Mansergh Bks - History

Mansergh Barracks was taken over from a well-known Gutersloh Family (Osthus) in 1935 and on 1 November 1936 was occupied by the Luftnachrichten-Regiments 6 (Luftwaffe Signals). It was used as a base for training Signals Operators throughout the Luftwaffe - this was in part due to it's close proximity to the Airfield (subsequently RAF Gutersloh/PRB), which was built at around the same time. It was known variously as Nachrichten Kaserne or Sundernkaserne (still popular names for the older Locals).
Until the 1970s there was still a German presence in the Barracks, the last being a Fernmelde Bataillion (mostly conscripts). At that time they occupied 2 buildings - the next building to the current RHQ was their Living Quarters and the Working/Training & Mess Accommodation was in the Block immediately behind the Guardroom. (They used to share Guard Duties with the Gunners).
It was a popular myth that underground tunnels exist, but this has never been proven. I have over the years been in all the Cellars. The closest is perhaps that, in what is now RHQ, the Ground Floor Offices were all wood-panelled with discreet doors inbuilt. Having worked in the building (and spent many 24 hours duties) I know that most were cupboards and washrooms except one which led directly to the Cellar (Bomb Shelter).
Apologies if some of this is already recorded.

Tim Ashton is I am sure correct. My tale is how the story was told by 1980. I was put right by Lady M who told me that the Guard mounting involved a local dancer.

Does anyone know doe certain what date the barracks was named "Mansergh" Was this after a visit by the man as Master Gunner to 22 Regt?

36 Hy AD Regt RA arrived there in Sep 61 taking over from the RAF.

I can remember waking up on my first morning to the sound of German servicemen marching and singing in the German manner.

22 Lt AD Regt RA took over the barracks from us later in 1961.

Mansergh was a Master Gunner I believe. In Sep 61 I think the barracks did not have a formal name. Compared with the slums we had inhabited at Horseshoe Barracks Shoeburyness, the Sundern accommodation was excellent.

Mansergh Closing Credits - a peek over the Fence:

https://www.facebook.com/wdrlokalzeitowl/videos/2091787000848352/

Closed and handed back

https://www.nw.de/lokal/kreis_guetersloh/guetersloh/22589913_Briten-drehen-den-Schluessel-um-Der-endgueltige-Abzug-der-Armee-dauert-wenige-Minuten.html

and German (GT) plans

https://www.guetersloh.de/de/rathaus/fachbereiche-und-einrichtungen/stabsstelle-konversion/mansergh-barracks.php

Gütersloh ENDEX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njhRmQAsf04

For Sale advertising film (in German)
Mansergh (was Sundern) Barracks and
Princess Royal Barracks (was RAF Gütersloh):

https://britenabzug.bundesimmobilien.de/vorstellung-der-konversionsflaechen-mansergh-barracks-und-princess-royal-barracks-d5aaebead9717ebc

Photos copyright of photographer (shown on each): 26 Regt RA

https://military-database.de/2019-farewell-mansergh-barracks-guetersloh-26-regiment-royal-artillery/

To add to the history the barracks formerly Damaligen Kaserne was RAF Sundern after WW2, the first army unit was 15th Air Formation Signals, later Regiment, arriving from Brussels 14 Sep 45.

Details of Royal Signals Air Formation units can be found here https://britisharmyingermany.com/combat-support-arms/5913-2/air-formation-units/

https://britisharmyingermany.com (under construction)