Parachute Regimental Association

Eltham Chislehurst PRA ... meet at
Sidcup & Foots Cray United Services Club
108 Main Road
Sidcup
DA14 6NE

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Eltham & Chislehurst Branch PRA

Contact details via the branch E-Mail
Warren Learmouth = Treasurer

We meet every third Thursday of the month at Sidcup & Foots Cray United Services Club, at about 19.30Hrs ... meeting starts 20.00Hrs

More info to come soon

Events

2 PARA hosted a number of veterans and a P.R.A. Branch at Merville Barracks on Thursday, 8th September 2016. With the permission of the Commanding Officer, Lt-Col. Duncan Mann, a fantastic day was organised by RSM. Wattam and CSM. Morton.

The day started with an informal get together in the Officers Mess for lunch, and then moved to the Dakota for a talk and a chance to look inside, which for some of the veterans was the first time since the 17th September 1944! Then it was round to Battalion H.Q. for the stands and displays, before heading across to the Education Theatre for a presentation about the Battle of Arnhem.

The whole day was finished off at the Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess, 2 PARA for a presentation from the widow of Sid Blackmore of his framed medals to the Mess, and the RSM repaying the compliment with engraved bottles of port to the veterans, Mrs. Blackmore and John Grayburn.

Three of the veterans inside the 2 PARA Officers Mess. Standing, L-R: Les Ransom (250th (Airborne) Light Composite Company, R.A.S.C.) and Bill Williams (4 Platoon, B-Company, 3rd Parachute Battalion). In the wheelchair is Arthur Letchford (Mortar Platoon, 2nd Parachute Battalion).

All three were taken prisoner at Arnhem in September 1944.
The painting is of Major-General. J.D. Frost. The wartime commander of the 2nd Parachute Battalion.

The P.R.A. Branch and the veterans pose under the nose of the Dakota

The group get a presentation from Sgt. Jim Kilbride (4 PARA), who is the Custodian of the Dakota.

Last Post

Yesterday (26th November 2014) was a very good turn out and fitting send off to Sid Blackmore.

Sid wearing the "Parachute 2 Club" tie

From the branch, thank you to all those who attended - especially the standard bearers and those who came some distance. I think the furthest must of been of Scotland!

Thank you to 2 Para who provided immaculate pall bearers and had the opportunity to meet a few other surviving original members of the Regiment and Airborne Forces ... please check-out Facebook video ... another video thanks to Terry Lowe