Former brigadier Army Medical Services, Aldershot, Hampshire (b 1929; q Aberdeen 1951; DPH, DRCOG, MFCM), died from complications of diabetes on 15 October 2003.
Figure 1.
Ray Blackburn did his national service in the Royal Army Medical Corps, greatly enjoying his time in Japan, Korea, and Malaya. On demobilisation he tried general practice and public health, but neither of these fields suited his ebullient style, and he returned to the army. In his mid-30s he undertook parachute training. In due course he became commanding officer of the 23rd Para Field Ambulance. He served in many parts of the world, including Cyprus at the time of the disorders. There were postings to Germany, Northern Ireland, and Hong Kong. In the Aldershot area he held several positions of major responsibility. After formal retirement he went round the medical schools recruiting young doctors for commissions in the corps. He leaves a wife, Ann.
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