3rd Brigade WW2 Reenactors


No.1 PTS
This song gives a fairly good impression of the rigours of the Parachute Training School (PTS). The refrain's reference to "Jumping thro' the hole" refers to the manner in which the British paratrooper exited his transport. In the years prior to American Dakotas being available, paratroopers used converted heavy bombers as transports. These were modified by the addition of a rather small hole in the floor of the fuselage (as seen in this picture). The parachutist would jump out the hole trying to remain as straight as possible, so that their head would not strike the front or back edge and give them a nasty knock, also known as ringing the bell. The song also contains references to some of the particular training methods used before live jumps were made. This includes the use of pulley and fan driven devices which allowed a trainee to jump from a high platform in a simulated decent. Together the various training devices are here described as "Kilkenny's Circus". Also mentioned is the dreaded jumps from a tied balloon, which many considered far worse than jumping from a plane.
	When first I came to PTS My CO he advised, "Take lots and lots of underwear, You'll need it I surmise." But I replied, "By Gad Sir!" No matter what befalls, I'll always keep my trousers clean When jumping tho' the hole." Jumping thro' the hole, Jumping thro' the hole, I'll always keep my trousers clean When jumping thro' the hole. I went into the hangar, Instructor by my side, And on Kilkenny's Circus Had many a glorious ride. On these ingenious gadgets You'll soon learn how to fall And keep your feet together When jumping thro' the hole. Jumping thro' the hole, Jumping thro' the hole, I'll always keep my trousers clean When jumping thro' the hole. They swung me on the swing, boys They pushed me down the chute, They showed me the high aperture I thought it rather cute. Said they, "This apparatus will teach you," I recall, "to centralise your C of G When jumping thro' the hole." Jumping thro' the hole, Jumping thro' the hole, I'll always keep my trousers clean When jumping thro' the hole. One morning very early, Damp and cold and dark, They took me in a so-called bus Out to Tatton Park. In keeping with the weather, Said I to one and all, "I take a dim and misty view Of jumping thro' the hole." Jumping thro' the hole, Jumping thro' the hole, I'll always keep my trousers clean When jumping thro' the hole. They fitted me with a parachute And a helmet for my head, The sergeant looked with expert eye "They'll fit you fine," he said, "I'll introduce you now to Bessie, That is what we call That nice balloon from which you'll soon Be jumping thro' the hole." Jumping thro' the hole, Jumping thro' the hole, I'll always keep my trousers clean When jumping thro' the hole. "Okay! Up six hundred!" Four to drop!" Said he. "Four to drop! Good God!" I cried, "One of them is me!" So clinging very grimly To the handles on the floor, I cursed the day I volunteered For jumping thro' the hole. Jumping thro' the hole, Jumping thro' the hole, I'll always keep my trousers clean When jumping thro' the hole. I hit the deck, I rang the bell, I twisted twenty times, I came down with both feet entagled In my rigging lines. But floating gently down to earth, I didn't care at all For I had kept my trousers clean When jumping thro' the hole. Jumping thro' the hole, Jumping thro' the hole, I'll always keep my trousers clean When jumping thro' the hole.