Corps History - Part 20
The Corps and the Imperial rundown (1945-94)

Imperial rundown - Overview

In the years that followed the Second World War (1939-45), Britain divested herself of many of her overseas colonies (except for a few tiny dependencies) in some cases the process of imperial rundown was marred by a clash of arms as the native peoples took militant action to throw off the yoke of colonialism.

The skills of the Royal Engineers meant that they had a unique role to play in the process of imperial rundown. On the one hand, they were deployed in their usual combat engineering support role to the Armed Services, and on the other, they completed civil construction projects (e.g. road building in Kenya, airfield construction in the West Indies and harbour construction in Pitcairn Islands) as part of British government policy to prepare colonies for independence or to help burgeoning nations. They also provided humanitarian aid to stricken dependencies or former colonies.

The Royal Engineers, with the Army, saw service in the following places:

• India (1945-47)
• Hong Kong (1945-97)
• Palestine (1945-48)
• Kenya and Mau Mau Emergency (1947-63)
• Malaya and the Malayan Emergency (1950-60)
• Cyprus and EOKA Campaign (1955-59)
• Egypt and the Suez Crisis (1956)
• Brunei and Borneo (1962-66)
• Arabian Peninsula (1967)
• Northern Ireland (1969 onwards) - see Part 17
• Falklands (1982)

India 1945-47

The granting of Independence to India in 1947 marked the beginning of the British Imperial rundown. In the two years intervening, from the end of the Second World War and the end of the British Raj in India, members the Royal Engineers continued to serve with the Corps of Royal Indian Engineers and in civilian posts.

Partition of India - 1947

Throughout India engineer units were tasked with infantry duties during the communal roits that occurred prior and after Partition. Although in the aftermath of the riots they could be call upon in their engineering role, for instance at Multan in the southern Punjab 36 (Madras) Parachute Field Squadron RIE used their plant to make partly collapsed buildings safe.

On 21 August 1947 two RE officers (Captain N Powell and Lieutenant W Image) of 33 (Bengal) Parachute Field Squadron RIE were killed in Amritsar where the rioting was particularly heavy.

During the mass migration of Hindus and Sikhs south to India and Muslims north to Pakistan engineer units were engaged in constructing refugee camps and manning trains carrying refugees.

After Independence some Royal Engineer officers and senior NCOs remained to assist the armies of the two new nations, India and Pakistan, to establish their own engineer corps.

More information about Indian Sappers can be found in Part 10

Hong Kong - 1945-97

The proclamation of the Communist Chinese Peoples Republic (CCP) in 1949 led to a flood of refugees into the British colony of Hong Kong and the likelihood of a CCP Red Army invasion. Reinforcements (40 Infantry Division) were deployed to Hong Kong to assist to secure the border between China and the colony.

The engineer units deployed were:

• 1 Independent Field Squadron RE (transferred from Malaya)
• 50 Field Squadron RE (deployed from the UK)
• 24 Field Regiment (25, 37, 39 Field Squadron RE and 46 Field Park Squadron RE - later renumbered 54, 56, 11 and 15 respectively)
• 41 CRE Works
• 410 Plant Troop RE
• 40 Infantry Division Postal Unit RE
• Transportation Supervisory Unit

On their arrival in the engineers were tasked with strengthening the borders between China and Hong Kong. To do this they repaired mine fields, thickened the wire, and constructed gun emplacements, observation (OP) and command posts (CP) along the northern border of the New Territories. They also laid a 12 mile water pipeline, built camps and constructed a 24-foot class 70 all-weather road to link the villages of Tsun Wan and Sek Kong (known as Twisk or TWSK). The road was completed in May 1953.

In early 1950 67 and 68 Field Squadron (Gurkha) RE arrived in Hong Kong from Malaya. At the same time the other engineer units operated as Infantry, tasked with protecting the north eastern borders of the New Territories.

The Hong Kong Squadron RE was formed in July 1952, from locally recruited Hong Kong Chinese. The redesigned 82 Independent (Hong Kong) Squadron RE in 1982.

Palestine 1945-48

Palestine became a British Mandate in 1923. By the end of the Second World War (1939-45) its administration became increasingly difficult as Jews and Arabs strived for self rule. The Jews were encouraged by the 1917 Balfour Declaration and the Arabs by reassurances given by the British for their loyal support in defeating the Turks during the First World War (1914-18). Thus Palestine found herself a twice promised land and the British Government in a dilemma it could not resolve.

In October 1945 the Jewish 'Irgun Zwei Leumi' (IZL) began a terrorist campaign against British rule. They attacked rail communication, blow up military installations and hotels. The official history records that the "real dirty work went to the Royal Engineers", who were largely engaged in the removal and neutralising of the explosive devices planted by the terrorists.

