British Army in Iserlohn from 1945 to 1994

1945 map of Iserlohn & Hemer - click to enlarge

2009-06-19T16:26:00.001+02:00

1st Corps District - 1945 to 1947 updated 15 Sep 10

2009-06-19T16:25:00.071+02:00

Taken from "History of 1 (BR) Corps 1901-1967"

The End of the War
1st April 1945 saw the start of great changes in the role of 1 Corps. It ceased to be operational the following day, having passed on the previous day from First Canadian Army to Second British Army. It took over administrative duties in the rear of Second Army on the west bank of the Rhine in February and March and soon afterwards, responsibility for the area taken after the Rhine crossing.

A number of changes among the formations in 1 Corps took place in early April while on 21 May 1945 the Corps was designated 1 Corps District and joined HQ 21 Army Group from Second Army. In the following month Lt General Sir John Crocker ceased to command the Corps District, his successor being Lt General SC Kirkman. He was succeeded in September by Lt General GI Thomas who commanded 1 Corps District until its disbandment in 1947.

HQ 1 Corps was at Walbeck until mid April 1945 when it moved to Rhede. In mid June 1945, the Headquarters moved to Iserlohn. Before the end of the war in early May it protected the lines of communication of Second Army. When the war ended the Corps District was concerned with internal security, military government tasks and the disposal of German war material.

Post War Problems
The problem that loomed largest at the end of the war and the one, which occupied the Corps most, was the repatriation of former prisoners of war and displaced persons. British and US POWs released in the Corps area were soon evacuated. Transit centres were set up to forward westbound DPs and ex POWs from France, Belgium and Holland. East bound ex POWs and DPs, Czechs, Greeks, Yugoslavs, as well as Italian ex POWs and DPs were repatriated in June and Russians and Poles mostly by train between July and September 1945. The total numbers repatriated were large. By 27th May 175000 had been repatriated while 705000 were still held. Many DPs and ex POWs however remained behind in Germany.

1 Corps was also responsible for holding German POWs and internees. Some of these men were soon released. 1 Corps District included an area where food, shelter, clothing and fuel were particularly short. Each division had inspection teams, headed by an officer who was an experienced farmer to see that farms which did not deliver up their quota to the food offices and making sure they were not disposing of it for black market sale. In October and November a shoot was organised of deer and wild pig to help in keeping the population of Germany fed. In October 1945 there was clothing levy to help with the grave shortage of clothing while the cutting of trees for fuel was also organised.

The last months of the war and several months after it saw 1 Corps troops busy in battlefield clearance and taking over German war material. Some material was be used by allied forces but much ammunition was destroyed, while guns, tanks, vehicles and valuable equipment were collected into guarded dumps. A last task given to 1 Corps was the control of movement in and out of Germany.

Other problems to be faced in Germany were very numerous. The currency in use had depreciated and was liable to be used for speculation those under military law were forbidden to possess foreign currency other than marks. The danger of typhus had to be guarded against also minefields and booby traps were still to be found. Other Corps District Standing Orders dealt with the procedure for release and the action taken on finding enemy records, the possession of firearms and unauthorised hunting. 1 Corps District was responsible for an area from Aachen in the west, to Minden in the east, Munster and Cleve in the north, to Bonn in the south*. On 1 June 1947 1 Corps District was disbanded and the revival of 1 Corps took place in June 1951.

*another source confirms 1 Corps District took over XXX Corps District’s area until the disbandment then known as Hannover District

From 21st May 1945 1st British Corps District were responsible for the states of Rhineland and Westphalia and its headquarters moved into Aldershot Barracks the former Luftwaffe Flak Kaserne from Rhede mid June 1945 back in 1904 the title 1 Corps was changed to Aldershot Command and in 1905 to Aldershot Army Corps then in 1914 back to 1 Corps so this is why Flak Kaserne became to be known as Aldershot Barracks

A large number of German establishments and houses were taken over by the 1 (BR) Corps District and the 328 Military Government Detachment moved into a large building on the Baarstrasse and taking over the four barracks built in the 1930s they were superbly equipped with modern kitchens, gymnasium, swimming pools, motor transport garages and sports fields the only thing they lacked were purpose built officer’s messes as the officers in the German Army lived out of barracks therefore officer messes and clubs were established out of barracks also messes and clubs for warrant officers and sergeants and other ranks the messes were scattered all over town

General Officer Commanding – Lt General SC Kirkman replaced by Lt General GI Thomas Sep 45

Brigadier in charge of Administration – Brigadier PH de Havilland
Deputy Director of Mechanical Engineers (DDME) – Brigadier FM Next
Assistant Quartermaster-General (AQMG) – Brigadier PG Turpin

United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) – Brigadier King

Iserlohn units as recorded Dec 45
HQ 1 Corps – Aldershot Barracks
1 Corps Signals – Mons Barracks
1 Corps Troops REME Wksp – Brickworks NW of Argonne Barracks
6 General Hospital – Argonne Barracks
92 Army Troops RE – Argonne Barracks
100 CRE Works – Südstrasse

CRE: Lt Col GC Clarke

521 Field Support Company RE

710 Artisan Works Company RE

777 Car Coy
Defence Coy – 1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment
K Coy ATS

Sigs Met Sec

328 Military Government Detachment – Baarstrasse

121 Special Wireless Section – Sümmern Village detached from 1st Special Wireless Regiment Minden

1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment – Battalion HQ Northumberland Barracks Menden companies – Hemer – Aldershot Barracks Iserlohn – Letmathe moved to Horrocks Barracks Schloss Neuhaus Apr 46

facilities off barracks as recorded Dec 45
Officers Club (The Bowler Hat) – Wermingerstrasse
Officers Club – 63 Baarstrasse
Garrison Theatre – Hagenerstrasse close to junction with Baarstrasse
Garrison Church – Bachstrasse
Spearhead (Gloria) Cinema – Alexanderhöhe
Spearhead Ballroom – 17 An Dicken Turm
Spearhead NAAFI Club – north east of Aldershot Barracks
Spearhead Lagoon Club – Seilersee run by the Belgian Red Cross
YMCA Harmonie Club – Bahnhofstrasse
YWCA Elizabeth Club – Westergrabenstrasse
Forces Study Centre – opposite Garrison Church Bachstrasse
Wembley Sports Ground + Tennis Courts + Open Air Bathing – next to Spearhead Lagoon Club Seilersee
Oval Sports Ground – Baarstrasse

units recorded later
032 Civilian Interrogation Centre – Gartenstrasse
Ordnance – 6 Baarstrasse (Taxation Office)
Corps District Map Depot – Hansaalle
105 Area Cash Office – Markt Platz
Det 415 FS – 6 Bömberg Ring
RE Purchase Section – An Den Stadtsgarten
Garrison Engineer + 3 DCU + LINRRA – Südstrasse
9 Stores Section RE – 51 Grünerweg
S & T – 2/6 Grünerweg
PCLU + Families Registry + INFM Post and Car Park + AKC HQ – Vinckestrasse
SAAFA + ISSAHS – Dördel Weg
Legal Aid + CVWW – Märkischestrasse

facilities recorded later
032 Civilian Interrogation Mess – Im Bürgergarten
C + D + T Messes + DDOS – Baarstrasse
A + W + REME Messes – Am Tyrol
B + S Messes + Families Institute + Families Clinic – Gartenstrasse
Officers Hotel – Stennerstrasse
Polish Red Cross – Langestrasse
ORs Mess No 3 – Grabbenstrasse
Stables – Argonne Barracks
Signals ORs Club – Westfalenstrasse
Corps Signals Officers Mess and billets – Sundernalle
Corps Signals WOs & Sgts Mess + PCLU Mess – Westfalenstrasse
328 Military Government Det Mess – Westfalenstrasse
WOs & Sgts Families Hostel + ORs Families Hostel + ORs Families Accomadation – Teichstrasse
French House – Friedrichstrasse
NAAFI Gift Shop + Z Mess – Unnastrasse
Families Shop + Ladies Hairdressers – Wermingserstrasse
Mens Hairdressers – Mühlenstrasse
Swimming Pool + CESU Hostel – Bahnhofstrasse
Visitor Mess + Annex + Kinema Section – Altstadt

