I finished my basic training sometime towards the end of 1965. I trained further in places like the infamous Camp Ipperwash, now destined to be an Indian Reserve, and the not so infamous training grounds of Meaford.
During the course of events a poor corporal had the duty to train and teach me how to driver a vehicle. I had never driven a car in my entire life up until the day I got behind the wheel of a jeep. So you know where this lead to. I did not learn how to drive. I could not co-ordinate between gas, shifting gears, clutch and steer.
It was near the beginning of the year of 1966 that opportunities came available to go to Airborne Training. Ahhh, yes the coveted Silver Wings and $30.00 a month more. You want to hope your parachute opened.
Training consisted of selecting 90 candidates of which only 45 would qualify for the actual course. What that meant is I had to be better, faster and more resilient than 45 of the best to pass the course. Now, at my age I was still growing and was only 5ft. 3in. and weighing in at just 100lbs. I was the second or third shortest in the regiment. PrePara course consisted of 2 weeks of vigorous training in London and Ipperwash.
Well, with hard work things paid off and I was on the train to Rivers Manitoba. I spent six to eight weeks there, can't remember exactly how long but we had to put in extra time because of bad weather. I recall being there over Easter. Also, part of the training was at CFB Shilo jumping from the High Tower. If it were possible I would want to relive this experience all over again. No regrets.
I'm proud to say I graduated and received my coveted Silver Wings.
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