It is with great pride that I write my first update as President of the AEA, a National Branch of the REA. As CO 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment I have had a busy few weeks, starting with many of you in Scotland at the AEA Gala Dinner Night, before finishing with a visit to 9 Para Sqn in Belize. Eighteen months into my Command tenure and another opportunity to reflect upon the Regiment….
It was a pleasure to see so many of you at the dinner, especially while hearing how many of you knew my father ‘Bing’ so well. While it saddens me that he passed away just before I assumed command, it gives me immense pride that his spirit and airborne ethos lives on through the many stories that you were able to share. Throughout the evening, I described the airborne spirit that still lives on through the Regiment today; while the character of conflict evolves so quickly, the determined and tenacious nature of our young soldiers and officers is as strong now as it was while my father served. Conflict in Eastern Europe means we sit in an extraordinary context to the one I experienced, even as a sub-unit commander only five years ago. We have no choice but to adapt and modernise at a rate faster than that of our enemies. So, these are exciting times for the Regiment and the Brigade, and we continue to be trusted on some of the most demanding and sensitive operations globally.
With people committed across Asia, the Middle East, Northern and Central America, and throughout Europe, we are as busy as ever. 51 Para Sqn deployed to the US with the 2 PARA Battlegroup, validated as part of the 82nd Airborne Division, and now hold the Regiment’s most demanding Readiness profile for the UK’s Global Response Force. 9 Para Sqn are in the middle of their ‘Operate’ year, and have deployed to Papua New Guinea, Jordan, Falkland Islands, Japan and now Belize. 70 Gurkha Para Sqn are now well integrated into the Regiment and have recently moved from Maidstone to Woodbridge. They are just about to hit their Readiness training year, starting with a deployment to Kenya under the 1 RGR Battlegroup. 12 HQ&Sp Sqn are enabling the Regiment and have more recently deployed both Recce Troop and the Dive Team to Belize. Finally, 299 Para Sqn (Reserve) provide our Reservist contribution, and have just returned from Germany as part of the Corps’ largest Reservist deployment in a generation.
I will quickly highlight the fantastic work of our people. Last year, the Regiment was incredibly fortunate to jump at the 80th anniversary of D-Day and Op MARKET GARDEN in Arnhem. The whole experience typified our strong sense of identity and purpose as Airborne Sappers. Regular, reserve and QGE Sappers commemorated the event in style and with a sense of family spirit – a personal honour was to sit next to Bob Prosser at the memorial event in Driel.
Bob Prosser and Lt Col David Crosbie RE CO 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment
We consistently outperform the Brigade on All-arms P Company and our Unit Conditioning Course held in Woodbridge is proving to be highly successful. Small teams – led by young Tp Comds or JNCOs – excelling on operations, routinely validated by Defence Attaches globally. I see top student reports for our various career courses; too many to mention here. Every day I am reminded that we are fortunate to have some of the most motivated, talented and professional soldiers and officers the Corps has to offer.
Moving forward, the merger will not be easy. My Intent remains to tighten the bond between our people: Regular, Reserves and Gurkhas; soldiers and officers; and across the serving and retired community. This is not about the AEA National Branch being consumed by the REA. Instead, a single organisation that preserves the heritage, spirit and identity of our Airborne Engineers, will serve to further tighten the bonds between veterans and those serving. The merger between the AEA and REA(A) branch is creating a stronger, more cohesive organisation; one that offers both veterans and serving soldiers greater opportunities to come together socially and professionally. I look forward to seeing you all very soon.
Airborne!
CO23
Strictly speaking, this isn’t a traditional President’s Report. As many of you know, Baz stepped down last year due to various other commitments. With continuing support from Baz and the National committee, I’ve taken up the reins temporarily to ensure continuity. Going forward, the President of the AEA, a National Branch of the REA, will be the Commanding Officer of 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment, who happens to be "Bing’s son." The Vice President’s role will be filled by a volunteer veteran, and a formal vote for Baz’s permanent replacement will take place at the Gala Dinner. I’ve thrown my hat into the ring but am just as happy to support anyone else who volunteers.
