Douglas 'Doug' McGarva was parachute jump trained at RAF Abingdon on Course 443 in 1957. He then became a member of 2 PARA.

Doug grew up in Annan, south Scotland, he was in both army cadets and air cadets and attended the coronation on the Mall, as a air cadet lining the the street. Which inspired him to  join The Paras at only 17 and a half years old.

Doug took part exercises in Tripoli, driving in the desert, and also spent week in Jerusalem staying at YMCA whilst on Amman Airport

He went to Cyprus with 2 PARA , and then on to Amman Airport to support the King. He and stayed there approximately 6 months before returning to Cyprus, where he was posted until his 'demob'.

Doug recalls he thoroughly enjoyed his service with The Paras and met some 'great blokes'. His profile photo was taken on a camp at Amman airport.