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Spr William Blanchard

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Sapper William Blanchard from 101 (City of London) Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), serving with the Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Task Force, was killed in Afghanistan on Saturday 30 October 2010.

Sapper Blanchard deployed to Afghanistan on 17 September 2010 as part of the Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Task Force, he was part of an improvised explosive device destroy team operating in Helmand province.

On 30 October 2010 his team was in the process of destroying a device when they were engaged by small arms fire. During the engagement Sapper Blanchard was struck by a bullet and died from the injuries he sustained.

Sapper Blanchard, aged 39, from Gosport in Hampshire, joined 221 Field Squadron (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) (Volunteers), part of 101 (City of London) Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), in 2007. He completed his basic training and then his elementary explosive ordnance disposal course before volunteering for mobilisation in 2010. A radiation protection officer by profession, he gained a double honours degree in Chemistry with Organic Chemistry and a Masters in Biomedical Pharmacology at the University of Southampton.
He leaves behind a large family including his wife, Suzanne Blanchard, and his children, Tom and Lucy Rees-Blanchard, his father, The Reverend Canon Lawrence Blanchard, and six brothers, Tom, Dan and Ned Blanchard and John, Chris and Shane Sargeant.

Sapper Blanchard's wife, Mrs Suzanne Blanchard, said: "Will was a wonderful husband, son, brother, father, brother-in-law, son-in-law and friend. Sorely missed, always in our hearts, never forgotten by his devastated family, friends and colleagues and his beloved wife."

Lieutenant Colonel Mark Davis GM RLC, Commanding Officer Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Task Force, said: "Sapper Blanchard was a father figure to the younger elements of the squadron. He was always concerned with their development and welfare, always displaying an interest in what they were doing and always keeping them informed – he was the consummate professional and it was not for nothing that he was known as the 'Colonel'! He was always talking about his family and made his deep affection for them known to all. The heartfelt wishes, thoughts and prayers of the entire C-IED Task Force go out to his wife, Suzanne, his children, father and brothers at this painfully difficult time."

Lieutenant Colonel Mark Budden MBE RE, Commanding Officer 101 (City Of London) Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), said: "The loss of Sapper William Blanchard has shaken the regiment deeply – my heartfelt condolences go out to Sapper Blanchard's wife, children, parents and friends. An exceptional soldier, he was a highly committed and professional member of 101 Engr Regt (EOD).”

Major Rod Brown, Officer Commanding 61 Field Squadron (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), said:"Sapper William Blanchard epitomises the strength that the mobilised Territorial Army bring to the operational theatre. At times his foresight and clarity of thought were so impeccable he would have made a creditable member of my command team, he truly was an officer in the making.”

Major Caroline Eyre, Officer Commanding 221 Field Squadron (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) (Volunteers), said:"Sapper William Blanchard had been a member of 221 Field Squadron (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) (Volunteers) for three years and was a highly professional and committed member of the Squadron. Keen to deploy on operations, he undertook the training required to be part of a Conventional Munitions Disposal Team at the earliest opportunity.”

Captain Andy Abbott, Team Commander and Bomb Disposal Officer 221 Field Squadron (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) (Volunteers), said:"I first met Will when I was the Sergeant Major Instructor in the Regiment in charge of recruiting. Will struck me then as an extremely intelligent, clever man. He was keen to learn from the outset as a recruit and again after being posted into his troop. He should have gone for Officer Cadet selection but wanted to get experience as a Sapper first.”

Captain Tom Roach, 221 Field Squadron (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) (Volunteers), said:"Sapper Blanchard, came to 221 Field Squadron with a mission from the start. He wanted to support his Country on operations and was determined to reach his goal as soon as he could. Sapper Blanchard worked like a demon to achieve his aim, but simply revelled in the build up to operations. He was an outstanding soldier of the highest calibre. He was respected by everyone that knew him because he was professional in every aspect of his soldiering. He will be truly missed by all that came to know him, no matter how short that time was. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very, very sad time. Quis Seperabit."

Captain Ken Jones, Second in Command 221 Field Squadron (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) (Volunteers), said:"I had the honour and the pleasure to know William. The Squadron and I were devastated to hear about his tragic death on Saturday. I had the greatest respect for William and will miss him greatly. His generous nature and remarkable sense of humour was an example to others. William was a big man with a big heart; the squadron's gentle giant. We will always remember him.His family are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you at this time."

Warrant Officer Class 2 (Squadron Sergeant Major) Reyhan Fadil, said:"Everything about William was big, he was a big man. Had a big brain, always put in a big effort. He also had a big smile, and of course had a big heart. He was very well liked, was a very popular soldier, very well respected, and everyone's friend.
 Now he's moved on, he will leave a big void. Rest in peace big man."

Quarter Master Sergeant Instructor Matthew Loughrey, 1 Troop Commander, said: "I would describe Will as a gentle giant who led a private life; popular and well respected with both fellow sappers and the troop management. Will was a highly intelligent, mature and wise man who would always give you an educated opinion.”

Sergeant Ian Williamson, Bomb Disposal Officer 579 Field Squadron (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) (Volunteers), said: "He got the nickname 'the Colonel' because being meticulous in everything he did could be exasperating. He would check up on everything that was arranged, then read it back to you like battle orders. We laughed and took the mickey but he'll be missed, a thoroughly nice bloke."

Corporal Adetokanbo Adefuye, friend and fellow Explosive Ordnance Disposal operator, 221 Field Squadron (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) (Volunteers), said:"Will, words cannot express what you mean to us. You loved your family, cared for your friends and colleagues and took pride, perfection, joy and responsibility in everything you did. You will be sorely missed by all of us; your friends, Squadron, Regiment and most importantly your much loved family.”

Lance Corporal Aaron Mitchell, friend and fellow Explosive Ordnance Disposal operator, 221 Field Squadron (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) (Volunteers), said:"He was friendly, supportive and always put others first. Will's sense of humour was a bit bizarre at first but that was what made him the character he was. He will be dearly missed and has done his country proud. My thoughts go out to his family after such a loss. I will miss you buddy."

Lance Corporal Mitchell Rix, friend and fellow Explosive Ordnance Disposal operator, 221 Field Squadron (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) (Volunteers), said:'The Colonel' to his friends but to those in charge Sapper William Blanchard, the only Sapper to be paid more than the Colonel. He was called the Colonel because of his ability to brief and debrief any rank. I can say he was out here for his own reasons which were the love and enthusiasm of the job he was doing. He was a life friend to me, a bond that cannot be broken and will be dearly missed by myself and everyone he had touched in his life."
Sapper Christian Mulrooney, friend and Royal Engineers Search Team member, 217 Field Squadron (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) (Volunteers), said:"From him I have learned so much and am heart broken he has been taken from us all so suddenly. If I were to detail all his strengths I would run out of time, I simply cannot impress upon you how great a man he was.
Secretary of State for Defence, Dr Liam Fox, said:"I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Sapper William Blanchard. We owe him a great debt of gratitude for his commitment to the security of our country as a TA Reservist and, in particular, for his contribution to the work of 101 Engineer Regiment during their deployment. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones at this difficult time."