looking for photos and history of my father

My father served in the BAOR (and then Korea). The description of his unit is spelled out thus: 42A, 22 Heavy Wksps Coy (?), R.E.M.E., B.A.O.R. I am unclear as to some of this terminology, but would like to hear of any match or further info out there. Thanks: Rick G. My email is rix58@hotmail.com

Hi Rick,

No 22 Heavy workshop was based in Hamburg until around 1948. In 1949 the Workshops were redesignated. I believe only two of the original three Heavy Workshops survived. I guess that matches with you being born in BMH Hamburg.

In later years I believe only 23 Heavy Workshop survived, to be renamed 23 Base Workshop REME in Wetter. 23 Base Workshop remained in operation until the 1980's???

Alan

Rick

Welcome

Alan is correct. 22 Base Workshop was indeed based in Hamburg in the former Blohm and Voss seaplane factory in the Altona dockyards

It closed in the late 1950s as part of the reorganisation of the British Army in Germany following the admittance of West Germany as full member of the NATO alliance when the Germans became totally responsible for the defence of that part of their country. The British moved south into what became known as the 1st British Corps area roughly between Hannover and Dortmund. The large Logistic units in the Hamburg area closed and reopened in the Ruhr or adjacent area to the west of the River Rhine close to the Dutch border.

The detailed history of the British Army in Hamburg is a future agenda item for Steve and my ongoing project into the history of BAOR. In the interim if you go to the home page of this site, click on Locations, click on Hamburg you will find brief details of units known to have been located in Hamburg


It is a great pity but one of the most senior contribitors to this site "General" Jim is temporarily missing. He was born in BMH Hamburg at almost the same time as you when his father was also serving in the Hamburg area