Private Sidney G S Blackmore

Sid Blackmore joined the King’s Own Rifle Corps aged 18, and later volunteered for The Parachute Regiment.

Pte Blackmore was posted to A Company, 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment and saw service in North Africa and Sicily. The Battalion parachuted into Depienne and made their way to Oudna, resulting in a Battle Honour for The Parachute Regiment. In 1943 the Battalion took part in the battle for Primosole Bridge in Sicily, resulting in a further Battle Honour.

Pte Blackmore, along with the 2nd Battalion returned to the UK to prepare for D Day but was held in reserve. On 17 September 1944 he parachuted into Arnhem and formed a bridgehead at the North side of the bridge. Pte Blackmore was the No 2 man on a PIAT with Pte Robert Lygo as No 1.

On Wednesday 20 September Pte Blackmore was wounded and lost consciousness. He was taken to Appeldoorn Hospital but only recovered consciousness as he was being taken to Stalag XIB as a POW.

Pte Blackmore was returned to the UK 10 months later.

Sid Blackmore married Wyn and made several annual pilgrimages to Arnhem in his later years. He was an active member of the Eltham and Chislehurst PRA, becoming Branch President.

Sid Blackmore died on 6 November 2014.