Hildesheim, Ex Tofrek Barracks

I was in my old barracks recently and stayed in the now YMCA type accomodation. (Photos are of my old block).

The barracks were closed about 8 yrs ago. These photos are prime examples on how things can be sympathetically converted.

I did a CP ex there many years ago, I must say it looks good now Alan. That's nice to see.

1993 Farewell to Hildesheim

Keep the sound low!

https://military-database.de/1993-abschiedsparade-der-britischen-streitkraefte-aus-hildesheim-tofreck-barracks/

Hello.

My name is Jim Bendfeldt and lived in Australia since 1953.

I am trying to locate my father who was with BAOR, and stationed at Tofrek Barracks at Hildesheim, Germany (British Sector) during the autumn of 1948. My late mother, a local German woman called Elfriede Hoffmann met a British serviceman, possibly a Paratrooper at a local dance on around 8 November 1948, and ended up getting pregnant.

She was very young and naïve at the time and so returned home to her parents at Hülsen, 80km north of Hildesheim, where I was born on 15 August 1949.

I am not seeking any compensation, it is just that I have never known about my father and curious if I have any siblings or family alive in Britain today. Unfortunately my mother never provided me with his name and carried this information with her until she passed away in 1998.

If any BAOR members could assist, I would be extremely grateful, I am in my early 70's now and have my own children and grandchildren, all of whom have been successful in life.

If you cannot assist me, I would appreciate some pointers.

I look forward to any response

Jim (Udo) Bendfeldt
Hamilton, Victoria, Australia

Good Morning Jim from the UK,

I was at Tofrek Bks in 1966-70. My wife is a Hildesheimer.

I wish you the best of luck. We sometimes receive similar messages like yours, requesting information on a similar subject, but usually much later dates than your's.

All the best. Although it may go quiet on responces on the site. It doesn't s mean you have been forgotten by the team amd interested members.

Regards Alan

Regards

PS. Have you thought of joining one of those Ancestery sites, where people are seeking a relative.?
Don't forget? Someone, somewhere, may have your story from a relative of their's, but in reverse? They maybe seeking you?

Eg. I posted a similar story about my dad's family. 'Low and behold'! There was a family out there seeking my dad's family.

Hi - my parents lived in BFPO 102 Hildesheim 1968-1970. My father Geoff Simpson was with the Royal Army Pay Corps attached to the 32 Heavy RA. Previously he'd been in the Coldstream Guards. Sadly Geoff died in 1974 and my Mum Brenda died last year October 2021.
I am going to Hildesheim in December in memory of them both - is it possible to visit the Tofrek Barracks?
Mum always spoke very fondly of her time in Hildesheim and I feel sad that she never went back. The town looks beautiful, although I appreciate that this is largely down to the restoration works that were done after her time there.
All the best, Jason

Hi Jason, Welcome to our site,

Sorry to hear about your parents. I was in REME carrying out repairs to vehicles and tracked vehicles with 32 Heavy, Hildesheim, 1967-70.

Yes to your question about entering the camp with no problem. The main guard room is blocked off. All you need is to go up the road to the gate to the Airfield. Just turn left after 100yds, then drive back to 32's old barracks. All is open. Of course there are lots of private firms. But in essence the buildingss are as they were in 1970.

How old were you during your time there?  Are travelling by car for your visit?

I have lots of photos from that era. Just ask, I hope to help you!

Regards Alan

Hi Alan, thank you for your reply and your warm welcome.

My parents were in Hildesheim before I was born - they came back in Summer 1970 and I was born in January 1971.  As mentioned my Dad was a corporal in the Royal Army Pay Corps at this point, who knows - he may have been one of the chaps who made sure you got paid on time!

Thank you for your advice regarding the barracks, if I can visit I will.  We're flying via Hannover and do not plan to hire a car - I'm always happy to try public transport or a local taxi!

Best, Jason

[quote="alan8376"]Hi Jason, Welcome to our site,

Sorry to hear about your parents. I was in REME carrying out repairs to vehicles and tracked vehicles with 32 Heavy, Hildesheim, 1967-70.

Yes to your question about entering the camp with no problem. The main guard room is blocked off. All you need is to go up the road to the gate to the Airfield. Just turn left after 100yds, then drive back to 32's old barracks. All is open. Of course there are lots of private firms. But in essence the buildingss are as they were in 1970.

How old were you during your time there?  Are travelling by car for your visit?

I have lots of photos from that era. Just ask, I hope to help you!

Regards Alan

Hi alan,
my father served as a mechanic too. Do you know hin Maybe? Geoffrey Christian. Lance Corporal i think. Regards from Hildesheim

Michael,

I have a list of pers I knocked up as far ai I can remember from 1967-1971. I don't recognize that name.
There were other similar Royal Artillery units who followed on after 1973ish. 5 Heavy Regiment was one.

Alan

Ok Thank you very much

Michael,
I am certain I have found the correct Geoffrey Christian. Sadly he passed on a few years ago. Sorry.

I can send you further details if you contact me via FB/Messenger.

Alan

Whats your account

Michael,


I will leave this  number for 30 mins here. (Now Removed).

Alan

Sorry i was in a meeting. Could you send it again please