Airborne Assault MuseumStewart Hatfield joined 4 PARA, D Coy at Norton in 1973 aged just 17. He completed his cadre at his local TA centre, then went to various training areas, such as Otterburn and Whitburn ranges. At Holcombe Brook training area he completed a 2 mile log race, 5 mile tab over heavy steep terrain, and milling.
In 1975 he completed P Company at Aldershot staying at Duke Wellington Barracks. The recruits used to go over the bridge to Royal Army Catering Coy for meals. This P Coy test included a 2 mile TAB run, risk trainasium, a steeplechase, a log race, a 5 mile TAB run, and an assault course at the PTI Regiments Depot. After successfully 'Passing Out' Stewart received his maroon beret.
1976 Stewart carried out Parachute Training at RAF Abingdon, during this training Stewart completed only 6 of the 8 required jumps. This was because he suffered a bad landing, and fractured his skull. He went to Rathbone Hospital at Oxford for treatment. However later on in 1976 carried out 2 balloon jumps with equipment to complete his jump training, and was presented with his 'wings' by the Mayor of Stockton.
1976 Annual Camp in Scotland at the Goilockhead Training Area, which includes a wet jump into the loch off Dunoon in the Bay C140. Training for the wet jump started at a local swimming baths. Water immersion training was done by in the loch and included a 200 yd swim. He flew out of Glasgow Prestwick Airport, to do the actual wet jump. Then he was sent to Loch Long, where a temporary camp was established. Then came 4 days of training in canoes. This was followed with a 5 day exercise, which included a 5 mile canoe and a cross country run exercise, covering about 30 miles.
Stewart left 4 PARA in 1976 due to work commitments.
Stewart recalls his time with 4 PARA as: "It's was hard but enjoyable would not change it for anything good times and good mates"
Service History
- Date not known The 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment (4 PARA) (Private)
- 1975 D Coy 4 para Norton (Private)