French Laison + Senior Belgium Laison Officer – Altstadt
Laundry (Dry Cleaning) + Church House – direction Kasbern
Spearhead Casino + ORs Club + Cinema – Alexanderhöhe
Ordnance ORs Billets + Officers Shop – Hagenerstrasse
WOs & Sgts Mess Visitors Mess – 14 Grünerweg
RC Church – Weststrasse
WOs & Sgts Mess Club – Igelstrasse
Garrison Theatre + CSEU HQ – Hagenerstrasse close to junction with Baarstrasse
ATS Billets – Gerlingsler Weg
Y Mess – Dördel Weg
X Mess – Hermannstrasse

521 Corps Field Survey Company RE – arrived 16 Jun 45 from Lüneburg disbanded 28 Feb 46

OCs: Maj CS Barron – Maj RW Pring – Maj AJ Elsey – Maj DE Gardner

1 Topo Section – Recklinghausen

2 Topo Section – Düsseldorf

1st British Corps District Signals moved into Mons Barracks the former Artillery Winkelman Kaserne and by 1946 consisted of nine companies including a ATS company and two companies of former Wehrmacht soldiers

CO: 1945 Lt Col DN Deakin
HQ Coy – 1 Coy – 2 Coy
2 Coy ATS Signals
3 Coy – Köln
4 Coy – Düsseldorf

1st British Corps District Signals reorganized Summer 1946 and renamed 1st British Corps District Signal Regiment changing from static to mobile role – suspended animation July 1947

CO: 1946-1947 Lt Col AS Milner OBE – RSM: WOI Warburton
HQ Sqn – incl 43 TM Tp
1 Sqn – OC Maj LJ Parker – SSM Rockall
2 Sqn – OC Maj Toombs
A + B Wireless Tps + Cipher Tps + 43 Op Tp disbanded – 126 TO Tp to 31 LofC Sqn Hannover
29 TO Tp – 5 + 53 DR Tp to 33 LofC Sqn Düsseldorf
3 Sqn – disbanded first – OC Maj R Hawkins MBE

Jun 45 – VIII British Corps District formed – HQ Connaught Barracks Plön was responsible for the state of Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg disbanded Apr 46

Jun 45 – XXX British Corps District formed – HQ Nienburg later Lüneburg was responsible for the states of Hannover/Braunschweig/Oldenburg/Schaumburg-Lippe from Nov 46 known as Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony) disbanded Sep 46

Apr 46 – Hamburg District formed

Sep 46 – 1st British Corps District then covered the whole of Germany less the north covered by Hamburg District

5th Infantry Brigade - February 1947 to April 1958 updated 8 Mar 10

2009-06-18T18:31:00.012+02:00

On 1st February 1947 5th Infantry Brigade was re-formed Napier Barracks Dortmund as part of 2nd Infantry Division with the headquarters at St David’s Barracks in Hilden the formation was from the 53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division’s 157th Infantry Brigade the Brigade became a Brigade Group on 1st August 1947 the Brigade HQ moved to Aldershot Barracks in Iserlohn 1st September 1947

Commanders

1947 – Brigadier SN Shoosmith DSO OBE

1947 – Brigadier H Long OBE MC

1949 – Brigadier JHO Wilsey CBE OBE

1950 – Brigadier R Delcombe DSO MBE

1953 – Brigadier EP Sewell CBE

1954 – Brigadier RH Batten CBE DS

1956 – Brigadier PHW Brind DSO OBE

1958 – Brigadier PWJ Pope DSO MC

5th Infantry Brigade Group major units
3rd The King’s Own Hussars – Apr 56 to Sep 57 – Epsom Barracks Iserlohn
3rd The King’s Own Hussars – Sep 57 to May 58 – York Barracks Münster
40th Field Regiment Royal Artillary – Apr 47 to Dec 54 – West Riding Barracks Dortmund
45th Field Regiment Royal Artillary – Dec 54 to May 58 – West Riding Barracks Dortmund
1st Battalion The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) – 1946 to Dec 49 – Aldershot Barracks Iserlohn
2nd Battalion The Royal Scots Fusiliers – 1947 to Feb 48 – Napier Barracks Dortmund
2nd Battalion The Queen’s Royal Regiment (West Surrey) – Aug 47 to Jun 48 – Moore Barracks Dortmund
1st Battalion The Durham Light Infantry – Jun 48 to Apr 51 – Moore Barracks Dortmund
The Kings (Liverpool) Regiment – Oct 48 to Feb 51 – Mons Barracks Iserlohn
The Queen’s Royal Regiment (West Surrey) – Dec 49 to Nov 53 – Aldershot Barracks Iserlohn

The King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry – Apr 51 to Mar 53 – Moore Barracks Dortmund

The Royal Lincolnshire Regiment (10th Foot) – Nov 52 to Feb 55 – Mons Barracks Iserlohn
The Royal Leicestershire Regiment (17th Foot) – Nov 52 to Feb 55 – Mons Barracks Iserlohn (not confirmed)
2nd Battalion The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) – Mar 53 to Aug 54 – Moore Barracks Dortmund
1st Battalion The Lancashire Fusiliers – Nov 53 to Nov 56 – Aldershot Barracks Iserlohn
1st Battalion The Royal Welch Fusiliers – Aug 54 to Aug 56 – Moore Barracks Dortmund
The Worcestershire Regiment – Feb 55 to Dec 56 – Mons Barracks Iserlohn
The Royal Norfolk Regiment – Dec 56 to May 58 – Aldershot Barracks Iserlohn
Queen’s Royal Regiment (West Surrey) – Apr 57 to May 58 – Mons Barracks Iserlohn

The Essex Regiment – Aug 57 to May 58 – Moore Barracks Dortmund

5th Infantry Brigade - May 1958 to 1964 updated 8 Mar 10

2009-06-18T17:59:00.007+02:00

On 1st May 1958 the command of the Brigade passed from 2nd Infantry Division to 4th Infantry Division with the headquarters at Wentworth Barracks in Herford the composition of the Brigade remained unchanged the Brigade moved in Jellalabad Barracks Tidworth in May 1964

Commanders
1958 – Brigadier PWG Pope DSO MC
1961 – Brigadier JN Thomas DSO MC

1962 – Brigadier DH Davies MC

5th Infantry Brigade Group major units
3rd The King’s Own Hussars – May 58 to Oct 58 – York Barracks Münster
The Royal Scots Greys (2nd Dragoons) – Oct 58 to Jun 60 – York Barracks Münster
1st Royal Tank Regiment – Jun 60 to Sep 61 – Swinton Barracks Münster
1st Royal Tank Regiment – Sep 61 to Jan 62 – Caen Barracks Hohne
10th Royal Hussars (Prince of Wales Own) – Jun 62 to Mar 64 – Barker Barracks Paderborn
45th Field Regiment Royal Artillary – May 58 to Dec 58 – West Riding Barracks Dortmund
The Essex Regiment – Aug 57 to Jun 58 – Moore Barracks Dortmund
Queen’s Royal Regiment (West Surrey) – May 58 to Jun 59 – Mons Barracks Iserlohn
Royal Norfolk Regiment – May 58 to Aug 59 – Aldershot Barracks Iserlohn
The 3rd East Anglian Regiment (16th/44th Foot) – Jun 58 to Mar 59 – Moore Barracks Dortmund

