Looking for old school & barracks

:?:Please can you help or point me in the right direction for some information I am seeking.

My Father Col/Sgt George Robert Turner served with the 3rd Battalion Royal Green Jackets (Rifle Brigade)for 24 years and sadly passed away over 3 years ago.Amongst his postings was a year in Hong Kong and Borneo
around 1964/5 while we lived in Felixstowe and Germany when we lived in married quarters in Ronsdorf 59-62?

I have a cousin who lives not too far away in Kettwig near Essen and so will have some help finding the
places and we are booked to travel on the 17-24th April this year.

It is my wish to pay, what will probably be my last opportunity as I am now in my 60's, a visit to where
we lived in "Ham Knockel" and also the barracks and then the school I attended for the 3 years. We would
be picked up in the mornings by coach/bus and then race on the autobahn.

My Father was stationed in Minden West/f in about the 1949-50? time and married my Mother who was
from that town and was working for the Battalion Colonel/General ? as a housekeeper. They married in
Minden and i would would also like to visit the old barracks (Elizabeth?) and the NAAFI if it is still standing
to see where they would have both met.

So I do not know where to start to get the information and would be very grateful if you could help.

In hopeful anticipation and with Kind regards

George John Turner

Go to site; baor-locations.org

That should answer most questions you have,

Hope all goes well for your visit.

John

Welcome to the forum George our website BAOR-locations.org link is
http://baor-locations.org/eleizabethbks.aspx.html

Under construction at this time due to a recent change of ownership so need to direct you to
http://british-army-units1945on.co.uk

1st Battalion, The Rifle Brigade (Prince Consort's Own)
1947.12 Germany: Elizabeth Barracks, Minden
1951.04 Germany: Trenchard Barracks, Celle
1953.10 England: Bulford
Sailed from Liverpool on the Georgic
1954.11 Kenya
1956.06 Malaya
Aug 56: Wardieburn Camp, Kuala Lumpur
1957.10 England: Tidworth
7 Nov 58: Renamed 3rd Green Jackets (The Rifle Brigade)

Regarding the school you went cannot help but you may be able to find the information here:
http://www.bfes-sce-association.org/

Best of luck with your visit to the former BAOR

Elizabeth Barracks (former Gneisnau Kaserne) to the east of the Stadt close to the main Railway Station is still standing though adapted ,in part, for use as a Super Market

If you go to the original BAOR_locations.org site Main Page, then click on Locations, then Minden, then Elizabeth Barracks you should find a number of photographs of the Barracks which could be of interest.

Hi Everyone,
This is a longshot but wondering if anyone has any information on Wellington Primary School 1965-69 I was a pupil as my father was serving in the 1st Batt. Royal scots. I had a great teacher called Mr Buxton. at the time the swimming pool was just completed and we also had avaires/guinea pigs and assortment of animals at each end of the school landings. Love to hear anything about the school or any old pupils from those days. Along with myself my siblings James and Sidney (Sid) attended too. Our address was shortened to "sliced sausage street" and was on the army complex net to a park and a very big forrest. My spelling is not good but our german address sounded like "slenzenze strausse"?and army barracks were within walking distance. Appreciate any information thanks.

Suzanne

Welcome

I am no expert on Osnabruck but I think your father's Regiment was based in Mercer Barracks and you were living in Schlesische Strasse on the nearby Dodesheide Estate

We do have Contributors who are more familiar with the area, hopefully they will be able to add more detail.

Hi George,

 you lived in Am Knochel, (no H). I also lived there in the mid 60's, my dad being in the Grenadiers. we lived at number 43.
 I distinctly recall the bus ride to school. My mum was an "escort" on the buses.
 Last year I did a 2000 mile tour around Europe to see various battlefields, museums, memorials, etc. but made a point of visiting both Wuppertal and Munster, where I lived.
In case you never made it, I have posted a couple of pictures. 2 of Am Knochel, and one of our school. My year was the last to use the school as it was being given back to the Germans, and us kids were "volunteered" to clear the place of all the furniture during the summer holidays. It's now a college/university.

Ian

Well, I thought I had added some photos?

ianalderman wrote:

Hi George,

 you lived in Am Knochel, (no H). I also lived there in the mid 60's, my dad being in the Grenadiers. we lived at number 43.
 I distinctly recall the bus ride to school. My mum was an "escort" on the buses.
 Last year I did a 2000 mile tour around Europe to see various battlefields, museums, memorials, etc. but made a point of visiting both Wuppertal and Munster, where I lived.
 In case you never made it, I have posted a couple of pictures. 2 of Am Knochel, and one of our school. My year was the last to use the school as it was being given back to the Germans, and us kids were "volunteered" to clear the place of all the furniture during the summer holidays. It's now a college/university.

