bomb badge101 Logo
101 (City of London) Engineer Regiment
(Explosive Ordnance Disposal)
Regimental Association

Blanchard Avenue opened in the name of Will


6th April 2013

On 6th AprilI an opening ceremony for Blanchard Avenue was held in memory of Spr Will Blanchard. Gosport Borough Council approached Sue Blanchard (Wills wife) with their intentions almost a year ago, she and the Blanchard family agreed to the proposal. So it was decided they would hold a small ceremony on the 6th April 13, I (Tom Roach) and Capt Bailey who was the VO to the Blanchard family was also in attendance. We headed directly to the family home where Sue greeted us with a cuppa rosie lee and a quick catch up. It was lovely to see all the family in attendance from all over the UK. From the family home we went to the local community centre where the Mayor and his wife greeted us and we all had a quick chat about the ceremony. From the community centre we walked to Blanchard Avenue where we where greeted by about another 30 friends and family that had gone directly to Blanchard Avenue.

Once all where present Sue Blanchard said a few words, thanking all who have made the journey for this special event in their calendar. Then the Mayor said a few words about the sacrifice soldiers like Spr Blanchard make on a daily basis for Queen and Country and quite rightly should be recognised for their bravery. The ribbon and the balloos where orange Wills favourite colour, the ribbon was cut by Sue and the Mayor and a loud cheer went up form the crowd. It was a lovely day; the sun was shining and also a time to reflect for the main reason we where all present. That reason was the recognition and ultimate sacrifice that Spr Will Blanchard gave to his Country, it was an honour to be asked to be a part of this wonderful occasion. From the ceremony the Council put on a buffet back at the community centre so we all retired to chat about the event we had just witnessed. I must say Gosport Council where excellent all the way through; I personally thought this was a great way to respect one of our soldiers. Lastly my praise goes to Sue and the Blanchard family, very special people indeed who helped make this day so special.

T ROACH
Capt PSAO
221 Field Squadron (EOD) (V)

A full set of pictures taken at the Ceremony can be found in the Photo Gallery. For those that do not know Wills story, please see the MOD page via In Memoriam.