The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment) – Mar 59 to Nov 60 – Moore Barracks Dortmund
The Green Howards (Alexandra’s Princess of Wales's Own Yorkshire Regiment) – Jun 59 to Feb 63 – Mons Barracks Iserlohn
The 1st East Anglian Regiment (Royal Norfolk & Suffolk) – Aug 59 to Jan 60 – Aldershot Barracks Iserlohn
The Royal Ulster Rifles – Feb 60 to Apr 63 – Aldershot Barracks Iserlohn
The Loyal Regiment (North Lancashire) – Nov 60 to Jun 62 – Keightley Barracks Wuppertal
1st Battalion King’s Own Royal Border Regiment – Jun 62 to Apr 64 – Keightley Barracks Wuppertal
The Royal Welch Fusiliers – May 63 to May 64 – Aldershot Barracks Iserlohn
The Royal Highland Fusiliers (Princess Margaret’s Own Glasgow and Ayrshire Regiment) – Feb 63 to May 64 – Mons Barracks Iserlohn

With this change a new formation sign was required as in the past the Brigade had worn the cross keys of the Division it was decided to retain the key to commemorate the long association with the 2nd Division the bayonet was crossed with the key and the number five in the upper apex set on a red square red being the Infantry colour

4th Infantry later Guards Brigade - 1947 to 1977

2009-06-17T18:40:00.005+02:00

On 1st February 1947 the brigade was re-formed in Llanelly Barracks Hubblerath as part of 2nd Infantry Division with the headquarters at St David’s Barracks in Hilden the formation was from 160th Infantry Brigade of the 53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division and 4th Infantry Brigade became a Brigade Group 1st August 1947 renamed 4th Guards Brigade Group in May 1950

4th Infantry Brigade Units
19th Field Regiment Royal Artillary – Apr 47 to May 50 – Caernarvon Barracks Düsseldorf
1st Battalion The East Lancashire Regiment – Feb 47 to Jun 47 – Llanelly Barracks Hubblerath
2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards – Feb 47 to Dec 47 – Harding Barracks Wuppertal
1st Battalion The York and Lancaster Regiment – Feb 47 to Mar 48 – Bradbury Barracks Krefeld
2nd Battalion The Wiltshire Regiment (Duke of Edinburgh’s) – Mar 48 to Nov 48 – Bradbury Barracks Krefeld
1st Battalion The Royal Welch Fusiliers – Jun 47 to Apr 49 – Llanelly Barracks Hubblerath
1st Battalion The York and Lancaster Regiment – May 48 to Sep 48 – Spey Barracks Buxtehude
1st Battalion The Manchester Regiment – Jul 48 to Mar 50 – Manchester Barracks Wuppertal
1st Battalion The Wiltshire Regiment (Duke of Edinburgh’s) – Oct 48 to Apr 50 – Bradbury Barracks Krefeld
1st Battalion The Royal Norfolk Regiment – Apr 49 to 1950 – Llanelly Barracks Hubblerath

4th Guards Brigade Group Units from May 50
16th/5th Queen's Royal Lancers – Apr 56 to May 58 – Athlone Barracks Barracks Sennelager
19th Field Regiment Royal Artillary – Apr 47 to Sep 54 – Caernarvon Barracks Düsseldorf
29th Field Regiment Royal Artillary – Sep 54 to May 57 – Caernarvon Barracks Düsseldorf
1st Battalion The Royal Norfolk Regiment – 1950 to Feb 51 – Llanelly Barracks Hubblerath
1st Battalion Welsh Guards – Mar 50 to Mar 52 – Anglesey Barracks Wuppertal
2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards – Apr 50 to Nov 52 – Bradbury Barracks Krefeld
1st Battalion Irish Guards – Feb 51 to Mar 53 – Llanelly Barracks Hubblerath
2nd Battalion The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) – Apr 52 to Mar 53 – Gort Barracks Hubblerath
2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards – Nov 52 to Mar 55 – Bradbury Barracks Krefeld
2nd Battalion Scots Guards – Jul 53 to Apr 56 – Llanelly Barracks Hubblerath
1st Battalion The East Lancashire Regiment – Feb 54 to Feb 55 – Gort Barracks Hubblerath
1st Battalion Grenadier Guards – Feb 55 to Apr 56 – Gort Barracks Hubblerath
1st Battalion Coldstream Guards – Mar 55 to May 58 – Bradbury Barracks Krefeld
2nd Battalion Scots Guards – Apr 56 to Feb 57 – Llanelly Barracks Hubblerath
1st Battalion Grenadier Guards – Apr 56 to Oct 57 – Gort Barracks Hubblerath

3rd Battalion Coldstream Guards – Feb 57 to May 58 – Llanelly Barracks Hubblerath

May 58 to Mar 71

On 1st May 1958 the command of the Brigade passed from 2nd Infantry Division to 4th Infantry Division with the headquarters at Wentworth Barracks in Herford the composition of the Brigade remained unchanged in March 1964 the Brigade HQ moved to Aldershot Barracks in Iserlohn and in March 1968 moved to York Barracks Münster

4th Guards Brigade Group Units from May 58
17th/21st Lancers – May 58 to Dec 59 – Barker Barracks Paderborn
5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards – Feb 60 to Oct 62 – Athlone Barracks Barracks Sennelager 13th/18th Hussars (Queen Mary’s Own) – Feb 64 to Dec 66 – Barker Barracks Paderborn
14th/20th King’s Hussars – Sep 67 to Jun 70 – Barker Barracks Paderborn
13th/18th Hussars (Queen Mary’s Own) – Jan 68 to end 1970 – Swinton Barracks Münster
5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards – Jun 70 to end 1970 – York Barracks Münster
1st Battalion Coldstream Guards – May 58 to Nov 58 – Bradbury Barracks Krefeld
3rd Battalion Coldstream Guards – May 58 to Jan 59 – Llanelly Barracks Hubblerath
1st Battalion King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry – Aug 58 to Aug 59 – Dempsey Barracks Sennelager
2nd Battalion Scots Guards – Nov 58 to Dec 60 – Gort Barracks Hubblerath
2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards – Jan 59 to Nov 61 – Llanelly Barracks Hubblerath
1st Battalion King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry – Aug 59 to Aug 61 – St Davids Barracks Hilden
1st Battalion Welsh Guards – Dec 60 to Nov 63 – Gort Barracks Hubblerath
1st Battalion Irish Guards – Nov 61 to Jul 64 – Llanelly Barracks Hubblerath
1st Battalion Lancashire Regiment – Aug 61 to May 64 – St Davids Barracks Hilden
1st Battalion Grenadier Guards – Nov 63 to May 64 – Gort Barracks Hubblerath
1st Battalion Grenadier Guards – May 64 to 1965 – Keightley Barracks Wuppertal
1st Battalion Royal Highland Fusiliers (Princess Margaret’s Own Glasgow and Ayrshire Regiment) – May 64 to May 67 – Mons Barracks Iserlohn
1st Battalion Coldstream Guards – Jul 64 to Jan 67 – Aldershot Barracks Iserlohn
1st Battalion Grenadier Guards – 1965 to Jan 66 – Harding Barracks Wuppertal
2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards – Jan 66 to Mar 68 – Harding Barracks Wuppertal
2nd Battalion Scots Guards – Jan 67 to Mar 68 – Aldershot Barracks Iserlohn
3rd Battalion Royal Green Jackets (The Rifle Brigade) – May 67 to Jan 68 – Mons Barracks Iserlohn
2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards – Mar 68 to Mar 69 – Buller Barracks Münster2nd Battalion Scots Guards – Mar 68 to Mar 70 – Waterloo Barracks Münster

Thanks to the Soldier Magazine for the following account published February 1968

"The recent defence cuts have meant a partial run-down and redeployment of Rhine Army. The first major garrison town to be abandoned is Iserlohn. But it was a parting with panache.

They came as conquerors but left as friends. British troops have said goodbye to Iserlohn after 22 years.