Ian  

Ian, thank you for posting the photo of the school at Wuppertal. I also lived at Am Knochel (10) in the mid 60's when my father was in the Grenadiers. I remember there was a field in front of the school building (it might have been the back of the building) that had a rainbow shaped climbing frame on it. A road ran along the side of this field and I recall sitting at the top of the climbing frame watching German soldiers singing as they marched along the road. I assume there must have been a German military barracks nearby. Do you recall the name of the school and where it was located? I only have vague memories of the journey to school and only a few of school itself. But lots of memories of Am Knochel, of travelling on the Schwebebahn, visits to the zoo and shopping trips to Dortmund and Dusseldorf.

Hi Purpledraig?

no problem. I can't recall the name of the school but it is now a university, albeit using the same buildings. Google "Bergische Universitat Wuppertal Campus" and you'll find it on Google Maps. The headmaster was a Mr Goulden, who drove a big american car. You must have been there at the same time as me but without knowing your proper name I can't be sure. Do you remember any of these people:
The Lines's, Heaths, Hoopers, Dowdells, Robinsons, Trusslers.
Or how about the mushroom shaped roundabout, the fish and chip van, baker's estate car, and the VW van that sold just about everything from sweets to washing machines.

There were always columns of German soldiers marching on the streets. We used to play on the ranges opposite Am Knochel where there were lots of slit trenches and even a couple of derelict self propelled guns.

Hope this stirs a few memories,
Ian

"Bergische Universitat Wuppertal Campus" was formerly Kapellen Camp 317 – Sagan Kaserne later Anglesey Barracks

From 1946 onwards https://www.baor-locations.org/AngleseyBarracks.aspx.html

From 9 Jun 45 when 53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division relieved US forces the following units served in the barracks:

Sometime after 10 Jun 45 – 53rd Reconnaissance Regiment Royal Armoured Corps – disbanded 28 Feb 46

9 Sep 45 – 69th (Caernarvonshire and Denbighshire Yeomanry) Medium Regiment Royal Artillery – disbanded 15 Jan 46
241 and 242 Medium Batteries arrived 20 Aug 45

3 Nov 45 – 61st (North Midland) Super Heavy Regiment Royal Artillery – disbanded 15 Jan 46
241 Super Heavy Battery and 443 Super Heavy Batteries arrived 3 Dec 45

25 Jan 46 – North Irish Horse Yeomanry Royal Armoured Corps

https://britisharmyingermany.com (under construction)

Hi Steve,

and later became Bangor barracks.

Ian

Hi Ian

Have a copy of an original BAOR document dated 13 Sep 46 that shows three barracks in Wuppertal:

Anglesey Barracks
Bangor Barracks
Harding Barracks

Also records show that the 14th/20th King’s Own Hussars were in Anglesey and Bangor at the same time prior leaving for the UK 12 Nov 47.

My detailed research is only up to 1 Mar 49 at this time.

Not always correct but a good guide: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wuppertaler_Kasernen

Hi Steve,

I don't suppose you have a map showing all 3?

Interesting. I only know of Harding and Bangor barracks from when I lived in Wuppertal in the mid 60's, and Bangor barracks was definitely what is now the university, or at least a part of it. I've asked both my brothers and sister whether Anglesey rings a bell with them. Apparently not.

Oops! I've just checked and it was handed back to the Germans a decade before I was there.

"In 1998, the development center and the German headquarters of Delphi were located on the site, as well as the Wuppertal technology center W-tec in the modernized barracks buildings."

Found it! According to the above and the coordinates given, Anglesey was to the SW of Bangor, and on the opposite side of the main road.

Ian

Hi Ian

Sorry a map not found as yet, you should be able to get the link above into English with Google that will give the coordinates, only have one barracks grid reference from the early days and it points to what is today the area of the University of Wuppertal - Campus Freudenberg.

Post Jun 45 was Kapellen 317 Camp, Sagan Kaserne later Anglesey Barracks and across the road Saarburg Kaserne later Bangor Barracks.

Hope this helps.

