Osnabruck
1 Squadron
A Reunion website can be found at www.1stFdSqnRE.com
HISTORY courtesy http://www.army.mod.uk/royalengineers/org/21regt/1sqn/history.htm
The Early Days
Most of the early units in the Corps of Royal Engineers were called field companies and had the task of providing engineer support to the fighting divisions and brigades. It was from one of these (11th Field Company) that a small force of mounted engineers was formed in 1885 - called the RE Division - for service in the Egyptian War, with the Corps of mounted Infantry.
In 1894 it was made a permanent part of the Calvary Division and was therefore renamed as the 'Mounted Detachment Royal Engineers'. This title however, proved to be short lived.
The Boer War 1899 - 1901
In 1899 it was expanded and became the Field Troop, and when others were formed, the '1st Field Troop'. It fought through the war in support of the Calvary.
At the end of the Boer War, 1st Field Troop returned to England and took up permanent station in Aldershot, where it continued to provide engineer support to the Calvary.
The First World War
In 1914 after further expansion it became the 1st Field Squadron and in August embarked for France as part of the British Expeditionary Force, where it served for the whole war in support of formations of the Calvary Corps. At this time 1st Calvary Division had just one field squadron (225 men and horses).
The Squadron took part in many of the major actions of the war including, the retreat from Mons, the advance to Aisne, the outflanking advance into Flanders, the first battle of Ypres in 1914, digging and blowing up of the first mine laid by the BEF in France in 1915.
The Second World War
In February 1940 1st Field Squadron once again deployed to France (with 1st Armoured Division), where whilst on detachment to the 51st Highland Division the majority of the Squadron were taken prisoner at St.Valery. Only 4 Officers and 65 men made it back to England.
In September 1941 1st Field Squadron sailed for the Middle East where it was immediately committed to action in the western desert. It took part in the Gazala battle and in the more famous defence of Tobruck in 1942. Once again the Squadron suffered from large-scale capture whilst attached to the 2nd South African Division.
Again 1st Field Squadron was reformed, in time to play its part in the battles of Alam Halfa and El Alamein and accompanied the 8th Army advance along the whole of the North African shore to the Cap Bon Peninsula in Tunisia.
In 1944 the Squadron crossed in to Italy where, after a short attachment to 8th Armoured Division, it rejoined 1st Armoured Division and took part in the attack on the Gothic Line.
At the end of 1944, 1st Field Squadron was reorganised as an Assault Squadron, retitled to 1st Armoured Engineer Squadron, and took part with 2nd Armoured Regiment RE in the final offensive in Northern Italy.
The Post War Years 1945 - 1991
At the close of World War 2 the Squadron spent a short time in Austria, returning to Italy in 1945 for duty with 1st Armoured Regiment RE.
When the latter was disbanded, the squadron reverted back to its normal role and name and, after a brief attachment to 6th Armoured Division, motored into Germany in February 1946, to join the 7th Armoured Division, where it remained until March 1948.
On reforming in September 1948, it set sail for the Far East. Once disembarked at Singapore the Squadron was used as in anti-bandit operations, mainly around Kuala Lumpar, moving to Hong Kong in May 1949.
In February 1950, 1st Field Squadron returned to the United Kingdom, where it joined and largely helped to form the 27th Field Engineer Regiment.
In 1957 the Field Engineer Regiments were disbanded and 1st Field became the Sapper Squadron in 20th Armoured Brigade Group, serving within 4th Division in Paderborn, Germany.
In 1961 as part of the reorganisation, 1st Field Squadron moved with 20th Armoured Brigade to 1st Division, to become part of 1st Division Engineer Regiment in Nienburg on the river Weser.
In April 1969 during further reorganisation, 1st Division Engineer Regiment became 21 Engineer Regiment. With it the Squadron deployed to Northern Ireland a number of times, and on numerous BAOR exercises.
In 1990 the Squadron deployed to the Persian Gulf as part of the coalition force, in support to 7th Armoured Brigade and played its part in the ensuing war.
Post Gulf War to the Present
When the problems in Bosnia, Croatia and Serbia (the former Yugoslavia) became critical, the United Nations sent in a peace-keeping force, of which the United Kingdom was a part. This operation was known as Operation Grapple. The Squadron deployed on Op Grapple 2 and later on Op Grapple 6.