Setting the Scene: Jan–Jun Update
From January to June, the committee has met regularly to keep the merger on track. It’s been a time-consuming task, and I want to especially thank our Secretary, Mike Robertson BEM, who’s done a sterling job organising Zoom meetings, managing late changes, and keeping us all on course. A separate article in this journal outlines exactly where we are with the merger. It’s vital that we remain a vibrant and self-sufficient association capable of standing on our own two feet but wise enough to ask for help when needed.
As Joe Houlston, AEA Member No.1, wisely put it: “We want their money and our independence” or, in simpler terms, “cake and eat it.” That’s the balance we’re aiming for. There may be some bumps along the way, but rest assured, the committee and I are committed to grading them out or if I dare use a Combat Engineer term, overbridging .
Encouraging New Members
Our biggest challenge is encouraging more active membership. This isn’t unique to us it’s an issue across the entire veteran and volunteer community in the UK. To thrive, we must attract people willing to volunteer a bit of their time to coordinate branches, run accounts, or support events. I don’t have a silver bullet (if I did, I’d be buying lottery tickets), but what I do know is this: if we always do what we’ve always done, we’ll always get what we’ve always got.
The merger offers a real opportunity to change direction bring back lost call signs and attract new blood, especially from those who served in the '80s and are now retiring. They may be ready to re-engage socially with like-minded individuals.
Broadening Our Reach
As the Airborne Engineers have grown to regimental size, our Association has remained largely focused on 9 Para Sqn. For veterans from the pre 1976 the halcyon days of 9 Independent Para Sqn, that’s understandable. But today, our Corps footprint is broader and more integrated than ever:
One of the few examples where hybridisation of Regular and Reserve has truly worked.
The merger gives us the opportunity to engage with a much larger group of para-trained veterans and serving personnel. A stronger link with the Regiment has already taken root - 14 AEA members attended the recent VE Day celebrations, thanks to an invite from the unit. The REA (A)generously donated £430 to cover costs for all veterans, a great gesture of support. While Woodbridge logistically isn’t Aldershot, it shows what’s possible when we build stronger connections.
Upcoming Social Events
Looking ahead, our calendar remains full:
Final Thoughts
This year continues to present both challenges and opportunities. The merger, the increased engagement, and the commemorations ahead all point to an Association that’s evolving while staying true to its roots. Denise and I are looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible at the Gala Dinner in October.
Airborne Engineers - past and present - remain a special breed. Let’s continue to honour that legacy by strengthening our community and looking out for each other.
Dear Members, I must first pay tribute to all those members who have worked tirelessly leading up the vote on the merger of the AEA and the REA(A). I know that this has been a subject that has been debated endlessly over the years. However, at last, after much work and many hours put in by committee members, drafting and redrafting documents a successful path was found and the members were able to vote on the merger. In summary 296 members voted, from which the break down was 230 voted yes and 66 voted no. Further details are in the Journal. Of course, there is still much work to do to satisfy the Executive committee as we move forward towards a full merger. Again, as this develops the association will be kept abreast of things.
Secondly I must apologies again, for my absence at the AGM and Gala dinner, an event that I know a lot of Branch members commit themselves to organise and run. I remember the last one at Hull (Then the city of culture). But from what I hear Craig Gadd and his team did another unbelievable job of organising this years’ function and Lin and I were sad to miss the Gala Dinner. I am sure all will join me in thanking Craig and his team for the huge effort they put into the weekend.
Also, the summer events always draw members to the annual gatherings such as Arnhem and the 80th celebrations of D Day. It was great that the Association was able to assist financially so that some members from all of the branches were able to attend these events.
The wonder of technology and use of Phones to receive and pass on events instantly, always amaze me. Thank goodness they were not around in our youth. Although, we still managed to grab photos now and then and I am always appreciative of some of our members who produce these snapshots of our past, Pat Neal, Derek Broadbent, Jasper Harratt, Arthur Askey and Tony Fry to mention a few, and really good quality. I was lucky enough to visit 23 Regt in the Summer and 9 Sqn’s office, they very kindly got out the old albums with some great Black and Whites. As I have said before if you do get a chance to visit Woodbridge on an open day, take it. The Barracks is expanding, with 70 Gurkha Airborne Sqn and a new Regt. With this expansion of barracks and accommodation being built it’s becoming a Sapper Stronghold.