The bulk of the bomb disposal work fell to the Divisional engineers based in Palestine:

• 1 Division - 23, 238 and 48 Field Company RE, and 6 Field Park Company (in 1947 they were redesignated 12, 20, 23 and 6 Squadrons RE)
• 6 Airborne Division - 1 and 9 Airbourne Squadron RE and 286 Airborne Park Squadron RE.

Still under development

Kenya and the Mau Mau Emergency 1947-63

Operation Leader - Mackinnon Road Project - 1947-50

After the Second World War (1939-45) it was decided to that Kenya should become a British military strategy base. Mackinnon Road, 60 miles north of Mombasa was chosen as its stores holding area. The Engineers were responsible for constructing the site. The Engineer units and organisations involved were:

• 57, 62, 65 and 1299 CsRE providing the project's works organisation.
• 717 Artizan Works Squadron started to clear the site in early 1947.
• 337 Army Troops Squadron fresh from Greece soon joined them.
• 34 Army Engineer Regiment (8, 55, 56 Field Squadron and 143 Field Park Squadron) arrived in October 1947 and were tasked with laying a water pipe from Tsavo River, 73 miles away.
• 873 Plant Squadron.

By mid-1949 1,600 acres had been cleared and surveyed, over 9 miles of roads had been built, 1½ miles of railway sidings had been laid, a collection of South West Pacific hangars (Igloos) had been constructed, along with a 600-bed hospital and an 11,000 square foot REME workshop. Mackinnon Road was a going concern, but the world had moved on and so towards the end of 1950 the project was abandoned. It was later used as a detention camp during the Mau Mau Emergency.

Mau Mau Emergency 1952-60

The Mau Mau Emergency was an insurgency by Kenyan rebels against the British colonial administration that lasted from 1952 to 1960. The core of the resistance was formed by members of the Kikuyu tribe, along with smaller numbers of Embu and Meru tribes. The insurgent activity mainly centred around the tribal homelands on two mountain masses; the Aberdares and Mount Kenya. The Engineers were tasked with the building roads and tracks through this heavily forested mountainous terrain, which had its own micro-climates, for the deployment of the security forces. The GOC East Africa Command at the start of the Emergency was the engineer, Lieutenant General Sir Alexander Cameron.

39 Corps Engineer Regiment (72, 73 Field Squadrons and 74 Field Park Squadron), based in Crickhowell, was despatched to Kenya in November 1953.

The Regiment began a road construction programme through the mountains in January 1954. Within ten months 247 miles of road had been constructed (nearly a mile a day), such work required the ground to be reconnoitred, the forest cleared, pilot tracks cut then widened, graded and drained. When the weather prevented work in the forests, roads and bridges were constructed in the native reserves.

In 1955 the Regiment took on a new task to provide hutted communal buildings and hot water installations in all the British Army camps. In August 1955 as the Emergency petered-out the Regiment was recalled to the UK. 72 Squadron was disbanded and 74 Field Park Squadron was reformed in Ripon. 73 Field Squadron remained in Kenya as an independent squadron until it was sent to Bahrein at the end of 1956.

34 Field Squadron was deployed to Kenya in December 1958 with 24 Infantry Brigade, although it was based in Gilgil, it spent most of its time on the Aden frontier, and in Bahrein and the Oman.

The end of the Emergency was officially declared in January 1960. Kenya was granted independence on 12 December 1963, a year later it declared itself as a Republic with Jomo Kenyatta (1894-1978) its first President.

Survey - 1953-59

The Emergency highlighted the inadequacy of mapping in Kenya, which was the responsibility of the Survey of Kenya supported by 42 Survey Engineer Regiment based in Egypt.

In December 1953 89 Field Survey Squadron was formed and immediately started work on mapping the area north of Nairobi before moving onto the Aberdares and Mount Kenya all of which were areas that the insurgents operated. In April 1956 the Squadron took on the task of mapping the Northern Frontier District. Once the task was completed the Squadron was disbanded in 1959.

Still under development

Malaya and the Malayan Emergency - 1948-60

In the aftermath of the Second World War (1939-45) the British Military Administration, who took over the country from the Japanese suggested the formation of the Malayan Union which came into existence on 1 April 1946.

Malayan Emergency - 1948-60

After the abandonment of Malaya and the surrender of Singapore to the Japanese in February 1942 (see Part 16) the Allies encouraged and assisted groups, mainly Chinese, to resist the Japanese occupation. At the end of the war these groups were disbanded and their arms handed in. However, a small element of hard-line communists formed themselves into the self-styled 'Malayan Race Liberation Army' (MRLA). In 1948 they embarked upon a campaign to remove the British and declare Malaya a communist republic. In March the Government responded by declaring a state of emergency.

