Ted Johnson

Amputee and Member

After leaving school Ted started an apprenticeship as an electrical mechanical engineer but he became disillusioned and decided to follow in the footsteps of his father and to join the Army. Ted became a Company Sergeant Major in the Army Cadets and it became apparent that there was only one regiment for him, the Parachute Regiment.

Following successful training, where approximately 75% of the applicants were not considered suitable, Ted was sent to Cyprus to prepare for the Yemen. His Battalion found themselves stationed up Mount Troodos patrolling the mountains and whilst on patrol up Mount Kantara, near Kyrenia in September 1958, Ted's vehicle hit a land mine.

Ted was flown off the mountain to the British Medical Hospital in Nicosia where they removed his right leg below knee.

He underwent rehabilitation at Egham, Surrey and retrained as an instrument engineer and was medically discharged. He moved to Bletchley, Hertfordshire with his wife Mabel. One day in 1962 Ted received a visit at home from a Member of the Harrow Branch of BLESMA who introduced the Association and invited him to join them. Ted says it was 'One of the best decisions I ever made'.

Following his retirement he took the opportunity to volunteer as a Welfare Representative and since 1997 Ted has been active as the Milton Keynes agent. 'My wife and I take the opportunity to visit the wonderful Ancaster Home in Crieff for a two weeks respite break where we have made many new friends'.

Ted also devotes some of his time as the Treasurer of the Milton Keynes Branch of the Parachute Regiment Association.