Thousands of local people lined the streets while 2nd Battalion, Scots Guards, and 3rd Battalion, The Royal Green Jackets (The Rifle Brigade), and 4th Guards Brigade Signal Squadron, marched through the streets with drums beating, fixed bayonets and the skirl of pipes. Their mirror-like boots clicked smartly on the cobblestones while the pipes and drums and band played a selection of British and German marches including "Colonel Bogey" and "Prussian Glory."

In a touching ceremony on the city's new square – named Schillerplatz after the 19th century German writer who came from a military family – Brigadier D A H Toler, commander of 4th Guards Brigade, and the Oberburgermeister exchanged parting presents. Brigadier Toler gave a silver tray, inscribed with the names of units which have been stationed in the city, and copies of masterworks of Shakespeare, Shaw and Churchill for the Public Library.

Oberburgemeister Gunther Einert presented a framed picture of Iserlohn and leather-bound volumes of the city's history. The Pipes and Drums and Band played "Deutschland uber Alles" and the British national anthem while the troops presented arms.

Later, in the Haus der Heimat, the city's 200-year-old museum and library, local dignitaries and British officers and warrant officers toasted each other in Rhine champagne and exchanged gifts and speeches. Oberburgermeister Einert said the British had arrived as an army of occupation. The Iserlohners were dour people who did not take to outsiders easily. Yet during the years a close friendship had grown up. "Now they are almost citizens of this town," he said "and we are very sad to see them go."

He related an incident that touched the hearts of all the local people. During the parade two little English boys were chatting excitedly, he explained, but when "Unity, Justice and Freedom"* was played one turned to the other and said, "Be quiet – that is the German national anthem."

Iserlohn, which dates back to 1050 and is the home of millionaire Ruhr industrialists, will miss its 3000 British inhabitants. They represent one in 20 of the population. The local papers have pointed out how this will affect the economy of the town – 600 Germans employed in the garrison are now out of work and local traders, especially in the fruit and vegetable market, will be hit.

The 4th Guards Brigade, 2nd Battalion, Grenadier Guards, and 2nd Battalion, Scots Guards, are moving to Munster, and the 3rd Royal Green Jackets are going to Celle. The British Military Hospital, Iserlohn, which is run jointly by the British and Canadians, is remaining. The Iserlohners hope that Canadian and German troops will move into the British-vacated barracks.

The British have taken an active part in local affairs. Officers and soldiers have played in the Iserlohn Hot Club and sung in the Choral Society, they ran a thriving Anglo-German club with 80 members, and jointly organised the local Kleine Olympiade (Mini Olympics) and Reitertage (show jumping competition) held each year. The band of The Royal Green Jackets gave several concerts in old folk's homes and orphanages, 225 officers and soldiers recently donated blood to the German Red Cross, and troops cleared snow from the roads after a severe blizzard. About a dozen soldiers have married German girls and settled in Iserlohn after leaving the Army.

The relationship between the British and Iserlohners is described as "truly cordial" by Mr Clive Graham, the Service Liaison Officer in Iserlohn for the past seven years. Mr Graham said they existed side by side "on the most friendly possible basis." Neither had held a major event without inviting the other – the Germans, for example, had attended the Queen's Birthday Parade and the British took part in the Schutzenfest (shooting festival). Thousands of soldiers were granted free membership of local sports clubs and more than 200 men of The Royal Highland Fusiliers (who were granted the Freedom of the city last year) spent Christmas with German families.

Among the hardest hit is the local football club, Turn und Sportverein Iserlohn. More than 50 British soldiers have played for the team. Herr Hans Schmid – the club meets in his hotel – commented: "They are prima boys. England is the land of football. Together we make a great team."
And a last word from a German who worked for the British Army in Iserlohn for 19 years: "It was OK with the Tommies. They are so freundlich"

*Incorrectly quoted so now changed

2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards – Mar 69 to end 1970 – Buller Barracks Münster
1st Battalion Welsh Guards – Mar 70 to end 1970 – Waterloo Barracks Münster

4th Armoured Brigade Units – back to 2nd Division from March 1971
13th/18th Hussars (Queen Mary’s Own) – end 1970 to Aug 72 – Swinton Barracks Münster
5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards – end 1970 to Dec 74 – York Barracks Münster
2th Royal Tank Regiment – Oct 72 to Jan 77 – Swinton Barracks Münster
17th/21st Lancers – Nov 72 to Oct 74 – Northampton Barracks Wolfenbüttel
4th Royal Tank Regiment – Jan 75 to Jan 77 – York Barracks Münster
2nd Battalion Royal Green Jackets – Dec 1970 to May 71 – Oxford Barracks Münster
2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards – end 1970 to Feb 72 – Buller Barracks Münster
1st Battalion Welsh Guards – end 1970 to Dec 72 – Waterloo Barracks Münster
1st Battalion Grenadier Guards – Feb 72 to Dec 74 – Buller Barracks Münster
1st Battalion Scots Guards – Dec 72 to Jan 76 – Waterloo Barracks Münster
1st Battalion Irish Guards – Jan 75 to Jan 77 – Buller Barracks Münster
2nd Battalion Scots Guards – Jan 76 to Jan 77 – Waterloo Barracks Münster

6th Infantry Brigade - 1947 to 1977 updated 21 Jul 10

2009-06-17T18:36:00.008+02:00

formation sign from May 58

On 1st February 1947 the brigade was re-formed in York Barracks Münster as part of 2nd Infantry Division with the headquarters at St David’s Barracks in Hilden the formation was from 153rd Infantry Brigade of the 53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division and 6th Infantry Brigade became a Brigade Group 1st August 1947 the Brigade Headquarters moved to Bangor Barracks Wuppertal December 1951 back to York Barracks Münster April 1958 on 1st May 1958 the command of the Brigade passed from 2nd Infantry Division to 4th Infantry Division with the headquarters at Wentworth Barracks in Herford the composition of the Brigade remained unchanged the Brigade

and moved to UK in March 1968 the armoured regiments remained in Germany returning in March 1971 to San Sebastian Barracks Soest

6th Infantry Brigade Units
42nd Field Regiment Royal Artillary – 1948 to Nov 53 – Crookenden Barracks Essen
48th Field Regiment Royal Artillary – Nov 53 to Sep 55 – Crookenden Barracks Essen
41st Field Regiment Royal Artillary – Sep 55 to Jul 58 – Crookenden Barracks Essen
8th Royal Tank Regiment – Mar 56 to Apr 59 – Barker Barracks Paderborn
5th Royal Tank Regiment – Sep 57 to Jul 59 – Swinton Barracks Münster
10th Royal Hussars (Prince of Wales Own) – Jul 59 to Jun 60 – Swinton Barracks Münster
The Queen’s Own Hussars – Jul 60 to Aug 62 – York Barracks Münster
4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards – Aug 62 to Dec 64 – York Barracks Münster
15th/19th Kings Royal Hussars – Mar or Nov 65 to Jan 68 – Swinton Barracks Münster
1st Battalion The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) – Feb 47 to Jun 47 – Epsom Barracks Iserlohn
1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders – Feb 47 to May 49 – Meeanee Barracks Essen
1st Battalion Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) – Feb 47 to Apr 50 – Glamorgan Barracks Duisburg

