Gillingham

40 Squadron

This is the main page for the squadron or unit. More info will be added here as I get the time, but for now it's a "base" for establishing comms with other members of the same unit. You can post messages for other members of the same unit using the messages link above this blurb, and you can also search for other members of this unit. Once you find them, click on their name to send an email direct to them. Please note that this website doesn't "remember" your emails, they are sent direct from you to the recipient without sappers.co.uk getting in the way. That helps you get in touch quickly and it keeps everything simple and free. Have fun. Gordon

Cities: 
Chatham
Chattenden
Gillingham
Osnabruck
Cyprus

Officer Cadet Squadron

I only heard about this unit in September 2012, when I received this email from Mike Gator - 

Hi Gordon,

Gordon Barracks was situated on the site of Gillingham Business Park.  It
was the home of the Royal Engineers Officer Cadet Squadron from 1950-1961.
Over 3000 Sapper Officers were commissioned there after field engineer
training.  Instructors regarded Bailey Bridge panels, etc., as FOUR man
loads as far as O/Cs were concerned as opposed to the normal six man load
for sappers! I still have a bad back!!!

Units of RSME moved to Chattenden in 1966 and the site was flogged off to
Gillingham Borough Council for redevelpoment in 1978.  

The barracks were built in the 1930s when they provided training and
accommodation for an Army Apprentices School. They were known as Darland
Hutments.  

Between 1940-1946 they were used as a Military Detention Barracks with the
name Fort Darland. I understand that one of the prisoners died as a result
of harsh treatment and the detention centre was closed.  The name was then
changed to Gordon Barracks.

In 1949, 11 HQ Regiment at Ripon was renamed 11 SME Regiment, reorganised to
provide HQ, Training and Officer Cadet Squadrons and moved with the Field
Engineer School to take up accommodation at Gordon Barracks.
Cities: 
Gillingham

RSME

Not sure how to put RSME on here, as they are currently based at Minley, Chatham, and somewhere else.  They are now known as HQ RSME, but in my time you went to 12 RSME.  Can anyone enlighten me with the best way forward for this please?  REgards,

Gordon

Cities: 
Chatham
Chattenden
Brompton
Gillingham