LUBECK 1945-1949

Have taken the opportunity to rationalise my working notes on the British presence in Lubeck into one document. My sources range from individual War Diaries, regimental histories and contributions to this site.

To date I have identified over 40 separate units in fourteen locations (a total which is likely to increase when I have identified the Sapper, Signals and Logistic units in support of the Brigades)

It makes an interesting contrast with nearby Kiel (35 units in twenty locations)

Unfortunately it is not possible to publish the details on this site at present but I will happily provide details privately to any one interested.

According to my research 1 PARA were the last British Army unit to leave the Stadt in Autumn 1948, any additional info would be most welcome (RAF Lubeck closed a year later)

hi , do you know anything about meesen barracks in lubeck or the regiment gaurding the displaced persons , any info would be great . thanks. heb

heb

Thank you for an interesting query

My researches into the British presence in Lubeck continue and whilst I have some details on Messen Kaserne, renamed Rugby Barracks in early 1946, I have yet to identify which British units may have occupied the barracks in Summer 1945, which was in the area of Kantstrassse/Gorbenstrasse in central Lubeck which has been completely redeveloped over the years and is now, looking at google earth, a large supermarket complex.

You mention its use as a DP Camp, which is confirmed by various internet entries. Humanitarian aid to the inhabitants would have been the responsibility of the Control Commission Germany (British civil servants in uniform acting on behalf of the Foreign Office not the Army authorities). The inhabitants either survivors of WW2 forced labour camps awaiting repatriation to their homelands or newly arrived refugees from Soviet occupied Eastern Europe would have been regarded as friendly by the British and would not have required a perimeter guard force.

My good friend Alan 8376 a regular contributor to this site and more knowledgeable than I on this subject may be able to help when he next drops by.

Hi Heb,

I think we discussed Luebeck and this item last Feb and exchanged photos.

Sadly, nothing of new has turned up since.

Regards
Alan

Heb,

A contact of mine sent me this Facebook link. I think you have it already?

https://www.facebook.com/pg/BalticDisplacedPersons/photos/?tab=album&album_id=594531163921554


Alan