British Garrison Verden 1945 - 1993

I am writing a documentation of a period of my town’s history entitled "BAOR: The British Garrison of Verden (Germany), 1945–1993”. I initiated my research project because the young generation (born after 1993) knows next to nothing about the presence of several thousands British people in Verden from 1945 to 1993. I therefore want to ensure that the history of these temporary residents of our town is documented and remembered. I am not a journaliste or professional writer and I hope that some day my documentation will be a printed book.

I am very interested in recording the memories of British servicemen who spent a part of their military career in Verden. I am interested primarily in the relations between the army and the population and the remembrance how the soldiers felt their stay in Verden. Were there any problems (eg. as no access in Verden to German pubs?), was it a coexistence or rather an isolated life inside the barracks ("Little Britain" in Verden)?


Thanks for your support!!!

P.S.: Does anybody know if there is a meeting of the ex-Royal Signals in April 2016 in Verden???

I don't know if you are still writing this history? My Dad was posted to HQ IST div in the mid 1960's. I spent two of my teenage years in Verden, mostly holidays as I was boarding by then. I remember regular swims at a brilliant open air swimming pool off the camp, walking our dog by the river Allergy. I wanted to meet and talk with German teenagers but it wasn't possible. I regret never having Ng learnt German. My Mum did learn to speak German and I remember going with her to visit her German friends

Hi Snoopy60,

Read your posting regarding those of us who spent part of their career in Verden-Aller.  As a fresh off the SEME production line mechanic, my first posting was to 1 Div HQ & Signal Regiment LAD REME in September 1968.  Captain Kinsman was the OC at the time.  I also did a second stint with 651 Squadron AAC LAD REME.

I can give numerous anecdotes of military/civilian interaction if, you are still writing your book?  Give me a shout if you are - I have the email notification activated so will get notified automatically if you are able to reply

Thanks go to Snoopy60 and this thread
https://bfg-locations.editboard.com/t2432-verden-units-royal-engineers-old-family-photo?highlight=Verden#37338

While revamping Verden on the new main website have come across a document that I had missed before, location statement for HQRA 51 (Highland) Division dated 6 Dec 45 and solved the riddle of a 4th barracks:

153 Infantry Brigade Workshop REME moved into Verden on 1 Oct 45 and located in what today is a School at Brunnenweg 67, in those days schools were regularly requestioned, named Akarit Barracks checking Google turns out the Brigade was involved in the Battle of Wadi Akrit in Tunisa April 1943.

On 16 Jan 46 the unit was redesignated 6 Light Workshop Company and renamed Thief Barracks moving to Caithness Barracks 20 Jun 46.

Another riddle solved  hoping Snoopy60 is still around