2nd Battalion The Wiltshire Regiment (Duke of Edinburgh’s) – Feb 47 to Mar 48 – Ripon Barracks Bielefeld
2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards – May 48 to Apr 50 – Dempsey Barracks Sennelager
1st Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers – Feb 49 to 1949 – Napier Barracks Dortmund
1st Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers – 1949 to Sep 50 – Ripon Barracks Bielefeld
1st Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers – Sep 50 to Nov 51 – York Barracks Münster
1st Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers – Nov 51 to Nov 52 – Keightley Barracks Wuppertal
1st Battalion Somerset Light Infantry – Jan 51 to Mar 52 – Oxford Barracks Münster
1st Battalion Somerset Light Infantry – Mar 52 to Sep 52 – Anglesey Barracks Wuppertal
1st Battalion Royal Scots – Feb 51 to Dec 51 – Portsmouth Barracks Münster
1st Battalion Royal Scots – Dec 51 to May 52 – Harding Barracks Wuppertal
1st Battalion Northampton Regiment –Sep 52 to Apr 54 – Anglesey Barracks Wuppertal
2nd Battalion Sherwood Foresters – Oct 52 to Oct 53 – Harding Barracks Wuppertal
1st Battalion Royal Ulster Rifles – Apr 54 to Mar 57 – Manchester Barracks Wuppertal
1st Battalion Suffolk Regiment – Nov 53 to Jun 56 – Harding Barracks Wuppertal
2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry – Dec 52 to Jun 55 – Keightley Barracks Wuppertal
1st Battalion Buffs – Jun 55 to Nov 57 – Keightley Barracks Wuppertal
1st Battalion Royal Northumberland Fusiliers – Sep 57 to Jan 59 – Buller Barracks Münster
1st Battalion Seaforth Highlanders – Oct 57 to Jan 61 – Oxford Barracks Münster
1st Battalion Royal Leicestershire Regiment – Mar 59 to Nov 62 – Buller Barracks Münster
1st Battalion The Loyal Regiment (North Lancashire) – Jan 60 to Nov 60 – Keightley Barracks Wuppertal
1st Battalion York and Lancaster Regiment – Dec 60 to Nov 62 – Waterloo Barracks Münster
1st Battalion Cheshire Regiment Cheshire Regt – Nov 62 to Jun 66 – Buller Barracks Münster
1st Battalion Queen's Royal Surrey Regiment – Jan 64 to Dec 66 – Oxford Barracks Münster
1st Battalion Devonshire and Dorset Regiment – Nov 65 to Jan 68 – Waterloo Barracks Münster
1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters – Jun 66 to Mar 68 – Buller Barracks Münster
1st Battalion Queen's Regiment (Queen's Surreys) – Dec 66 to Jul 67 – Oxford Barracks Münster

6th Armoured Brigade Units – moved to 4th Division
4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards – Sep 70 to Jun 73 – Athlone Barracks Sennelager
The Queens’s Royal Hussars – Nov 70 to Jan 77 – Barker Barracks Paderborn
The Royal Hussars (Prince of Wales’s Own) – Jul 73 to Jan 77 – Athlone Barracks Sennelager
1st Battalion Royal Irish Rangers Sep 70 to Jul 74 – Barrosa Barracks Hemer
2nd Battalion Royal Irish Rangers Jul 74 to Jan 77 – Barrosa Barracks Hemer
2nd Battalion Queen's Regiment Jan 71 to Oct 75 – Albuera Barracks Werl
1st Battalion Queen's Regiment Sep 75 to Jan 77 – Albuera Barracks Werl

Aldershot Barracks – 1945 to 1964 updated 16 Sep 10

2009-06-17T18:30:00.040+02:00

Formally Luftwaffe Flak Kaserne

1945 map overprinted 1947

1945 to 1947 – 1st British Corps District HQ – disbanded Jun 47

Aug 47 to Jul 48 – 5 Field Squadron part of Royal Engineers 2 Infantry Division later 23 Field Engineer Regiment moved to Gordon Barracks Hameln
Officer Commanding –1947 Maj RWT Britten MC

Sep 47 to Apr 58 – HQ 5th Infantry Brigade – 2nd Infantry Division

May 58 to May 64 – HQ 5th Infantry Brigade – 4th Infantry Division

Sep 47 to Sep 59 – 5 Infantry Brigade Signal Troop later Squadron

Sep 59 to May 64 – 205 Signal Squadron (Infantry Brigade Group) then in 1962 5th Infantry Brigade Group HQ & Signal Squadron

1963-1964 Officer Commanding – Maj DD Raft – RSM WOI S Richings

Squadron moved with the Brigade HQ to Jellalabad Barracks Tidworth to be part of the 3rd Infantry Division

Jul 47 – 1st Battalion Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) moved to Brooke Barracks Berlin Dec 49

formally 6th Infantry Brigade from Epsom Barracks Iserlohn now 5th Infantry Brigade

Dec 49 – 1st Battalion Queens Royal (West Surrey) Regiment – Michael Caine’s former unit in 1951 – moved to Malaya and Singapore via UK Nov 53

Nov 53 – 1st Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers moved to York UK Nov 56

May 58 – 5th Field Squadron command HQRE 4 Div supporting 5th Infantry Brigade – moved to Alanbrooke Barracks Paderborn Mar 60 continued to support 5th Infantry Brigade until Jan 64

Officers Commanding – Mar 58 Maj JH Page MC – 1960 Maj KM Bean

Dec 56 – 1st Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment to Aug 59

Aug 59 – 1st Battalion Royal Norfolk Regiment – amalgamated with 1st Battalion Suffolk Regiment forming 1st Battalion 1st East Anglian Regiment

Aug 59 – 1st Battalion 1st East Anglian Regiment – moved to Montgomery Barracks Berlin Jan 60

Feb 60 – The Royal Ulster Rifles – moved to Bulford UK Apr 63

May 63 – The Royal Welch Fusiliers – moved to St Georges Barracks Minden May 64

Epsom Barracks - 1945 to 1957 updated 24 Mar 10

2009-06-16T13:50:00.026+02:00

Formally Seydlitz Kaserne

1st Battalion Middlesex Regiment (Duke of Cambridge's Own) 1945 to 1946

from VIII Corps District converted from armour back to infantry and moved back to Albuhera Barracks Rendsburg to join 15th (Scottish) Infantry Division

1946 to Jul 47 – 1st Battalion Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) – moved to Aldershot Barracks

arrived from UK part of 153rd Infantry Brigade - 53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division from Feb 47 6th Infantry Brigade later in Jul 47 to 5th Infantry Brigade both 2nd Infantry Division

2nd Infantry Division Recce

Apr 48 to Jul 53 – 10th Royal Hussars (Prince of Wales Own) – moved to Tidworth UK

from Kiel command Schleswig-Holstein Sub Area

HRH The Duke of Gloucester inspected the Regiment on 18th May 1950

CLICK HERE for a Pathe News clip

Jul 53 to Sep 57 – 3rd King’s Own Hussars – moved to Münster still 2nd Infantry Division Recce

Thanks to Alan Crosskill

"Epsom Barracks, originally constructed for Hitler’s army, were luxurious after the spartan conditions at Catterick, with each Squadron occupying its own three storey accommodation block, with central heating and double glazed windows. Iserlohn was a small and picturesque medieval town located some twenty miles south of Dortmund. The town centre consisted of cobbled streets and attractive buildings, mostly half-timbered with walls painted in pastel shades, some with external artwork and decoration. It appeared to have suffered little during the war. It seems incredible today that a convoy of 48 tanks, each of fifty-two tons, together with many three ton trucks, were allowed to drive through the town, it does not bear thinking about. But in 1955 the war had only been ended for ten years and although the British army was no longer one of occupation that mentality still existed. As our barracks was on one side of the town and the railway station the other, clearly any thoughts of alternative routes did not arise. Also should the driver of a Centurion accidentally clip a lamp post or similar, it was simply a matter of a compensation claim."