When the Emergency began there were no Royal Engineer field units in the country. 561 Independent Field Squadron RE arrived from the UK in October 1948 (shortly afterwards it was resdesignated 1 Independent Field Squadron RE), but as the then British Commander, Major General RE Urquhart CB, DSO stated there was "no foreseeable role for engineers in the Emergency", the Squadron was dispatched to Hong Kong to assist in stemming the flow of refugees from China.

Between 1948-52 the bulk of engineering tasks focused on the construction of a series of semi-permanent camps to accommodate troops on emergency operations. This work was mainly executed by the Singapore based Works Squadron (Malaya), which was renamed Malayan Engineer Squadron in 1950 and members of the Engineer Training Centre (ETC). During that time the Malayan Engineer Squadron also managed to complete (before it was disbanded in 1952 to form 75 Field Squadron RE) the construction of 8 airstrips, 50 miles of road and 5 Bailey bridges exceeding 80ft in length, as well as the site clearance for 3 military hospitals.

Between 1950 and 1951 engineer units were mainly engaged in infantry tasks, although a detachment from the Engineer Training Centre (ETC) operated a ferry at Temerloh, and others built airstrip at Seremban and Jerautut. The Works Squadron built a 160ft Bailey bridge over the Betong River in Pahang.

In 1952, 75 Field Squadron RE and 78 Field Park Squadron RE were tasked with driving jeep tracks into the jungle to camps that they also constructed. Deep in the forest dropping and landing zones were constructed. On the perimeters of the jungle the Squadrons constructed air strips in various locations throughout the country.

The ex-Chindit and Royal Engineer, Major General LECM Perowne CB CBE (1902-82) was appointed GOC of 17 Gurkha Division in 1952 whilst in the same year Brigadier MCA Henniker DSO OBE MC was appointed Brigade Commander of 63 Gurkha Infantry Brigade.

When General Sir Gerald Templer was appointed to the dual post of High Commissioner and Director of Operations in 1952 the direction of the campaign changed. Mobility was the order of the day and with that the engineers (11, 75 (Malay), 67 (Gurkha) and 68 (Gurkha) Field Squadron, 78 (Malay) Field Support Squadron and 490 Plant Troop RE) were tasked with road building projects, which they shared with the Public Works Department. The engineers also constructed forts deep in the jungle. Getting plant to these remote locations posed enormous logistical problems, the solution was to strip down tractors and reassemble them on site.

Malayan Sappers hauling a Ferguson tractor up a river bank to build the Fort Dixon Airstrip

Gurkha Sappers building the Muar River bridge on the Rompin-Gemas Road in 1955

In all 12 Pioneer (a type of light aircraft) airstrips were built for jungle forts at distances of up to 30 miles from the road-or rail-heads in times that varied from 3-15 months. Over 85 miles of new roads were laid between 1954-56.

In 1957 Malaya was granted Independence (Merdeka) and the Emergency finally drew to a close in 1960.

Survey

At the beginning of the Emergency all Survey units (Map Depot and 2 Air Survey Liason Section) were based in Singapore.

In 1955 the 570 Map Reproduction Troop RE was formed and later redesignated 556 Field Surevey Depot RE and was soon producing 300,000-400,000 maps per month in support of the troops engaged in the Emergency.

Transportation

10 Transportation Squadron RE arrived in Singapore in 1956 to supervised the operation and maintenance of 4 rail-served depots in Malaya. The Squadron also operated a port in Hong Kong.

Singapore 1947-50

By the end of 1947 the last of the wartime engineer units had either left Singapore or had been disbanded leaving the Singapore Engineer Regiment as the principle Royal Engineer unit on the island. The other RE units were: a Map Depot, 2 Air Survey Liaison Section and a postal unit.

In 1952 the Singapore Engineer Regiment were deployed in support of the British troops in Malaya. The following year elements of the Regiment were sent to North Borneo to open up river routes and to rehabilitate an old wartime Japanese airfield for the RAF.

Still under development

Cyprus and EOKA Campaign - 1955-59

Although Cyprus was under Turkish sovereignty in 1878 it came under British Administration. Captain (later Lord) HH Kitchener RE made a survey of the island in 1882. The huts he had constructed in Polemidhia, near Limossal as his base were still in existence in 1953.

Still under development

Egypt and the Suez Crisis - 1956

The Royal Engineers first served in Egypt in 1882 (see Part 9) and continued to serve there until the British withdrawal in 1956.

