This unique society has flourished since its formation at the end of the Second World War. Membership is limited and by invitation only. Qualification is, by custom, commissioned service in any past or present constituent part of the Royal Engineers: Regular, Territorial Army, Supplementary Reserve, Army Emergency Reserve, National Service or Engineer and Logistic Staff Corps. Rank and titles are deliberately suppressed and members address each other simply as “Sapper…”
The purpose of the Society has always been to foster good comradeship amongst Sappers, serving or retired, by providing opportunities for getting together and to promote the Esprit de Corps of the Royal Engineers. It has established a tradition of making regular donations to RE benevolence and other good causes and, in its early days, members helped fellow Sappers to find employment on demobilization. It supports adventurous activities by members of the serving Corps.
The pattern of functions which has evolved since the beginnings of the Society takes the form of four luncheons a year to which members may invite personal guests. The Chairman invites a Principal Guest who is invited to speak on a subject of his choice. Formalities are to be kept to a minimum.
Anybody who is interested in learning more about this Society and might be interested in becoming a member should contact the Secretary of the Blythe Sappers.