In 1957 Epsom Barracks was taken over by the Canadian Army and re-named Fort Beausejour

Mons Barracks - 1945 to 1964 updated 8 Mar 10

2009-06-15T14:20:00.018+02:00

Formally Winkelman Kaserne

1945 to 1946 – 1st British Corps District Signals

1 Coy – 2 Coy

3 Coy were based in ? Barracks Köln

4 Coy were based in ? Barracks Düsseldorf

121 Special Wireless Section were based nearby in the village Sümmern in wooden former German Army barracks

Summer 1946 1st British Corps District Signals was renamed 1st British Corps District Signal Regiment changing from a static to mobile role – disbanded Jun 47

CO Lt Col AS Milner OBE - RSM WOI Warburton - Adjutant Capt Sexton OBE

HQ Sqn OC Capt EA Staerck - QM Capt Deamon - MTO Capt Prickett - TOM Capt RJA Turner

1 Sqn OC Maj LJ Parker - 2 Sqn OC Maj Tooms - 3 Sqn OC Maj R Hawkins MBE

2 Coy ATS Signals

2 Infantry Division Engineers

CO Lt Col EE Stenhouse DSO
May 47 to Jul 48 – 2 Field Squadron formed from 244 Field Company
OCs 1947 Maj BB Spiridion – 1948 Maj J Gordon
21 Field Park Squadron formed from 245 Field Company
OC 1947 Maj RMT Britten MC
Jan 48 to Jul 48 – 38 Field Squadron moved from disbanded 5 Infantry Division Engineers
OCs Nov 47 Maj RL White – Aug 48 Maj RG Lambert

Jul 48 to Dec 48 – 23 Field Engineer Regiment formed at Iserlohn – moved to Gordon Barracks Hameln
CO: Lt Col AHM Morris

Oct 48 to Feb 51 – The Kings Regiment (Liverpool) – moved to Brooke Barracks Berlin

possibly replaced by The Royal Lincolnshire Regiment (10th Foot) – moved to Manchester Barracks Goslar Jul 52

Nov 52 to Jan 55 – The Royal Leicestershire Regiment (17th Foot) – moved to Sudan

CLICK HERE for a Pathe News clip

Feb 55 to Dec 56 – The Worcestershire Regiment – moved to UK then West Indies

Apr 57 to Sep 59 – The Queens Royal Regiment (West Surrey) becomes The Queens Royal Surrey Regiment – moved to Bury St Edmunds UK

Sep 59 to Feb 63 – The Green Howards (Alexandra Princess of Wales's Own Yorkshire Regiment) – moved to Libya

Feb 63 to Jun 64 – The Royal Highland Fusiliers (Princess Margaret's Own Glasgow and Ayrshire Regiment)

CLICK HERE for a Pathe News clip of the visit of Princess Margaret 11 Jul 63 (second part)

transferred from 5th Infantry Brigade Group to 4th Guards Brigade Group

5th Infantry Brigade HQ moved to Tidworth to become part of the 3rd Infantry Division in June 1964

Aldershot Barracks - 1964 to 1968 updated 16 Sep 10

2009-06-14T15:38:00.008+02:00

4th Guards Brigade Group HQ – 4th Division

May 64 – 4th Guards Brigade HQ & Signal Squadron (204)

May 64 – 4th Guards Brigade Provost Company RMP

From Llanelly Barracks Hubblerath moved to York Barracks Münster with the Brigade HQ March 1968

Help required with minor units

May 64 – 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards – moved to London for Royal Duties Jan 66

Apr 65 to Oct 65 to Cyprus UN tour based at Polemedhia Camp in Limassol

Jan 66 – 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards – moved to Buller Barracks Münster Mar 68

Jul 64 – 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards – moved to London for Royal Duties Feb 67

Aug 65 to Sep 65 exercise in Libya then Sep 65 to Apr 66 to Radfan Camp Aden

Thanks to 'Crusader' Army Rumour Service Website

"Absolute fact. If there are any crusty old 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards veterans here, they will remember that it happened in Aldershot Barracks, Iserlohn in the winter of 1966/67. The barrack square was at the top of the camp and had a slightly raised approach to it. A crack appeared over several days (or weeks), running the width of the square where it was joined by the approach road. One evening, the prowler guard failed to return to the guardroom at the end of his stag, and a patrol was sent out to locate him. After some time, they heard a faint sound of someone calling for help and, following the voice, found that the crack in the road had opened up and the prowler had fallen into it, and was now about fifteen feet below in a large dark hole.Ladders and lights were brought at which time it was discovered that the square was actually the roof of an underground tank-park with a large steel door and it had all been covered in tarmac or concrete. The weight of the concrete had collapsed the rusted door thereby forming the crack, which eventually gave way. There are many other "interesting" tales about that place, but for another time, maybe. By the way...."No" I was not the prowler"

Feb 67 – 2nd Battalion Scots Guards – moved to Waterloo Barracks Münster Mar 68

Mons Barracks - 1964 to 1968

2009-06-13T16:09:00.002+02:00

June 64 to May 67 – 1st Battalion Royal Highland Fusiliers (Princess Margaret’s Own Glasgow and Ayrshire Regiment) – moved to Scotland

Aug 65 to Apr 66 to Cyprus UN tour based at Limassol covering West Cyprus with companies at Ktima and Polis

25th February 1967 given the Freedom of Iserlohn

May 67 to Jan 68 – 3rd Battalion The Royal Green Jackets (The Rifle Brigade) – moved to Trenchard Barracks Celle

In 1968 Mons Barracks was taken over by the Canadian Army and re-named Fort Qu’Appelle

Argonne Barracks - 1945 to 1994 updated 11 Sep 10

2009-06-12T17:00:00.007+02:00

Jun 45 – 92 Army Troops Company Royal Engineers moved in to convert the barracks into a hospital

Officer Commanding: Major KC Brown

late 45 – Named No 6 British Hospital later BMH Iserlohn
1951 to 1970 – Shared with the Canadian Army
1978 to 1993 – NATO role of No 31 Field Hospital
Oct 85 to Oct 89 – Rebuilt completely at the cost of 70 million Deutsche Mark
24 Mar 94 – Closed due to 'Options for Change'

Last Commandant: Colonel MJ Tinsley RAMC

2000 – SOLD now BITs Business and Information Technology School

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO ALBUM

Canadian Army in Iserlohn – 1951 to 1970

2009-06-12T16:26:00.003+02:00

Fort Beausejour previously Epson Barracks formally Seydlitz Kaserne
Royal Canadian Dragoons 1957-1959
8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's) 1959-1962
Fort Garry Horse 1962-1965
Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) 1966-1970
Royal Canadian Dragoons 1970
Maple Leaf Services (MLS) 1957-1970

Fort Qu’Appelle previously Mons Barracks formally Winkelman Kaserne
4th Service Battalion S&T Company 1968-1970
1st Surface to Surface Missile Battery 1968-1970
Brigade Battle School 1968-1970
Maple Leaf Services (MLS) 1968-1970

Corunna Barracks 1970 to 1994 - updated 14 May 10

2009-06-11T16:34:00.010+02:00

Previously Fort Beausejour 1957 to 1970
Epsom Barracks 1945 to 1957 formally Seydlitz Kaserne

HQRE 4 Division Wentworth Barracks Herford

26 Engineer Regiment moves from Allenbroke Barracks Paderborn to Corunna Barracks November 70

5 Field Squadron – 25 Field Squadron – 2 Armoured Engineer Squadron from 32 Armoured Engineer Regiment Haig Barracks Hohne under command HQRE 4 Division

Apr 71 to Jul 71 – 5 Field Squadron

Long Kesh Northern Ireland under command 21 Engr Regt infantry role

Nov 72 to Mar 73 – 25 Field Squadron

East Belfast Northern Ireland under command 35 Engr Regt infantry role

Mar 73 to Jul 73 – 5 Field Squadron

Ballykelly/Long Kesh Northern Ireland engineer role

Jul 74 to Nov 74 – 5 and 25 Field Squadron

Londonderry Northern Ireland infantry role

Jul 76 to Oct 76 – 25 Field Squadron

Ballykelly Northern Ireland engineer role

Sep 76 to Dec 76 – 2 Armd Engr Sqn

Londonderry Northern Ireland under command 21 Engr Regt infantry role

Apr 77 – 2 Armoured Engineer Squadron renamed 2 Field Support Squadron and joins 26 Engineer Regiment

