Page 72 - Cavalry Regiment

The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
Obituary
Cpl Richard (Dickie) Blain
Corporal Richard (Dickie) Blain joined the Army on 17 August 2006, and following basic training joined the 1st Battalion, The Royal Welsh on 24 February 2007. He left the Army in January 2014 to set up his own successful wedding photography business, before re-joining into The Light Dragoons on 22 May 2017.
During his time in the Royal Welsh he deployed on two challenging tours, Operation TELIC as a rifleman in a rifle company and Operation HERRICK as a sniper in the Recce Platoon. His last posting with The Royal Welsh was at AFC Harrogate as a Section Commander. He subsequently left the Army in January 2014 but re-enlisted in early 2017 and joined The Light Dragoons.
As a qualified sniper Dickie first served in B Squadron but was talent spotted and swiftly moved to the training wing so that he could pass on his dis-
mounted skills. He then moved
to A Squadron and was quickly selected to attend the Light Cavalry Crew Commanders’ Course. He passed with flying colours where he was praised for his tactical excellence and drive. And came back to take over as 3rd Tp senior Cpl. He had his heart set on attempting selection for UKSF in 2020 and had passed all the provisional training with flying colours.
Dickie was a dedicated and conscientious NCO during his time at the Regiment, it is hard to describe just how highly regarded he was. Extremely fit, charismatic and utterly profes- sional, he was an outstanding role model to the junior sol- diers in his squadron. A natural teacher and philosophical in
his approach he was keen to share his wealth of knowledge with others. He was at his best when under pressure, and at the hardest of times Dickie could always be relied upon to do his job with both a confidence and humility that was admired by all ranks. Dickie’s magnetic personality meant he was extremely popular in the Cpls mess and his loss has deeply saddened the many friends with whom he had formed close bonds.
As much as Dickie loved soldiering, his children always came first. He is survived by his four children Evelyn, 9, Tallulah, 6, Edith, 4, Daisy, 2 and his wife Lance Bombardier Mollie Blain who serves in 4th Regiment Royal Artillery. At the time of his death, with his wife deployed overseas, Dickie had been balancing his career with caring for their daugh- ters. He loved the outdoors, and spent his spare time walk- ing his dog, Rosie, with his daughters and taking photos
of their adventures. A thinker, he was certainly one to enjoy some of the more academically minded books and amongst the standard novels his book- shelves were philosophy and self-improvement books.
Dickie was tragically killed in a road traffic incident on 19 Sep 19. He was taken from the scene by air ambulance to James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough where despite an impressive fight, he died from his injuries. He was thirty-seven years old.
Amongst all ranks of the Light Dragoons his loss will be felt deeply and his memory will be cherished dearly. He was simply a brilliant soldier and a fantas- tic man. We are proud to count him amongst our company.
JCBB
Dickie
Remember him, the man we cannot see, Who, proud among his comrades, brave and bright, Was prouder of his girls: grand legacy.
He still endures although he’s gone from sight.
So look for him at matches, in the stands, Or hear the whispered boiling of your brew. In iron-clasping strength you’ll know his hands. There’s time for him for he made time for you.
We’ll look for him in winter, under skies Still heavy with the rain clouds’ crawling foam But look within his children’s steady eyes And know he gave them all a happy home.
And on parade, in silence, look again. For he will be there with us, best of men.
LM & TJ
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