Airborne Assault MuseumJohn Mackie enlisted with 44OFP, 44 Brigade in Heston 1974.
He successfully passed his parachute jump instruction at RAF Abingdon. Later he attended a German Para course and was presented with German 'Wings' in 1976.
In 1982 John joined 16 Independent Lincoln Coy. Which was part of 44 Brigade. When 44 Brigade was disbanded, 16 Lincoln was attached to 15 Para, which then merged with 4 Para. John reached the rank of L/Cpl and became part of the recruiting team.
In 1985 he became Company Armourer after completing training courses at Bordon. John was re-badges REME after becoming a 1st Class Armourer.
Service History
- 1974 44 Parachute Ordnance Field Park, RAOC (V) (Lance Corporal)
- 1982 44th Independent Parachute Brigade Group (TA) (Lance Corporal)