Roll of Honour

John Pfiffner who passed away just after Christmas 2022 was a keen member of the Aldershot Branch and the Airborne Engineers Association for many years.

After working in the aeronautical industry, he set up in partnership with a close friend to form an electrical business with which he was associated with for virtually the rest of his life.

In his younger years speed was one of his interests and he was a keen amateur motor bike racer. He was also the owner of a Reliant Scimitar GT which went like the wind, it certainly did on a cold winter’s day when we drove down to deepest Somerset to inspect an old barn cum cowshed which John had bought, and over the next few years slowly converted it to a comfortable home.

This attraction for a bit of adventure led him to join 131 Parachute Engineer Regiment TA in 1959 in which he served until 1987 reaching the rank of WO2. John served in the plant section of Support Troop for virtually all of his career, being awarded an honorary green beret when the squadron re- roled to a Commando Sqn, finally retiring from 131 as 302 Plant Troop commander in 1987. He was an experienced parachutist having recorded over 400 jumps during his service with 131.

John was married to Ann who pre-deceased him and they had three children, and after leaving 131 regularly attended the Aldershot Branch meetings and was instrumental in helping out at the annual BBQ’s held at Fred Gray’s house in Fleet. Apart from his military interests John was a keen Freemason which took up a lot of his time and he was a very well-respected member of the Order.

He was an adaptable person who could apply his skills to many trades and was always willing to help out as his many friends will testify.

A service was held at Yeovil Crematorium on 31st January 2023 attended by family and friends together with representatives from 131 Sqn and the Freemasons.