Roll of Honour

Eric Blenkinsop

Eric sadly passed away aged 94 years on Thursday the 29th April 2021 in hospital, with his Daughter Anne, by his side. Eric was born on the 6th May 1927. He enlisted into the Army in 1942 aged 15 years, walking through the gates of the Army Technical School (Boys), Beachley Barracks, Chepstow as an aspiring Apprentice Bricklayer. During this time Eric, rouse through the Ranks to become a Boy Company SSM. On completion of his Apprentice training, he was then posted to Elgin, Scotland to continue with his Royal Engineer Training. Eric, volunteered for Airborne Forces in 1947 and eventually arrived at the RE Airborne Increment at Barton Stacey in early 1948, then onto Parachute Training at Upper Heyford. On his successful completion of his Parachute Training Eric, went onto join 3 Airborne Sqn RE (1947 -1948) in Neumunster, then part of 2nd Airborne Brigade Group. During his time in Airborne Forces Eric, also served in 9 Airborne Sqn RE (1949 - 1956) & 301 Para Sqn RE TA (1956 - 1958), as a PSI

Due to a knee injury sustained playing Rugby Eric’s days in Airborne Forces came to an untimely end, he was persuaded to do a Clerk of Works (Construction) Course. Whilst on the Course, he met his much beloved Beccy, at the Pavilion Dance Hall, Gillingham.

Eric, became a staunch member of both the AEA & AEA Chatham Branch. During his membership of the AEA Chatham Branch, held both positions as Branch President and Branch Chairman.

What must be for Eric, a truly memorable occasion and a tremendous achievement, was the procurement of a Bronze Bust of Lt Col John Rock. The Bust was unveiled in November 2002 (with Eric in attendance), and has pride of place in the Garden of Reflection, at Rock barracks, home of 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment RE.

Without Eric’s hard work, perseverance and enthusiasm for the seeing the project through to its fruition; there may not have been either a Bronze Bust or a Royal Engineer Airborne Barracks, named after our founder.

Eric, will be greatly missed by all who served with him, or had the pleasure of his company over the years. Both the The AEA & AEA Chatham Branch, have lost a ‘Fine Airborne Sapper’ from within its Ranks.

He is survived by his daughter Anne, son Steven and their families.

Airborne Units served;

3rd Airborne Squadron 1947 - 1948

9th Airborne Squadron 1949 - 1956

301 Para Sqn TA 1956 - 1958