Part 1 – Off to the Netherlands, 17th March 26 — Scribe: Chris Zeil
On the 14th August 2024 the Recovery Mechanics Branch received an invite from WO (Retd) Peter De Jong, a Dutch Veteran Recovery Mechanic, who is a member of our Branch. The invite was to attend the Dutch Regiment Technische Troepen (RTT) Remembrance Parade in the Netherlands, along with Serving REME members from the Corps. This invite came from Lt Col Dion Dols, Commander Technische Troepen Training School, Soesterberg and their Regimental Commander (Corps Col), to celebrate their 85th Anniversary over the period of the 18/19 March 2026.
The RTT is our equivalent in the Dutch Army and was formed on the 20th of March 1941 as a Light Aid Detachment as part of the Dutch Princess Irene Brigade and consisted only of an Independent Recovery Company, stationed in Congleton, Cheshire.
The original number invited was in the region of 15/16 individuals, a mixture of Veterans and Serving members. Due to various commitments and circumstances, beyond our control the Serving and Veterans final number was reduced to 8. On the 17th March the Recovery Mechanics Branch, Andy Gray and myself and five serving REME Recovery Mechanics from Lyneham (DSEME), Capt. Joe Williams, WOI (ASM) Dan Martin, SSgt Story, Sgt Grey & Sgt Bates rendezvoused at the Army Reserve Centre 103 Force Support Battalion REME, 133 Divisional Recovery Company, Ashford, Kent and set off in a minibus to the Netherlands. One other Branch member Bob Fullbrook flew to the Netherlands. We set sail from Dover for Calais and arrived at Du Moulin Barracks, Soesterberg. Where we were met by our chaperone’s Lt Col (Retd) Peter Voermans and WO (Retd) Peter De Jong. We then went on to meet Regimental Col Dion Dols and Regimental Adjutant (RSM) Eelco Mulder for refreshments at the school’s bar. Later that evening we departed to Oranje Barracks, Arnhem which was approximately a 50-minute drive away to our accommodation.
The following morning 18th March 2026 we dressed in Veterans Dress and suites ready for the Remembrance Parade. We had breakfast in the Cookhouse and left for Du Moulin Barracks where the Parade would take place. On arrival we had coffee and cakes with Dutch Veterans, followed by a visit to their Regimental Museum and a guided tour by a retired Lt Col. Then back to the Parade ground for a rehearsal. I was laying a wreath on behalf of our Branch and Bob Fullbrook, was our Standard Bearer on the Parade. The Parade was at 12:45 hrs and all went well and afterwards we all retired to a dining room for a late dinner provided for all parade attendees. Later that evening we returned to Oranje Barracks, changed into casual clothes and we all went into Arnhem as we had been invited to the home of the Regimental Recruiter WO Jordy for drinks and a tour of the local hostelries, most of which had a lot of WWII Airbourne memorabilia on their walls.
The following morning, 19th March it was breakfast again in the cookhouse. Then all on the minibus for the Market Garden Battlefield tour, which was given by a Regimental veteran, Roel Dekker. We visited all the major Airborne landing sites and the major skirmish site. We then stopped for lunch at a local restaurant and then off to Arnhem and the sites there and of course Arnhem Bridge, now called The John Frost Bridge. From there it was back to Oranje Barracks for the Regiments Sports Day. The teams consisted of 11 Repair Company, in Schaarsbergen, 13 Repair Company in Oirschot, 43 Repair Company, in Havelte, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EODD), Soesterberg and Regimental Staff from the School, Soesterberg. All the teams had to construct a soapbox and race it down a straight hill to see who got the furthest, the drivers were all Lt Col’s. There was a contest to build a Trebuchet and see who could throw a tennis ball the furthest. The festivities went on onto the evening with a free BBQ and beers, two live rock bands and a bonfire.
The next day 20th March, was our last breakfast in the cookhouse. After that it was back on the minibus and our journey to Calais and sail to Dover. Then to Ashford and back home after a very eventful three days with the Dutch REME as they like to call themselves.
Lastly but by no means least, a huge thank you to the two Peter’s who looked after us the whole time we were there and Lt Col Dion Dols who gave the Branch and serving members the opportunity and honour to attend such celebrations.
