A first-class Soldier and NCO, he very soon reached the rank of Sergeant and volunteered for the Parachute Regiment. In 1943 he was selected for the 21st Independent Parachute Company in that rank and was posted to No.2 Platoon as Platoon Sergeant, subsequently serving with the Company in N. Africa, Italy and Holland. Back in the UK on 12th April 1944, No.2 Platoon took part in exercise 'Tony' with the 1st Parachute Brigade. Val was caught up under the aircraft and was eventually rescued after hanging for 45 minutes by one leg. For most of the time it appeared likely that he would either have to take his chance on landing still hanging from the aircraft or have his strop cut over the sea and risk being picked up alive. He was eventually hauled back into the aircraft after much buffeting and pain, but was his usual ebullient self within minutes of being rescued. Shortly after landing and being