The 27-year-old, who was a physical training instructor with the Parachute Regiment, was diagnosed with cancer in September 1999.

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And back in Britain in 1943 it was her character rather than her skills or physical abilities that got her through her training in grenade throwing, silent killing and parachute jumping.

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In a letter home after her first parachute jump, she explained why she never let her parents visit her during her four years in pilot training.

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