Happy Birthday Regiment Technische Troepen (RTT).
Part 2 – The Dutch Invasion, 18th May 26 — Scribe: John Sibley
As part of their celebrations the RTT wanted to bring a study group to the UK and see how our Corps trained its soldiers. So, it was on a wet and miserable Monday that the Dutch landed on our shores in tactical minibuses and white fleet cars. The party was 26 strong and included the Regimental Commander and his RSM, several veterans and a mix of ranks from JNCO to Officers. They headed inland for the pre-arranged RV at MOD Lyneham where they were greeted by WO1 (ASM) Dan Martin, who got them squared away. That evening they took the opportunity to sample British hospitality before hitting the hay ready for an early start the next day.
After an early reveille and breakfast, they mounted up and moved North to RV with members of the REME Association, Recovery Mechanic Branch cunningly disguised as guides at the National Memorial Arboretum. After a very quick briefing, where route cards and notes were handed out, a slow coffee and numerous trips to the facilities we were ready to set off on our yomp around the 150-acre site. The weather was looking particularly bleak for the day, but someone was smiling down on us as the rain stopped just before we headed out, although some were still carrying umbrellas, Recy Mechs, ever the pessimist’s!! The tour route took in over 14 of the most pertinent and poignant memorials to our visitors, all described in the notes and by our unofficial tour guide on route. We made a stop at the Corps Memorial where the RTT laid a wreath, a minute’s silence was observed after which, as if by magic the port appeared, and we toasted “Absent Friends”. By the time we had made it back to the café we had covered over 2.5 miles and were ready for a brew and quick bite to eat before heading back to Lyneham. That evening Col REME hosted our visitors in the Officers mess, who were treated to a slap-up meal. Speeches made, we all retired for refreshments.
On Wednesday morning we were hosted by DSEME instructors as we toured the delights of Lyneham’s training facilities. Much excitement ensued as we jumped from the Metalsmiths to Helicopters, then to vehicles and finally weapons. Our visitors were wholly impressed by all they saw but like all mechanics (Vehicle and Recovery) they got very excited at the sight of large, tracked vehicles. Tour over, it was time for the main event, cue the Recovery Training Wing.
Hosted by the ASM, our friends witnessed firsthand CRARRV at its best, recovering heavy armour from deep holes with all the noise and ground shaking that comes with it, wonderful stuff. Then it was off to see the SV(R) in action, roadside, trailers, winching, was there no end to this joy? Sadly, yes there was, after a quick tour of the training hanger it was time for lunch. The RTW had laid on a barbeque which was enjoyed by all including a visit from the 8 Bn CO, 2IC and acting RSM. Following a robust sports afternoon, our visitors were hosted in the WO & Sgts Mess for an evening of poetry recitals and choir practise or maybe just funny tales and karaoke! Whichever it was, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality and camaraderie of the evening. Due to the previous long day, it was felt that perhaps our guests should be allowed to catch up on some well-deserved rest. So, a late start was the first order of business for Thursday. Then it was off to the REME Museum for a guided tour through the halls, this time the guide was official and really brought the collection to life with his knowledge and witty repartee. No time to lose, it was straight over to A site for a tour of the Historic Vehicles in the Roger Jones MBE hanger. Everyone was suitably impressed with the whole day but sadly it was time to wrap things up with final briefings and goodbyes. They had a last taste of British hospitality that evening and the following morning headed back to the channel and home.
It was an honour to have been able to help the RTT to celebrate their landmark anniversary both in the UK and most especially in the Netherlands. We have all made new friends and continued to build on a long-standing relationship between the Corps and the RTT. There are already plans afoot to do this all again next year and try to make it an annual event in both our calendars. For the Recovery Mechanic Branch, it has been a particular honour to be included by the RTT and Corps, one which we have embraced and enjoyed to the full. We have the distinct privilege to now include another 3 of our Dutch friends as Honorary members of our branch, including the Regimental Colonel and the RSM of the RTT. We hope to see them at a branch event in the near future, maybe they can join us when we tour the Normandy beaches in 2027? (for more information on that trip see our web site, Facebook page or the REME Connect App).