Sep 77 – 30 Field Squadron moves from 32 Armoured Engineer Regiment Haig Barracks Hohne on disbandment

HQRE 3 Division San Sebastian Barracks Soest
26 Engineer Regiment renamed 3 Armoured Division Engineer Regiment January 1978
5 Field Squadron – 25 Field Squadron – 30 Field Squadron – 2 Field Support Squadron

Jul 78 to Nov 78 – Regiment less 25 Field Squadron to Northern Ireland infantry role

5 Field Squadron – Kitchen Hill Factory Lurgan
2 Field Support Squadron – Long Kesh and Slieve Croob
30 Field Squadron – Mahon Road Camp Portadown

CLICK HERE
During October 9 section was attached to 42 Cdo Gp Bessbrook South Armagh and located with Sp Coy 2 LI in Newry

Jun 79 to Oct 79 – 25 Field Squadron in Ballykelly Northern Ireland engineer role

Jan 81 – 3 Armoured Division Engineer Regiment renamed 26 Engineer Regiment
5 Field Squadron – 25 Field Squadron – 30 Field Squadron – 2 Field Support Squadron

Jan 84 – 25 Field Squadron moves to 23 Engineer Regiment Roberts Barracks Osnabrück

Mar 86 – 25 Field Squadron back to Iserlohn from 23 Engineer Regiment Roberts Barracks Osnabrück

Mar 89 – General Support Regiment to 3 Armoured Division

Jan 92 - 30 Field Squadron disbanded

Nov 92 to Jun 93 – 25 Field Squadron in Belize

May 93 – 5 Field Squadron moves to 22 Engineer Regiment Tidworth

May 94 – Disbandment of the Regiment where did 25 Field Squadron go?

Sep 94 – 2 Field Support Squadron moves to 32 Engineer Regiment Campbell Barracks Hohne as 2 HQ Squadron

Thanks to the MOD Royal Engineers website for the following history of 26 Engineer Regiment

"The origins of the Regiment go back to December 1950 when 26 Field Engineer Regiment first formed up under Lieutenant Colonel W H Aylwin to support 11 Armoured Division. The regimental system was new to the Corps and came about as the Army reverted from its wartime establishment into a peacetime force. The squadrons that moved to the barracks in Hameln were 7 Field Squadron which transferred from 21 Field Engineer Regiment in Holzminden, 29 Field Squadron which had previously been an independent squadron and transferred from its barracks in Berlin, and the newly reformed 60 Field Squadron. 43 Field Park Squadron became an independent squadron in 1954 but remained in Hameln under local command.

In April 1956, 11 Armoured Division became 4 Armoured Division, still with 26 Field Engineer Regiment supporting it. However, the regimental system did not last long and six years after its inception, the Regiment was disbanded in November 1957. 29 Field Squadron remained in support of 4 Division, 7 Field Squadron and 43 Independent Field Park Squadron transferred to 4 and 2 Divisions respectively, and 60 Field Squadron was disbanded. Although the regimental system was not natural to the Corps and its removal had little effect on squadron identities, histories or combat effectiveness, it was missed as it provided the basis for social functions and sports. Before the system sappers had never had their own messes and were too small to be able to field decent sports teams.

On 1 April 1969 26 Engineer Regiment was reformed. The Regiment had existed under the name of 4th Divisional Engineers since 1960 and contained 5 and 25 Field Squadrons. The new Regiment formed up under Lieutenant Colonel JP Groom MBE in Sennelager. A year later in November 1970 the regiment moved to its new home in Iserlohn where it would stay for the next 24 years.

By 1971 following the beginning of the troubles in Northern Ireland in 1969 the infantry were becoming overstretched. To solve this problem for the next eight years other arms deployed to the province for four months tours in the infantry role. The first of these was 21 Engineer Regiment, bolstered by 5 Field Squadron from 26 Engineer Regiment. 25 Field Squadron was next to follow, attached to 35 Engineer Regiment from November 1972 to March 1973 and again from July to October 1976. 26 Engineer Regiment took the lead on Operation BANNER in July to November 1974 patrolling the streets of Londonderry.

In April 1977 2 Armoured Engineer Squadron was redesignated 2 Field Support Squadron and joined the Regiment. This was the year of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee and the review of 4 Division in Sennelager. The Regiment took the lead in preparing the ground for this. 25,000 spectators watched over 600 vehicles and a massed band of 800 musicians march past with the Division’s helicopters flying overhead. The preparations lasted five months and included support from almost every engineer support unit in Germany. The task included the laying of 242 rolls of trackway producing over 7.1 km of track.

In September of the same year 30 Field Squadron transferred from 32 Engineer Regiment in Hohne to join the Regiment. This meant that the three squadrons that had fought in the Zulu War, 2, 5 and 30 Squadrons, were brought together in one regiment, of note is the fact that Lt John Chard was a Sapper Officer from 5 Field Squadron.

Under a new shake-up of the Corps’ naming, the Regiment was redesignated 3 Armoured Division Engineer Regiment in January 1978. This was solely a renaming, and the Regimental organisation and make up remained unchanged. On 1 January 1981, the Regiment reverted back to being called 26 Engineer Regiment.

During this period the Regiment took its final tour of Northern Ireland in the infantry role from July to November 1978.

In January 1984 25 Field Squadron briefly left the Regiment for 23 Engineer Regiment in Osnabrück, before rejoining in March 1986.

In July 1987 after 17 years in Iserlohn, the Regiment was given the Freedom of the City. The ceremony also marked the 750th anniversary of the town. The Chief Royal Engineer, General Sir Hugh Beech, received a scroll granting the freedom from the Burgermeister, Herr Fritz Fischer, on behalf of the Corps and the Army. The Corps band played a concert in the centre of town; accompanied by a beer stall and then the Regiment exercised their new right by marching through the town with bayonets fixed and the band playing.

The Regiment was redesignated in March 1989 as General Engineer Support Regiment to 3 Armoured Division.

In May 1994 this Regiment was disbanded, less 2 Field Support Squadron which transferred to 32 Engineer Regiment."

Commanding Officers
1970 Lt Col MNJ Withall - 1972 Lt Col JRM Hill - Dec 74 Lt Col DHA Swinburn - Jul 77 Lt Col WRC Timpson - Jan 78 Lt Col WIC Dobbie - May 80 Lt Col DA Grove…can you help further?
Regimental Sergeant Majors…can you help?

Officers Commanding
5 Field Squadron
Nov 69 Maj GEC Wollatt - Dec 71 Maj JK Chater - 1973 Maj JW Ray - 1975 Maj D Judson - Jan 78 Maj JM Lucken - Jan 80 Maj DR Humphrey - Feb 82 Maj AT Brett - Apr 84 Maj PC Cooper - Feb 86 Maj MC McCabe - Jan 88 Maj AE Whitely - Jan 89 Maj SF Sherry - 1993 Maj PJ Francis
Squadron Sergeant Majors
1973 WOII Broadbent…can you help further?

Officers Commanding
25 Field Squadron
Apr 69 Maj E Le Wall - Jul 71 Maj LFH Busk - 1973 Maj RH Aylmore - 1975 Maj MH Lipscombe
Jan 77 Maj PJP Daniell - Apr 79 Maj RA Oliver - Mar 81 Maj KJ Drewienkiewicz - Feb 83 Maj BA Watts - Feb 85 Maj R Watt - Jan 88 Maj RCJ Woollven - Jan 90 Maj G Taylor - 1993 Maj AD Harking
Squadron Sergeant Majors…can you help?

