59 Squadron History

My deepest Appreciation to Hank Lawrence Ex-11 Field Squadron (Op. Crown Site), who encouraged and offered advice on setting up this Site.

To navigate this Site, click on Icons. To return to main section - click on RE Stripes.

This site is dedicated to the History of 59 Field Company RE 1900-1952 / 59 Field Squadron RE 1952-1971.
It will also cover 59 Indep. Cdo. Sqn. RE. 1971-2008, which has a 37 year heritage, before converting to 24 Cdo. Engineer Regiment 2008, due to the high demand for Commando Engineers.

I am particularly interested in the latter part of the History 1963 - 1970, of which there are large gaps in the history and I require help to up-date that history.

In 1961 the Squadron was reduced to a Cadre and amalgamated with SME to form 59 SME.
Dec 62 - 59 RSME became - 36 RSME.
April 63 - Major Chris Bramwell assumed command of the Squadron in Maidstone.

1963 - Re-formation of 59 Field Squadron at Shorncliffe.
Did 36 RSME become re-titled to 59 Field Squadron and move to Ross Barracks in Shorncliffe?
What Training took place and where?
Exercises were carried out -
Strangford Loch in Ireland - trialing equipment?
Monorbier in Wales - Steps built into a cliff, for the RAF to gain the beach at the foot of the cliffs?

1964 - The Squadron moved to Thailand - Operation Crown.

Who formed the Advance Party in December 1963?
Was it mainly HQ, or other troops and how many made up the Advance Party?
What tasks did each troop carry out, with rough dates?
When did the Tent City become fully finished - date?
When did the Hutted Camp start and finish - dates?
Howards Train - full description of how it works?
Was the Flight Tower mounted over a Water tower?
How many Culverts were used and were they solely for the Airfield?
In what order did each task take place Ie: Tent City, Hutted Camp, Camp Roads, Airfield, Apron?

1964 - 1971 - Singapore
December 1965 - The Main based re-titled Cloutman Lines -What was the Main base called before Cloutman Lines?
What training took place there?
1966 - Details of the Exercises in:
Australia
Malaysia
Hong Kong

February 67 - Operation Caricature in Hong Kong - details please?
Also Exercises:
Firm Stride
Gedgley
Oct 67 - who sailed with 40 Cdo RM to Aden?
1970 - Exercises in
Hong Kong
Laos
Ceylon

This is 59 Sqn History and therefore Your History, please help to fill-in the gaps.
The History will be lodged with 59 Cdo Field Sqn and when completed, a copy to the RE Museum.

Royal Engineer Commando Group Database

The Squadron History forms a part of my work.
I also operate the Commando Engineer Group Database.

The Group Database:
59 Indep Cdo Sqn
131 Indep Cdo Sqn (V)
2 Trp - 49 Sqn (EOD)
54 Cdo Field Sqn
56 Cdo Field Sqn
59 Cdo Field Sqn
24 Cdo Engr Regiment

The Database includes REME, ACC and all those who were attached to the Units.
The sole purpose of the Database, is for Reunions at RMB Chivenor - Devon.

It is estimated that around 6000 served in 59 Indep Cdo Sqn, therefore around 10,000 in the Group, from 1971 - 2008.
I have only 3000 Names on the Database, with Contact to 800+ lads.
I really would like to increase this and need everyone to help, by registering with myself AND making sure their mates do the same, or passing me their details, so I can make contact.

If each lad could help with names of lads in their troop, even though they have no contact with them, I can then build a Register of Troops, for each of the 37 years.
This Register will then give me names of lads to find, with approximate years of service.