FORMER parachutists attended a funeral last on November 8 to remember a regimental association chairman.

Chairman of the Eltham and Chislehurst branch of the Parachute Regimental Association (PRA) Kenneth Matthews died of a heart attack on October 29.

Mr Matthews, from Walworth, started his military service in 1962 when he joined 44 Para Field Ambulance in Bermondsey before moving to the Royal Army Service Corps of Transport.

He then joined the 144 Para Field Ambulance and left in 1973 to do a range of civilain jobs including lorry driving and a driver for Greenwich Mobile Libraries.

He then joined PRA, and was chairman for nine years.

PRA Treasurer Warren Learmouth said: "Everyone who knew Ken went away with a memory which will always put a smile on their faces."

November 12, 2001 14:06