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Commando Engineers |
| The term 'Commando' originates from the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902). The Boers had no regular forces, apart from the Staat Artillery, which was officered by Dutch and Germans and their Police. Consequently they raised bands of men based on electoral districts. They were called Commandos, and each man was responsible for providing his own horse and received no pay or uniform. Commando tactics were marked by lightning strikes on the British Forces, with the Boers fading away into the veldt before the British could react. |
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The concept of a 'commando' in the British Army was the brainchild of a Sapper,
Major J C Holland RE, working in the GS(R) branch of the War
Office in 1940. The commandos were formed to hit the enemy hard
behind his own lines by the mounting of small raids. During
the Second World War, Sappers took part as individuals in the
many raids that took place, notably at St Nazaire where Sergeant
T F Durrant won the VC; and also in Greece, Italy and Norway.
They were also involved in the hazardous reconnaissance of the
Normandy beaches during planning for the invasion. Twenty years on, 59 Field Squadron first started to work with 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines in 1967 in Aden. In 1971 the squadron was redesignated 59 Independent Commando Squadron (59 Indep Cdo Sqn RE). In the 1970's 59 Independent Commando Squadron was based in Crownhill Fort in Plymouth. The Squadron was deployed on he Falklands Campaign in 1982 and completed tours in Northern Ireland in 1970, 74, 76, 80, and 1998. In 1991 the Squadron took part in Op HAVEN in Northern Iraq where it assisted in providing humanitarian aid for the Khurds. |
 Royal Engineer Commando officer scaling a rock face in training 1980's |
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The Squadron re-located to Chivenor, North Devon in 1995 and has since carried out operational tours in the jungle of Sierra Leone, the mountains of Afghanistan and the Iraq desert.
Today Royal Engineers support to 3 Commando Brigade is provided by 59 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers, 131 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers (Volunteers), 2 Troop of 49 Field Squadron (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) and elements of 516 Specialist Team Royal Engineers (Bulk Petroleum). For most deployments and operations 59 Indep Cdo Sqn RE provides both Close and General Support Engineering. The Squadron consists of a Headquarters, three Field Troops, a Reconnaissance Troop, a Support Troop and a REME Workshop. |
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Web links
Source: The Royal Engineers - (RE 200 brochure, Institute of Royal Engineers, Chatham 1987) |
Royal Engineers Museum main site