The Summer in the UK was as busy as ever with our events across the country. I was able again to attend the Double Hills ceremony this year, which is probably going to be the last formal one. Peter Yeates has done a fantastic job in organising and running the event all these years. The ceremony has grown annually, not just in numbers but also across the breadth of the attendance. Old friends were there and it’s always a wonderful occasion to see the volunteers who are there assisting, not just with tractors and trailers to move spectators across the fields, the Bowls club who provide changing rooms and tea and biscuits before the event. The Football club opening its doors for tea and sandwiches and the odd beer or two. Also great to see Chris Chambers and his daughter and son in law, maintaining that connection with Paulton and Aldershot. Who can forget Jan Chambers, who for many years was another force in ensuring the event was a total success. A big thank you from all Sqn men who have taken part in not just Double Hills but the many other events that volunteers organise for us to attend to pay our respects annually.
This year has been more challenging in many ways. Our erstwhile Chairman, Steve Wallis made the comment at the 2023 AGM that it was time to once again revisit the amalgamation of the REA with the AEA. This was a challenge that I and Phil Taylor discussed over a beer and many emails. Draft upon draft of documents were produced, reviewed and amended between us both. Yes we did take time off now and then for it to settle, many members were asked their opinions and changes were made on a regular basis. Long calls to Ken kirk the CEO of the REA, from France in Phils case, to put forward our proposals. Ken in turn delivered our views and papers to the REA Committee, which were met with positive views. From these documents, a Memorandum of Understanding was produced and discussed, including, what I believe was a fantastic document, namely the Frequently Asked Questions. The Committee can claim the responsibility at this stage in taking it all forward. Steve as Chair and Mick as the Secretary kept the Association abreast of things. Now with the vote results the next stage is to move forward into a new bright future, engaging with all Airborne Engineers and under the umbrella of the REA.
However, with all good news there is always sad news. The Chatham Branch has for some years now suffered with membership. Although, events are aways successful the core Association numbers supporting the events are very few, as an example we can expect up to 70 attending the Christmas function but only 6 members attending meetings. We are blessed with fantastic support from Widows, families and friends but for the few who are required to organise and run these events it is a large effort even to share with the few members we have. With this in mind the Branch will have a meeting on the 8th of January to finally decide on the way ahead.
The branch had another very successful Christmas lunch, Steve and Mel were the guests of the Branch and it was appreciated that they took time from their busy schedule to visit.
Before I sign off, can I once again say well done to all those involved in the merger process. A long and particularly difficult process but one I think that was necessary to allow the members of the association their say on its future.
Lin and I wish all members and their families the very best for the Christmas period and I hope to see some of you in 2025.
With best wishes
Baz Bassett
President, Airborne Engineers Association
A warm welcome to all as it would appear that Summer is at last here. I must admit that I am a bit behind the curve in producing this update for the journal, sorry Dave. While on the subject of the Journal, and from who has become the driving force, Dave Pace has continued to gather information and review how we deliver this to the membership and other agencies. Delivering this information in a timely manner across the sites, both recording and archiving this information is a large task. I know that moving from hard copy to electronic copy seemed a big jump. However, once embracing the power of social media, and various social platforms, I found that as a user it was what was needed, especially as it is the future. More on this later as Dave continues to gather information, along with developing how best to take it forward.
I would also mention here Jon Nichols our Shop Manager and the other driving force for the AEA. Jon and Dave are working hard behind the scenes in ensuring that they can deliver what the members require, information on the Association, Public Relations and stock which is what the membership want.
Both these individuals need your support, material for the Journal or web site, any information will be of assistance. Jon of course would welcome your ideas for stock, nothing is off the cards.
I was very proud to have been invited recently to a supper at 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment at the end of 51 Para Sqns development week. As always it is great to speak to fellow Airborne soldiers and their outlook. Yes, when I look back it is a different army, but what is different. These young men and women have had a lot asked of them, operations, training teams and other commitments, they have risen to it all and are confident, outstandingly trained and very well led by NCOS and Officers.
Rock Barracks continues to grow with 70 Gurkha Para Sqn soon to join them.
I know that Steve and Mel continue to support a number of events across the UK, a big commitment but one that is appreciated by the members. As I type this, the Airborne Riders are ready to commence their organised events across the UK and if you can attend and support them well done. Along with the many other events that occur and supported by members I congratulate them on their commitment and hard work in maintaining these events.
I wish you all a great summer.
With best wishes
Baz Bassett
President, Airborne Engineers Association
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