was aged twenty, I had had enough of the noisy, dirty shipyards. I joined the Regular Army in the Royal Engineers. After training, I then volunteered for a unit I had been recommended to named, 9th Independent Parachute Squadron Royal Engineers. Parachute Engineers must complete first, three weeks of hell in the Squadrons pre- para, then the arduous P Company training, which entitles them to wear the famous Maroon Beret. This is to test the physical fitness, determination, and mental robustness of the soldier under conditions of stress, to determine whether an individual has the self-discipline, initiative, and motivation required for service with Airborne Forces. After successfully completing P Company training, you will then attend the Basic Parachute Course, which will train you in basic parachute skills. On completion of eight descents, you will qualify to wear the coveted Wings. So endeth the lesson. In the words of Major Chris Davies MBE, who took 9 Squadron to war in the Falklands with terrific success, the Squadron attracts fit, reckless young men in search of something different and seeking every opportunity to experience the adrenalin-pumping of life-threatening challenge. He must have read my CV! The Squadron is the best of the best, with some very professional and very tough guys. However, I have tried to write my book to show you the relentless training required, all done with a terrific sense of humour. I had the pleasure of serving nearly ten years of my life in the Squadron. In the Squadron I applied for a driving course and got sent on a diving course, I could not swim.This started another very exciting period of my life as I ended up a Sergeant Diving Instructor at the Royal Engineers Diving School.Fulfilling my constant need for the buzz of adrenalin when I was diving.I have not changed any times, dates,places or names to protect the guilty!