Col. John Blashford-Snell OBE

Colonel John Blashford-Snell, OBE, FRSGS
Hon President, Just a Drop

John Blashford-Snell OBE, one of the world’s most seasoned and legendary explorers, has lead over seventy expeditions to remote corners of the globe. Fascinated by early civilizations he has explored the sites of ancient harbours off Cyprus and Libya, discovered forgotten settlements in the jungles of South America and deep in the Kalahari and Sahara deserts. Leading the first expedition to descend the fearsome rapids of the Blue Nile in Ethiopia he developed inflatable boats that revolutionized river exploration. In the past decade John has tested the theories of the late Dr Thor Heyerdahl using traditional reed boats to show how ancient people could navigate the rivers of South America and voyage around the world. In Nepal his teams have discovered giant “mammoth like” elephants. He is currently planning more expeditions on the Nile.

John was educated at Victoria College, Jersey and subsequently The Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst. He served for 37 years in the Army and saw active service in many areas. His family roots lie in Jersey where his grandfather was a sea captain. His father was an Army chaplain and he grew up surrounded by wounded and orphaned wildlife, which his Mother cared for. He married Judith in 1960, they have two married daughters and live in Dorset.

As a Royal Engineer he established links for adventurous training with the armed forces of many countries, especially the United States. From 1978-1992, under the patronage of the Prince of Wales he organised and led Operation’s Drake and Raleigh, involving over 10,000 young men and women in the largest youth leadership expedition ever. As Chairman of the Scientific Exploration Society, he now organises expeditions for more mature people concentrating on archaeological, environmental, medical and wildlife projects. John was awarded the Segrave Trophy in 1974, the Livingstone Medal, and in 1993 the Royal Geographical Society presented him with their Patron’s Medal for ‘encouragement of exploration by young people’. The following year he was honoured by the Institute of Royal Engineers who awarded him their Gold Medal.

Author of fifteen books, he also finds time to work with underprivileged youngsters in Britain’s inner cities and chairs the Liverpool Construction-Crafts Guild that is encouraging the training of more skilled craftsmen.