The Parachute Regiment holds an enviable reputation within the British Army, a status further cemented by the daring exploits of 2 and 3 Para in the Falklands. Yet, becoming a paratrooper involves far more than simply jumping from an aircraft; it requires becoming a supremely fit, self-reliant soldier.
In this gripping, fully illustrated account—which accompanied the acclaimed BBC television series—former Para Frank Hilton documents the intense journey of forty-one recruits at the Parachute Depot in Aldershot. Over a gruelling twenty-two weeks, readers witness the harsh reality of military life, from basic training and exercises in the Welsh mountains to the infamous 'P Company' assessments. Hilton captures the physical toll and the psychological hurdles of the selection process, where only a fraction of the original group eventually earns the right to wear the maroon beret. Interwoven with these personal stories is a fascinating history of airborne warfare, honouring the legacy of units from Arnhem to Normandy. This is a definitive, observant, and honest portrayal of what it truly takes to join the elite airborne brotherhood.
Used (good, see images, dust jacket wear, dust jacket tear, and some initial pages marking) Hardcover
