Anniversary visit for veterans

Anna Blyth • Published 5 Aug 2010 09:30

TWO Ardrossan veterans who served with the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces attended the 70th anniversay of the formation of the regiment at a celebration in Colchester recently.

John Warnock (68) and Jim Smith (69) joined up in June 1961 and served as lance corporals in the Middle East and Northern Ireland until 1970. The pair are two of many Ayrshire men who have served in the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces which was formed in June 1940 at the insistence of then Prime Minister, Winston Churchill who called for a force of 5000 paratroopers to do battle in World War Two.

Serving and past members were joined by friends and family at the 70th anniversary celebrations at Merville Barracks in Colchester on Saturday, July 24. John and Jim were delighted to meet up with old friends and comrades, some of whom they hadn't laid eyes on in over 40 years. Treated to flypasts by an Apache and a Second World War Spitfire, they also learnt more about the present day regiment which takes the form of 7000 soldiers who make up 16 Air Assault Brigade and have close links with the Royal Air Force.

Mr Warnock commented: "We had a great and wonderful day among friends and comrades, past and present."

For the full story see this week's Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald.

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