Registered Charity Number 1009201
Introduction by the Association President
As President of the Airborne Engineers Association I would like to welcome all visitors to our new web site, and I hope you find it not only of interest, but informative as well. This year the Association is celebrating its 20th anniversary and continues to maintain an important link for all former and serving members of the Airborne Forces who were, and are, privileged not only to wear the red beret but the Corps badge as well.
Visitors to our new web site
The web site will give you a full overview of the Association, including past, present and future activities and the Guest Book provides a good way of contacting Airborne friends, old and new.
John Lee Lt Col (Ret’d )
President, Airborne Engineers Association
Message From The Association Chairman
As the newly elected Chairman of the Association, I should like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to those of you who do not know me.
I retired from the Army just over two years ago having completed over 39 years’ service as a man and boy soldier, finishing up back “home” in Aldershot as the Garrison Sergeant Major. My main career within the Corps was as a Cbt Engr and my first Fd Sqn was 12 (Nova Scotia) in Osnabrucke, who are now part of the Regiment. I did not like sitting in APC’s spending every spare minute of the day servicing and maintaining “Battle Taxis”. Thankfully, there were a few ex-members of 9 Indep Para Sqn around to give me an “escape plan” and off I went to selection. The sad part was, until then I did not even know the Corps had a Parachute Sqn!
It pleases me immensely that our Corps saw fit to form an Air Assault Regiment, with additional Squadrons being converted into military parachuting roles. Especially, as way back in the late 70’s we were very nearly disbanded totally as paratroopers! I have heard from many friends within the Army, the excellent work and professionalism 23 Engr Regt (Air Assault) has provided to their own units, especially during Operational Tours. A Very Well done to all ranks in the Regiment.
I should also like to take this opportunity to thank my predecessor Mr. Joe Stoddard, MBE, for the sterling work he has carried out on behalf of the Association. As Joe mentioned in his own address, the Association is here to foster friendships, re-unions, as well as important historical events within our Airborne Family, both past and present and to assist were we can, in charitable causes.
J.J. Ferry
Chairman,
Airborne Engineers Association
Life Vice Presidents
Bob Ferguson
Tom Ormiston
Fred Gray
Ray Coleman
Chris Chambers
Bob Prosser BEM
Tom Carpenter
Dave Rutter
Bill Rudd MBE