Officers Commanding
30 Field Squadron
1976 Maj PC Terry - Apr 78 Maj AFS Baines - Feb 80 Maj JWG Rogers - Feb 82 Maj RJ Little
Feb 84 Maj PJ Enzer - Feb 86 Maj JA Pinel - Jan 88 Maj RW Killick - Jan 90 Maj JJ Hignett
Squadron Sergeant Majors
1977-78 WOII N Bridgett…can you help further?

Officers Commanding
2 Armoured Engineer Squadron later Field Support Squadron
1968 Maj JJ Stibbon - Dec 70 Maj S Jardine - Jan 73 Maj WM Crawshaw - 1975 Maj AJ Wright
Mar 77 Maj RA Bradbury - Mar 79 Maj LA Bearder - Apr 81 Maj WM Foster - Feb 83 Maj MWM Warren - Oct 84 Maj CB Chadwick - Dec 86 Maj RMP Winfield - Dec 88 Maj IS Cobley…1993 Maj GR Holland

Squadron Sergeant Majors…can you help?

Menden - Northumberland Barracks - 1945 to 1992

2009-06-11T16:12:00.004+02:00

Apr 46 to Feb 47 – The Royal Horse Guards (The Blues) – 1 Corps District

40th Garrison (Hannover) – 41st Garrison (Cologne) – 42nd Garrison (Brussels)

Feb 47 to 1948 – 2 Inf Div Recce replaced by 10th Royal Hussars (Prince of Wales Own) Epsom Barracks Iserlohn

Jan 49 to Apr 56 – 22nd Light Anti Aircraft Regiment Royal Artillery – 2 Inf Div

47 LAA Bty – 53 LAA Bty – 58 LAA Bty

Dec 50 – 58 LAA Bty to 53 LAA Regt RA replaced by 48 Bty from 72 Coast Regt RA

Apr 56 to May 57 – 58th Regiment Royal Artillery – 2 Inf Div then Corps Troops until disbandment Oct 59

118 Medium Bty – 175 Medium Bty – Z Light Bty arrives from 10 Regt RA

Oct 59 to Sep 60

50th Medium Regiment Royal Artillary

15 Medium Bty – 21 Medium Bty – 33 Medium Bty – 78 Medium Bty

Aug 60 to Mar 93

50th Missile Regiment Royal Artillary – 1st Army Group Royal Artillary (Field) Tofrek Barracks Hildesheim redesignated 1st Artillary Brigade (Field) Oct 61 command to 2nd Division Apr 64

15 Missile Battery – 21 Gibralter Missile Battery – 33 Heavy Battery – 78 Heavy Battery replaced by 56 Heavy Battery Mar 68 from 36 Regt

1971 – command to 1st Artillary Brigade Tofrek Barracks Hildesheim

1971 – 15 Missile Battery in Northern Ireland

1972 – 15 – 21 – 56 now all Missile Batteries – 33 Bty to JLRRA Apr or Nov 72

Nov 72 – 56 Bty to 27 Regt replaced by 36 Bty

1976 renamed 50th (Missile) Regiment Royal Artillary

21 Bty moves to 27 Regt

Feb 77 – amalgamated with 24th (Missile) Regiment Royal Artillary – command to 1st Artillery Division Ubique Barracks Dortmund from Jan 81 Artillery Division

19 (Gibralter) Bty – 15 Missile Bty – 36 (Arcot) Bty – 51 (Kabul) Bty

Granted the Freedom of Menden

1985 – 51 Bty disbanded

1990 – 15 Missile Battery in Northern Ireland

1992 – 36 Missile Battery in Northern Ireland – Maze Prison

31 Mar 93 Regiment placed in suspended animation – 36 Bty to 40 Regt Jan 93 – 15 Bty to 22 Regt Mar 93 – 19 Bty to 14 Regt Mar 93

Hemer-Deilinghofen - Peninsula Barracks 1970 to 1992

2009-06-10T16:23:00.005+02:00

formally Fort Prince of Wales

Jan 71 to Sep 77 – 2nd Field Regiment Royal Artillery – 2nd Division
L (Nery) Bty – N (Eagle Troop) Bty – O (Rocket Trop) Btys
Mar 72 to Jul 72 – Lisburn/Dunmurry/Andersonstown NI
Sep 73 to Jan 74 – Northern Ireland Long Kesh
Jul 75 to Nov 75 – Northern Ireland Londonderry
Mar 77 to Jul 77 – Northern Ireland Lurgan/ Long Kesh

moved to Ubique Barracks Dortmund

Oct 77 to Oct 79 – 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers – 3rd Armoured Division
Jul 78 to Nov 78 – Northern Ireland Londonderry

moved to Palace Barracks Belfast

Oct 79 to Nov 84 – 1st Battalion Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters – 3rd Armoured Division
Jan 81 to 6th Armoured Brigade
Aug 82 to Dec 82 – Northern Ireland West Belfast
Nov 83 to 6th Airmobile Brigade

moved to Battlesbury Barracks Warminster

Dec 84 to Mar 88 – 2nd Battalion The Light Infantry – 6th Airmobile Brigade
Jul 87 to Dec 87 – Northern Ireland Belfast

moved next door to Barrosa Barracks

Feb 88 to Jun 92 – 3rd Royal Tank Regiment – 6th Armoured Brigade Apr 86 to 33rd Armoured Brigade
Jul 90 to Jan 91 – Northern Ireland Armagh/Auchnacloy/Bessbrook/Keady/Middletown

moved to Lumsden Barracks Fallingbostel

Hemer-Deilinghofen - Barrosa Barracks 1970 to 1992

2009-06-09T16:34:00.004+02:00

formally Fort Macleod

Sep 70 to Jul 74 – 1st Battalion Royal Irish Rangers (27th (Inniskilling) 83rd and 87th) – 6th Armoured Brigade

moved to Battlesbury Barracks Warminster

Jul 74 to Mar 79 – 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Rangers (27th (Inniskilling) 83rd and 87th) – 6th Armoured Brigade Oct 77 to 3rd Armoured Division

moved to Tidworth

Mar 79 to Mar 83 – 1st Battalion Royal Highland Fusiliers (Princess Margaret’s Own Glasgow and Ayrshire Regiment) – 6th Armoured Brigade Oct 77 to 3rd Armoured Division
Aug 80 to Dec 80 – Northern Ireland South Armagh

moved to Palace Barracks Belfast

Mar 83 to Mar 88 – 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders – 6th Airmobile Brigade
Feb 85 to Jun 85 – Northern Ireland West Belfast

moved to Fort George Scotland

Mar 88 to Mar 89 – 2nd Battalion Light Infantry – 6th Armoured Brigade moved from Peninsula Barracks

Mar 89 to Jul 92 – 3rd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers – 6th Armoured Brigade
Sep 90 to Apr 91 – Gulf War

moved to Mooltan Barracks Tidworth to merge with 1st Battalion

56 Army Education Centre RAEC

Canadian Army in Hemer-Deilinghofen – 1953 to 1970

2009-06-08T07:53:00.003+02:00

Both forts built side by in the early fifties on the site of an airfield

Fort Prince of Wales
2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (RCHA) 1953-1955
4th Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (RCHA) 1955-1957
1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (RCHA) 1957-1960
3rd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (RCHA) 1960-1963
1st Surface to Surface Missile Battery 1962-1968
2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (RCHA) 1964-1967
1st Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (RCHA) 1967-1970
The Army Kinema Corporation, Globe Theatre (AKC) late 1950s-1970
Maple Leaf Services (MLS) late 1950s-1970

Fort MacLeod
2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia`s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) 1953-1955
1st Battalion, Princess Patricia`s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) 1955-1957
2nd Battalion, Queen`s Own Rifles of Canada (QOR of C) 1957-1960
1st Battalion, Queen`s Own Rifles of Canada (QOR of C) 1960-1963
1st Battalion, Princess Patricia`s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) 1963-1966
2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia`s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) 1966-1970
Maple Leaf Services (MLS) 1953-1970