Bit more detail from my website

2 Jul 48 – 1st Battalion Manchester Regiment from United Kingdom
Commanding Officer: Lieutenant Colonel G Frampton by Jan 49
Regimental Headquarters: Anglesey renamed Manchester Barracks formerly Sagan Kaserne, Stadtkreis Wuppertal
Personal Strengths: 31 Officers – 565 Other Ranks – 15 attached
A Company – Bangor Barracks formerly Saarburg Kaserne Wuppertal
B Company – Manchester Barracks formerly Sagan Kaserne Wuppertal
C Company – Bangor Barracks formerly Saarburg Kaserne Wuppertal
D Company – Bangor Barracks formerly Saarburg Kaserne Wuppertal
HQ Company – Manchester Barracks formerly Sagan Kaserne Wuppertal
Detachment – Harding Barracks formerly Colmar Kaserne Wuppertal

not recorded being post 1 Mar 49 in Apr 50 the regiment moved to Wavell Barracks British Troops Berlin relieved by 1st Battalion Welsh Guards

steve wrote:

Hi Ian

Sorry a map not found as yet, you should be able to get the link above into English with Google that will give the coordinates, only have one barracks grid reference from the early days and it points to what is today the area of the University of Wuppertal - Campus Freudenberg.

Post Jun 45 was Kapellen 317 Camp, Sagan Kaserne later Anglesey Barracks and across the road Saarburg Kaserne later Bangor Barracks.

Hope this helps.

Spot on Steve,

all 3 located. Many thanks,

Ian

suzanne stewart wrote:

Hi Everyone,
This  is a longshot but wondering if anyone has any information on Wellington Primary School 1965-69 I was a pupil as my father was serving in the 1st Batt. Royal scots.  I had a great teacher called Mr Buxton.  at the time the swimming pool was just completed and we also had avaires/guinea pigs and assortment of animals at each end of the school landings. Love to hear anything about the school or any old pupils from those days. Along with myself my siblings James and Sidney (Sid) attended too. Our address was shortened to "sliced sausage street" and was on the army complex net to a park and a very big forrest. My spelling is not good but our german address sounded like "slenzenze strausse"?and army barracks were within walking distance.  Appreciate any information thanks.

I was stationed in the 12 Armoured Workshop REME adjunct to Mercer Barracks between 1982 and 1985. The resident infantry battalion was 1 Green Howards, and the RAC regiment in the colocated Imphal Barracks were 5 Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards, replaced by 4 Royal Tank Regiment during that period.

I lived in Dodesheide, in Buchenstraße. Sadly my children were both born during this period, too young to attend school, so I have no idea.

I may be able to help with other aspects of the area. Feel free to ask.

steve wrote:

Hi Ian

Have a copy of an original BAOR document dated 13 Sep 46 that shows three barracks in Wuppertal:

Anglesey Barracks
Bangor Barracks
Harding Barracks

Also records show that the 14th/20th King’s Own Hussars were in Anglesey and Bangor at the same time prior leaving for the UK 12 Nov 47.

My detailed research is only up to 1 Mar 49 at this time.

Not always correct but a good guide: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wuppertaler_Kasernen

14th/20th The Kings Hussars.

https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/14th-20th-kings-hussars

Amalgamated with The Royal Hussars at Options for Change after the fall of the Wall to become the present day Kings Royal Hussars. An easy mistake. As an admin of 15th/19th The King's Royal Hussars (amalgamated with 13th/18th Royal Hussars (Queen Mary's Own) to become The Light Dragoons) Facebook group, I've had to break the news to serving King's Royal Hussars that their regiment bears no link to mine.

ianalderman wrote:

steve wrote:

Hi Ian

Sorry a map not found as yet, you should be able to get the link above into English with Google that will give the coordinates, only have one barracks grid reference from the early days and it points to what is today the area of the University of Wuppertal - Campus Freudenberg.

Post Jun 45 was Kapellen 317 Camp, Sagan Kaserne later Anglesey Barracks and across the road Saarburg Kaserne later Bangor Barracks.

Hope this helps.

Spot on Steve,

all 3 located. Many thanks,

Ian

Hi Ian

You will find a Wuppertal-Barmen map here:

https://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/digital/collection/GermanyMaps/id/1573/rec/1

Cheers

AlienFTM wrote:

steve wrote:

Hi Ian

Have a copy of an original BAOR document dated 13 Sep 46 that shows three barracks in Wuppertal:

Anglesey Barracks
Bangor Barracks
Harding Barracks

Also records show that the 14th/20th King’s Own Hussars were in Anglesey and Bangor at the same time prior leaving for the UK 12 Nov 47.

My detailed research is only up to 1 Mar 49 at this time.

