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Aman Jordan
One of the daily duties during the military coup in Jordan, was to man a defensive position on a small hill at the far corner of a Airfield just outside the capital Amman. To get there we had to travel along the runway, after first obtaining permission from the control tower. On one occasion while sitting in the back of a 3 ton Bedford truck, we noticed a RAF Valetta aircraft taxing for take off. the plane began to roll, suddenly it became clear to us in the back that he was taking off, and catching up fast. We stamped our feet, and shouted to attract the drivers attention. As the driver applied the brakes, the aircraft by now was only about a hundred Yards away, and closing fast. The four of us in the back decided it was time to leave, so over the side we leaped about Ten seconds before impact. The wing sliced along the top of the truck sides removing the canopy and upright supports, hitting the cab and turning it upside down. Luckily the prop went along side, as the Pilot tried to swerve at the last minute. Apart from the driver suffering from shock, and the pilot receiving a court martial, no one was seriously hurt.
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Blue on Blue Cyprus
While operating against EOKA Terrorist in Troodos, we were given orders by Brigade HQ to lay a night ambush in a particular area. Depending on the amount of civilian activity in an area, sometimes there would be no challenge, just shoot on sight. On this occasion the orders were just that. We finished our evening meal, and set off just before last light for the ambush position, I was about 3rd or 4th in the patrol, and carried a Bren gun. About Half an hour later we approached the area for the ambush. Suddenly out of the still night air came the cry, "Halt who goes there", as we dived for cover expecting the worst. "Guards Para here hold your fire", shouted Sgt Stewart our patrol commander. "Advance one and be recognised", came a voice from the darkness. The Sgt went forward to sort it out. Getting the all clear the rest of us moved forward, and found a Vickers machine gun set up with a Corporal from 2 Para support company in charge. He said he had seen us in the area during the day, and guessed it might be us. Apparently we had both been given the same map ref by Brigade. I owe that guy a drink if I ever meet him again.
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