In January 1996, 21 Engineer Regiment once again moved locations, this time to Osnabrück.
During 1997 the Squadron deployed on an operational tour of the Falkland Islands, returning to Osnabrück in September of that year.
In 1998 the Kosovo crisis hit the headlines and 21 Engineer Regiment deployed on Operation Agricola 1, as part of NATO's KFOR. 1st Field Squadron, as part of the King's Royal Hussars Battlegroup, played a major role in the construction of the Brazda refugee camp, the entry into Kosovo, and later was the forward engineer squadron based at Podujevo.
On returning from the Balkans in late 1999, 21 Engineer Regiment saw the formation of Close Support Squadrons, and the introduction of Armoured Troops within the ORBAT. 1st Field Squadron then moved to Roberts Barracks, Osnabrück where it was responsible amongst other things for fostering the soon to reform 73 Armoured Engineer Squadron.
The Squadron was retitled 1st Armoured Engineer Squadron in April 2000.
12 Squadron
12 Field Squadron and 55 Field Squadron, part of 28 Field Engineer Regiment, went from Korea to Christmas Island in 1956.
The email below was received on 8th December 2012 - can anyone help?
Hi. I signed up to your well organised site in an attempt to find out more about the 12th Independent Field Squadron RE’s, it is not mentioned on your site nor the Royal Engineers sites anywhere! The squadron went out to Christmas Island and helped to build the Air strip in 1956 and again in 1957/8 to build the Main Camp sewage system and started the constructing of the permanent wooden accommodation. They also saw all 5 Hyd/Atomic during that second tour. I did the Accommodation store with one other Sapper and a R.A.S.C driver. One reason for my interest is that I received a Commendation from the Grapple commander but have never known who recommended me for it. I can supply a copy of the commendation and photos of the time I was on the Island.
This commendation held me in good stead in getting a Civilian job as soon as I left the force. I joined the UKAEA and was a radiation worker for 32 years, plus the three bombs, you would think that I would glow in the dark! I retired, in good health, when 52 years of age on a full pension and at 73 am still enjoying good health and the pension!
I was also at Farnborough ,3TRRE and went on to NCO Cadre in the mid 1950’s but am unable to be precise for I have mislaid my pay book after some 60 ish years. I have tried to get my service records, to no avail, any help in this direction would be appreciated. I also have photos of this time.
I didn’t get my first L/Cpl stripe until my return from Christmas Island and was posted to Barton Stacey, I don’t know who recommended me for that stipe either! I was a 9 year regular but as I didn’t seem to be getting anywhere and I had joined before my eighteenth birthday I had the 3 year option to come out, which I did. I would like to know the Regiment I was with at Barton Stacey.
If you can give me any pointers I would appreciate it.
Regards
Cliff Barnard
16 Squadron
There is an established 16 Sqn social site at http://16fldsqnre.com/ which seems very popular. Once you've registered on here, why not pop over there and take a look at it? Meanwhile, I've had this lot from Derek Stevenson;
POCKET HISTORY OF 16th FIELD SQUADRON
The beginning The oldest squadron in the Corps today is lst Fortress Squadron, which was formed in 1772. Our squadron was, however, not far behind, being formed in 1825. 16th Survey Company of the Royal Sappers and Miners was formed under Royal Warrant dated the 20th October 1825, at Chatham. The Company remained at Chatham until April 1826, is which month it set sail for the West Indies. Unfortunately the Company vas Ship wrecked off Barbados, losing all its equipment. Later the same year, the Company arrived in Ireland and for the next five years were employed on the Survey of Ireland. The next 80 years were spent in a variety of stations engaged in surveying tasks, and detachments from the Company were employed on many boundary commissions end surveys all over the world. In 1906 the Company was reformed as 16th Fortress Company, being part of a Coast Battalion based on the Tyne, Tees, Humber and Mersey. It was employed on the construction of coastal defences of all these areas. In 1914 the name was changed to 16th Tyne Fortress Works Company and, in 1918 the company was split into four for draft-finding purposes to provide the basis of 594, 595. 596 and 597 TA Fortress Companies. In October 1919, however, 594 TA Fortress Company was renamed 16th Coast Battalion Company. In 1927, the Company was once more renamed as 16th Fortress Company and as such it remained until being absorbed in 1932 at Gosport as part of 4th Fortress Company, and 16th Company thus, temporarily, ceased to exist.