Not always correct but a good guide: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wuppertaler_Kasernen

14th/20th The Kings Hussars.

https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/14th-20th-kings-hussars

Amalgamated with The Royal Hussars at Options for Change after the fall of the Wall to become the present day Kings Royal Hussars. An easy mistake. As an admin of 15th/19th The King's Royal Hussars (amalgamated with 13th/18th Royal Hussars (Queen Mary's Own) to become The Light Dragoons) Facebook group, I've had to break the news to serving King's Royal Hussars that their regiment bears no link to mine.

14th/20th King's Own Hussars RAC arrived in BAOR from Italy 15 Feb 46
214th Infantry Brigade of 43rd (Wessex) Infantry Division
Kavallerie Kaserne later Wyvern Barracks Stadtkreis Lüneburg

7 Jun 46 – 53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division relieved by Life Guards Armoured Car Regiment RAC of Guards Division
Sagan Kaserne later Anglesey Barracks and Saarburg Kaserne later Bangor Barracks, Stadtkreis Wuppertal

1 Feb 47 – 2nd Infantry Division
12 Nov 47 – United Kingdom

https://britisharmyingermany.com (under construction)

14th/20th The Kings Hussars.

https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/14th-20th-kings-hussars#:~:text=This%20armoured%20regiment%20of%20the,form%20The%20King's%20Royal%20Hussars.

ianalderman wrote:

Hi Purpledraig?

no problem. I can't recall the name of the school but it is now a university, albeit using the same buildings. Google "Bergische Universitat Wuppertal Campus" and you'll find it on Google Maps. The headmaster was a Mr Goulden, who drove a big american car. You must have been there at the same time as me but without knowing your proper name I can't be sure. Do you remember any of these people:
The Lines's, Heaths, Hoopers, Dowdells, Robinsons, Trusslers.
Or how about the mushroom shaped roundabout, the fish and chip van, baker's estate car, and the VW van that sold just about everything from sweets to washing machines.

There were always columns of German soldiers marching on the streets. We used to play on the ranges opposite Am Knochel where there were lots of slit trenches and even a couple of derelict self propelled guns.

Hope this stirs a few memories,
Ian

Hi Ian

Thank you for your response. I forgot to put my name, it's Glynis. I've been trying to figure out when l lived in Wuppertal, it was probably about '67 or '68. I've got some paperwork of my late father's somewhere which records all his postings, I'll have to dig that out to be sure of the years.

Yes, I do remember Mr Goulden, well his name, I don't recall his face. One of the names you mentioned really stuck out. I had a friend called Tina, whose surname I remembered as Tressler, but after seeing 'Trussler' I think it was probably that. I have a vague memory of the name Dowell, but I've no idea why. The only other friends surnames I can recall are Woodfield, Wiltshire and White, (sounds like a firm of solicitors) Pemburton and Johnson

Yes, I do remember the bread man and also a man who sold hand made glass ornaments door to door. One vivid memory is seeing a German policeman threatening to shoot a stray dog (known as bobby) who was often seen near our house, we lived right next to a footpath that led to Parkstrasse. Was there a big hill near Am Knöchel? I remember going sledging on a big hill. My memories of Wuppertal are very fond ones, I was quite miserable when we came back to the UK, I missed Germany a lot.

I was talking to my daughter about Wuppertal recently, that's what prompted the search which resulted in finding your post. I've gone on a bit of a nostalgia trip around various childhood homes lately, courtesy of Google. Thank you for sharing your memories online!

Glyn

Hi Glyn,

your name doesn't ring any bells with me. Sorry.

I have to agree that some of my best memories come from Wuppertal and Munster, which was my dad's posting after Wuppertal.

Apart from Johnson none of the names you mentioned ring a bell with me I'm afraid, but that might just be age!

I don't remember the dog or the glass ornaments man.

The big hill close to Am Knochel was probably the road that led down to Ronsdorf, where there were a few shops. No problem going down but coming back up was a real pain. For sledging we either crossed over Parkstrasse to the (German) army ranges, or went through the woods next to Am Knochel, (where the wicked witch was supposed to live), to a steep lane that quite often iced over in the winter. Had a close encounter with a tractor coming up the hill once.

I also remember that the army used to put on a good fireworks display, complete with hot dogs and burgers, and a half decent Christmas party.

BTW, Trussler was the regimental Drum Major, and the Dowdell kids were always getting into trouble. I think I'm right in saying that Mr Goulden had a daughter called Deborah.  

Enough of my ramblings,

Bye.