The Anglo-Egyptian Treaty (1936), which was due to run until 1956, allowed the British to maintain a garrison of 10,000 based along the Suez Canal (known as the 'Canal Zone'). Shortly after the Second World War (1939-45) the Egyptian Government began to press the British to reduce their troop levels to the agreed Treaty figures. Troop reduction began in 1947 and continued to the finally departure of all troops in April 1956.

The process was not without its tensions and Royal Engineer units found themselves involved in a number of security operations, as well as, their normal engineering tasks.

Operation Musketeer - The Suez Crisis - July-December 1956

In July 1956 Gamal Abdul Nasser (1918-70), the Egyptian President, nationalised the Suez Canal Company, owned jointly by the British, French and Egyptians. In response an Anglo-French force, with the assistance of the Israelis, invaded Egypt to persuade Nasser to reinstate the status quo and so began the politically ill-fated Operation Musketeer (or the Suez Crisis).

The plan was for Israel to attack Egypt across the Sinai Peninsula on 29 October (Operation Kadesh), with an airborne assault on El Gamil Airport, Port Said (British led) and capture of the Raswa bridges south of Port Said (French led) on 5 November, followed the next day by a sea borne assault on Port Said (British led) and on Port Faud (French led).

5 November - Airborne assaults - 16 Parachute Brigade

Assault on El Gamil Airport - 3 Troop, 9 Independent Field Squadron RE, with 3 Parachute Battalion was tasked with demolishing a bridge west of the airport, but in the event it was destroyed by an attack by the Fleet Air Army, so the troop was redeployed clearing the runway and providing general engineer support to the Battalion.

Capture of Raswa bridges - 2 Troop, 9 Independent Field Squadron RE, with 2 French Colonial Parachute Regiment. The capture was successful and the engineers were only required to clear the bridges and remove the handrails so that tanks could pass over them.

6 November - Sea borne assaults - 3 Commando Brigade

Assault on Port Said - 3 Field Squadron RE and 1 Troop 40 Field Squadron RE, accompanied the first assault troops and were responsible for improving the beach exits, mine clearance and the preparation of defensive positions. By the 9 November 3 Field Squadron had started to build a 330 foot (100m) Class 80 Bailey Pontoon Bridge near the Raswa bridges, the bridge was completed by 24 Field Squadron.

Later the 37 Corps Engineer Regiment (33 and 18 Field Squadrons) arrived and were tasked with the construction of a Class 60 Pontoon Bailey over the Interior Basin, but due to the success of 2 French Colonial Parachute Regiment's assault such a bridge was not required so the engineers were re-tasked to restore the public utilities in Port Said and Port Faud.

7 November

323 E&M Squadron RE took over the operating of the water works and managed to ensure the supply of 10 gallons (45 litres) per head per day for both the civilian and military population. The Squadron also took over the running of the Port Faud Electricity Station.

119 Works Section began work to restore the Port Said sewage system, the task was later taken over by 33 and then 24 Field Squadrons.

9 November

35 Army Engineer Regiment (Port) set about unloading ships at Port Said, while 82 Port Regiment (165, 168 and 169 Port Operation Squadrons, with elements of 175 Port Maintenance Squadron, 174 IWT Squadron and Z craft of 52 Port Squadron) became responsible for operating the docks.

A train service between Port Said and El Cap was operated by 37 Corps Engineer Regiment.

10 November

The Postal Unit established a Field Post Office (FPO) at Gamil airport and established a regular airmail service between Egypt and Cyprus. 203 L of C Postal Unit RE arrived on 26 November and established a FPO in Port Said.

In early December UN observers and forces arrived and soon after a withdrawal was ordered. 35 Army Engineer Regiment (Port) found itself reloading many of the stores that it had unloaded only a few days before. 24 Field Squadron built a LST hard outside Port Said harbour for the evacuation. The last troops were withdrawn on 22 December 1956. However two Z craft remained behind for 6 weeks operated by 51 Squadron RE wearing blue berets attached to the UN Monitoring Force.

Brunei and Borneo - 1962-66

Still under development

Arabian Peninsula - 1967

Still under development

Falklands - 1982

Still under development

History of the Corps of Royal Engineers Vol X and XI (Institution of Royal Engineers, Chatham, 1986 and 1993)

A Short History. The Royal Engineers. Compiled by Maj DP Aston RE (Institution of Royal Engineers, Chatham, 1993)

Follow the Sapper. Napier G (Institution of Royal Engineers, Chatham, 2005)

Royal Engineers Journal (Vol 122, No 1, April 2008)