Malta
This sad demise was, however, wisely not allowed for long and in Malta on the 1st September 1934 the Company came to life again as the 16th Anti-Aircraft Searchlight Company, with the task of manning 12 searchlight stations for the defence of the island. In 1935, the Company was renamed once again as 16th Fortress Company, although its role was not changed. With its varied experience as Royal Engineers, the Company found no difficulty in constructing its own emplacements as well as operating the searchlights. It also helped to construct the permanent defences of the island. In 1939 the Company incorporated a Maltese section and was capable of operating 24 searchlights although never were more than 19 brought into service. As soon as war was declared in 1939, the Italian Air force attacked Malta in strength, and from early 1941, the island was subjected to almost incessant air attacks by the German Luftwaffe who attempted to beat the population into submission. The record of 16th Fortress Company throughout this period was a proud one and its part in the successful defence of the island should never be forgotten. Among other decorations, the CSM was awarded the George Medal and a sapper the Military Medal. By October 1943, as the enemy retreated up the leg of Italy conditions had improved, and the Company was withdrawn from Malta.
North West Europe
In early 1944, the Company became the 16th Electrical and Mechanical Company Royal Engineers and, on the 6th June 1944, it embarked from England to arrive on the beaches of Normandy on D + 3. Tasks included lighting of the beaches and provision of electrical and water installations at hospitals and prisoner of war camps. As an L of C unit in 21st Army Group, the Company was employed over most of Normandy on servicing and maintenance work.
The Far East
In 1945 the Company embarked for the F, East and it finished the Second World War in India and later in South East Asia. In October 1946, however the Company was placed in suspended animation.
Egypt
On the 9th February, 1950, 16th Field Squadron was reformed as part of 35 Engineer Regiment, in Egypt. During the riots of October 1951 the Squadron was employed in constructing desert camps, construction of an ice-making plant at Fort Said, and on road maintenance. In early 1954, however the regiment moved on rotation to Cyprus and the Squadron followed in June. The massive task of sorting out the aftermath of the Suez operation was completed in Cyprus by the end of 1956 and so the Squadron was able to return with the rest of the Regiment to Ripon, to rejoin their families, in January 1957.
Ripon
The Squadron now spent nearly a year in the UK, but in November 1957, it was moved, at six weeks notice with the rest of the Regiment, to Osnabruck. The Squadron remained as part of 35 Corps Engineer Regiment, at Osnabruck, for the next seven years until 1964. In 1963 a troop was sent to Skopje, in Jugoslavia, to build emergency hutting.
2 Division Engineers
In 1964, the Squadron joined 2 Division Engineers when 35 Corps Engineer Regiment moved to Hameln. The Squadron was affiliated to 6 Infantry Brigade. In 1966, when 6 Infantry Brigade returned to the UK, by a staff officer error, 7 Field Squadron was ordered to return with it, and so 16 Field Squadron became affiliated to 12 Infantry Brigade at Osnabruck.
23 Engineer Regiment
However, in April 1969, the organisation of Engineers in BAOR was radically reorganised, so that each Brigade was to be supported by an Engineer Regiment of two Field Squadrons, 16 Field Squadron was re-affiliated to 6 Infantry Brigade support, together with 7 Field Squadron. From late 1967 to mid 1969, the Squadron was the nucleus and administrative hub of the Engineer Task Force for the earthwork construction of a German civilian airport at Greven, near Munster, and was thus responsible for the largest earthmoving operation ever undertaken by the Corps.
The Future
From April 1971, the Squadron will experience yet another change of affiliation, when, together with 37 Field Squadron, who will replace 7 Field Squadron as the other Field Squadron in 25 Engineer Regiment, we will be responsible for engineer support to 4 Guards Brigade at Munster.
