Airborne Assault Museum
Article
Bryan Burnikell's recollection of RNAS Culham.
"In 1959 Abingdon was very busy; it ran Para courses For Army, Navy, Marines, TA. and RAF Regiment, also Foreign Armies as we...
In 1958 Bryan Burnikell was called up for National service and on completion of training posted to 6 Bn, RAOC at Chilwell.
Looking for a more fulfilling role he volunteered for parachuting duties.
Completing P Coy and Para course at Abingdon he was posted to 16 Para Brigade Ordnance Field Park.
When his National Service time finished he was posted to 10 Battalion, The Parachute Regiment for Reserve Service.
In 1970 he was promoted to WOII and was CSM of 1 Company for the next 10 years.
In 1980 he became Battalion Sniper WOII.
In 1982 Bryan Burnikell was Commissioned and carried out various roles including Recce Plt. Commander.
During Ceremonial Duties he carried the Old Regimental Colour at the Presentation of new Colours and at the Laying up of the Old Colours .
In 1987 he transferred to 5 Company Home Service Force, 10 Para. Becoming 2IC before transferring back to 10 Bn as 2IC of HQ Coy until leaving the Battalion in 1993.
Then with a C Class Commission joined the Army Cadet Force and served as Group Training Officer for 10 years until his retirement in 2004.
Service History
- 1959 HQ 16 Parachute Brigade (Private)
- 1964 The 10th Battalion The Parachute Regiment (10 PARA) (Company Sergeant Major)
- 1981 The 10th Battalion The Parachute Regiment (10 PARA) (Captain)
- 1993 (Captain)
- 2004 ACF (Captain)