Summary
Thus it can be seen that 16 Field Squadron has behind it a varied history which represents almost every facet of the history of the Corps itself. Founded as a survey Company, it has such wide experience of so many different roles as to qualify it fully for anything that the future may hold. 16 Field Squadron faces the future with confidence.
R B HILL Major RE Officer Commanding
21 Engr Regt Workshops REME
This is a holding page for this unit, as I'm unsure if they went to Osnabruck or anywhere else yet. If you have any info on this please email me - gordon@sappers.co.uk and I'll put it on here.
23 Engr Regt Workshops
This is just a holding page for now so you can use it to add this unit to your service history. REgards, Gordon
25 Engr Regt Workshops REME
By creating this unit, you have somewhere to add as your service history. This page itself doesn't contain anything of interest, but it forms a base for finding others you served with in this unit, or putting up photos, or even sharing a message with each other. REgards, Gordon
25 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
I had this from Peter Mann today (November 2013) -
"During that short period at Minden the Berlin Wall was built. That was the first "long" weekend since I joined the unit, and we all made the most of a Friday on the beer! We were woken at about 5am and told to draw arms AND ammunition, get breakfast and be on parade in half an hour. After being told of the events in Berlin we were stood down until more orders were received. We spent the time boxing up our personal property, knowing that if we left the barracks then we would never be coming back! Very sobering! By the end of the day the situation was resolved and normality returned. We never got another long weekend to replace the one we lost!"
Anyone else got any stories from 25?
30 Squadron
The original Dirty 30!
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
John Anderson runs a website for 30 Sqn with lots of photos, messages and all the interesting stuff on it, I'd recommend you go and visit. http://sapper696.50megs.com/index.html
There is also another 30 Sqn site run by Roger Lakeman, which may be for members from the same time period or a different time period, you can find it at www.30fieldsquadron.org.uk
For the older cadre - this message was received March 2012 - My name is John Gardiner I run a small website dedicated to 30 Squadron 1960 to 1970 especially for those who served in Aden 1966/1977. The web address is http://www.aden30squadronre.itgo.com/. Why not give it a click if it applies to you ?
31 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
33 Squadron
33 Field until 1959, then independent until 1967, then 33 Field until 1974, then 33 independent until 1992, then 33 field until 2007. Total 26 years independent, 31 years as Field. For reasons like this, I have avoided ALL names such as Amph, Cdo, Indep, Hugh, Pugh and Barney McGrue
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
From Clive Pledger -
Hi Gordon. 33Fld squadron was my first posting after training.It was part of 37Eng Regt comprising 33sqn,10 sqn and 66 plant sqn and 325 engineer park. 33 had the honour of building long kesh internment camp in 1971 before I joined them also building the Bedrock Hilton sqn bar reckoned by many the best sqn bar ever..33 sqn went back to NI in 1972 for op motorman and did 6 weeks at Ballykelly then 6 weeks in the maze(long kesh.) 33 sqn joined 37 eng reg in 1967 from Cyprus. 10 sqn moved to BOAR in 1973 as harrier support. and 33 became 33 ind fld sqn.They moved to NI permently in oct 1973 and I was posted to 66 plant sqn to run their signals.section. Hope this helps.
Regards clive.
37 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
There is a website run by some former 37 members, you can access it here http://www.37fieldsquadronre-oldboys.org
38 Engr Regt REME
This is a holding page for this unit until I get more details about it. Feel free to tell me anything you can and I'll get it added. REgards, Gordon
39 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
4 Sqn
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
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
42 Squadron
Message received from Derek Male October 16th 2011 -
I have found that it is very hard to find any of the old Lads now, Some may have Emigrated like myself, some may have passed on, and some may be thinking that all this new technology is way over their Heads, and would sooner just sit in the Armchair, I have been Lucky enough to find 3 People from that time 3 Sappers and a M.P. I may pass on your Address to the Sappers I know to see if they can get themselves Registered, This is my History in the Corps, and the parts I could not put on the Site,
in 1952 I became 22806352 Sapper Male D. R. And was Told to report to Malvern at 1 TRRE, I did my Induction there for 2 Weeks, then I Was Sent to Crickhowell, near Abergavenny, South Wales, and Joined 39 Corps Engineer Regiment, and was put in # 8 Party, for the 6 Weeks Basic Training, when that was Completed I was sent up to the North of Scotland at Elgin, and Joined # 8 TRRE, for the 10 Weeks Field Engineer Training, when that was Finished, I was Sent out to the Suez Canal Zone, MELF 15 and Joined 35 Corps Engineer Regiment, and was Put in 8 Troop, 42 Field Squadron the Camp was named Minden Camp and was based at Fayid, after about 18 Months there, in 1954 when everyone had to come out of the Suez Canal Zone for political reasons, I moved with the Regiment to Cyprus, and we were Based at Polimedia Camp Limasol, From there all the Squadrons, 16 Sqn, 30 Sqn, 42 Sqn, and 18 Fld Park where all Deployed on Building Works, to Provide the New GHQ Middle East a new home from Moving from Egypt, In 42 Sqn, I was involved in Building a 22 Mile long Water pipeline from up in the Troodos Mountains down to the Site of the New GHQ,
This was built on Time in spite of the constant Harassment from the EOKA Terrorists, In 1955 I left for the UK and Was Demobed from Barton Stacy, If you have a Look at my Profile on Forces Reunited, You will find my History and Photo's on there,
So I think I will give it a Go on your Site, as you suggest, and I'll see how I get on, Thanks for the Info,
Cheers, REgards, Derek,
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
43 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
45 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
|
Unit Name |
Location |
Dates |
Higher Formation |
Notes |
|
45 Field Park Squadron |
Germany: |
Mar 48 - 1948 |
Formed by re-titling 145 Fd Pk Coy. But almost immediately disbanded |
|
|
Germany: Holzminden |
Jul 49 - Oct 49 |
21 Field Engineer Regiment |
||
|
Germany: Hameln |
Oct 49 - Nov 51 |
21 Field Engineer Regiment |
||
|
Germany: Assaye Barracks, Nienburg |
Nov 51 - 1954 |
21 Field Engineer Regiment |
||
|
Germany: Assaye Barracks, Nienburg |
1954 - Jan 58 |
|||
|
Germany: Assaye Barracks, Nienburg |
Jan 58 - Jul 60 |
5 Div Engineers |
||
|
Germany: Assaye Barracks, Nienburg |
Jul 60 - Jan 68 |
1 Div Engineers |
||
|
45 Field Sup Squadron |
Germany: Assaye Barracks, Nienburg |
Jan 68 - April 69 |
1 Div Engineers |
|
|
Germany: Assaye Barracks, Nienburg |
Apr 69 - Apr 78 |
21 Engineer Regiment |
||
|
Northern Ireland Tour: Long Kesh |
30 Apr - 5 Aug 71 |
21 Engineer Regiment |
Infantry role |
|
|
Northern Ireland Tour: Long Kesh |
15 Dec 74 - 11 Apr 75 |
21 Engineer Regiment |
Infantry role |
|
|
Germany: Assaye Barracks, Neinburg |
Apr 78 - Jan 81 |
1 Armd Div Engr Regiment |
||
|
Northern Ireland Tour: Maze Prison Guard Force |
July - Nov 79 |
|||
|
Germany: Assaye Barracks, Neinburg |
Jan 81 - Feb 96 |
21 Engineer Regiment |
||
|
Germany: Quebec Barracks, Osnabruck |
Feb 96 - 1 Dec 99 |
21 Engineer Regiment |
||
|
Germany: Gordon Bks, Hameln |
1 Dec 99 - |
28 Engineer Regiment |
||
|
Op AGRICOLA |
Feb 00 – Sept 00 |
28 Engineer Regiment |
||
|
Afghanistan - Op FINGAL |
Jun 01 – Nov 01 |
28 Engineer Regiment |
||
|
Iraq - Op TELIC 5 |
Dec 03 – Apr 04 |
28 Engineer Regiment |
||
|
45 Field Support Squadron |
Germany: Gordon Bks, Hameln |
cAug 08 - |
28 Engineer Regiment |
50 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
Bob Young sent me this - "Hello Gordon,A bit more info for you,50 Sqn were in Osnabruck for a number of years-I can't help with the actual dates but I went to them in 1960 and they had been there for some time then,I left in 1963 and I believe that they left Osnabruck not long after that.Incidently,28 Amphibious Regt.started life as 1 troop 50 Sqn.during the time I was there.Regards Bob"
65 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
I received this from David Pryke in Jan 2013 -
We were originally – but when I do not know – put into service as a `chemical warfare squadron` - but we never undertook that role … I only know this because I qualified as an industrial chemist and amusingly said I was posted there because of that … we never had anything to do with chemical warfare … although I personally did an NBC course.
7 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
Bob Blakey is working on a special page for all you Shiney 7 members out there, why not go and
have a look at it here?. http://shiny7.webs.com
Reunion site. http://shiny7.reunion.webs.com
73 Squadron
Received this from Brian Batty -
The whole of 36 Corps Engineer Regiment (‘Corps’ was part of the Regiment’s title since it was under the direct command of the 1 (BR) Corps Commander and, thus, Corps Troops) was on Christmas Island, Pacific Ocean, during the period 1957-9 (literally at the end of the Operation Grapple X, Y & Z series atomic bomb tests), having left a rear party only in Maidstone. When 36 Regt left the island, 73 (Christmas Island) Squadron RE was formed and its remit was to maintain the complete infrastructure in an operational state – the island continued, for some years, to be of strategic importance as a refuelling base.
Early in 1962, 73 squadron’s strength was significantly increased to provide assistance to America for Operation Brigadoon which was 21x H Bomb tests, during 1962-3. I served with 73 Squadron from Feb 62 to Mar 63.
HQ 2 Armd Div
This was BFPO 22 apparently, and the admin of the sappers there was done by the Royal Signals of all people. Never mind, we won't hold it against them. If you have any more info about this unit, please let me know
REgards, Gordon
HQ 21 Engr Regt
Glen Wilson remembers this -
21 Engr Regt Nienburg. 1988 ish. CO was Lt Col Elliott. The Regt was called "Indianna Elliott and the Regt of Doom". We had a monthly COs ball buster. Anyone remember??
DaveBoy Ellis Are you on a nostalgia trip?
David Forbes Are'nt we all ?lol
Christopher Parish Hi Glen, i certainly remember them. Still got knackered toenails to prove it. Do you remember the one where we had to paddle down the Weser in assault boats, then carry the bloody things back to camp! those were the days eh!!
Kevin Belcher The smiling assassin. I remember 1 when the regt came off exercise and were told end ex on arrival at camp to be greeted by the gym staff who took them for a run and assault course !!! For some reason we didn't get to any of the squadron bars for the Friday piss up that day !!! Lmfao
Charlie Simcoe Would you believe, Elliott ended up as a General.
Roger Lee Anyone remember Exercise Northren Hemmarodis We had to walk every where for a week in mid winter then got a train back.
Alan Kettlewell remembers the following people, if you're one of the people on this list then why not get in touch with him?
Sgt Andy Gray, Sgt Brian Hickock, SSgt Snelling - but I think on the MT, LCpl Bill Patterson, Spr (Jenny) Wren, Spr Dennis Scaife, Spr Rab (Jock) Lockie, Spr Jim Sawyer, Spr Jim Baker, LCpl Jim Preston, SSgt Ralph Walsh, Lt (Dimmo) Wallis, Spr Jim Sykes, Spr Azzopardi, Spr George Munro (RIP - sadly killed by a hit and run driver on the crossroads outside the camp at Nienburg) LCpl Del Skinner (also hit by the driver but survived after a long stay in hospital)
HQ 23 Engr Regt
This is a holding page for this unit, until someone sends me some more info to put up here that's of some interest to former members. At least you can still use it to add your service history, which will let other people find you in future.
HQ 25 Engr Regt
This is just a holding page for this unit until I work out what I'm going to put here. For now I'm busy making sure I've got as many of the postings listed as we all need. In the meantime you can use it to add your service history and then click the Squadron Members link above this blurb to find out who else is registered on this site that you might remember. Good luck, Gordon
TA - 410 Plant Squadron R.E.(V)
Can't tell you much about this squadron, but hopefully some of you will send me some info to put here to make this page much more interesting!
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