Modern street-map of Valon Road

Reading Road and Walden Avenue

Arborfield Cross and School Road

Swallowfield Road, White's and Bartlett's Farms

Arborfield Court

Duck's Nest Farm and Eversley Road

Poperinghe Barracks

Modern aerial photo of the Married Quarters, courtesy of Multimap

R.E.M.E. hold their first ‘At Home’

Over 4,000 Visitors Entertained

A grand programme was offered to members of the public by the R.E.M.E. at Hazebrouck Barracks, Arborfield, when the whole training centre was thrown open to visitors on Saturday afternoon. This was R.E.M.E.’s first ‘At Home’, and a highly successful event it proved, giving the large gathering a wonderful opportunity to see for themselves some of the mechanical and electrical devices that played such a big part in winning the war.

[Photo: ‘Waterproofed Lorry entering the Water Splash’]

Perhaps one of the most popular features from the point of view of the younger folk was the Vehicle Wading, which provided a real thrill for the passengers. Throughout the afternoon and evening Army lorries, their engines specially waterproofed for waterborne landing, were being driven down a steel ramp into nearly six feet of water, each vehicle carrying a full complement of passengers in the driver’s cabin. One of the drivers – Craftsman Walmsley was having a "busman’s holiday" in more ways than one – he had taken part in the "real thing" in Italy.

Riding or perhaps one should say "rollicking" across the fields in Bren Gun carriers was well patronised by both children and grown-ups, and despite the fact that a number of carriers were busy collecting passengers, the queue never seemed to get any shorter throughout the whole afternoon. Rides on tanks were another very popular feature and passengers got quite a thrill in these huge juggernauts – sliding and slipping around on the test field, The tank recovery unit also attracted a large audience. Possibly one of the most impressive and spectacular displays of the day was the Flamethrowing tanks. The belching of flames over distances of 100 yards at a target "enemy" tank, with disastrous effect to the latter, left one in no doubt as to the terrible fate of its crew in actual warfare.

[Photo: ‘Off for a spin in a tank’]

The compactibility of the mobile workshops was something to amaze the civilian workman. One vehicle in question contained a small lathe, bench, drill, grinder, acetylene welding kit, in addition to a generating plant. Other mobile units included the Radar vans, where people were able to see for themselves for the first time how enemy aircraft were seen on the Radar screen, their distance traced, and the necessary information handed on to the guns for attack.

In the armament section were 25 pounder MK3, used for jungle warfare, with a range of no less than 13,400 yards; 5.5 Howitzers, MK1 Anti-tank guns, and largest of all the American 155 m.m. M.1., with a range of 25,395 yards. A crew of at least six men is needed to handle this monster.

On the main parade ground, a continuous programme was given of motor cycle track riding, physical training displays, and drills. A good deal of amusement was caused by a mock parade of supposed "raw recruits" and a much-harassed Sergeant-Major. This was followed by a ceremonial drill, carried out by men who had actually only been in the Service 11 weeks. The entire drill was carried out with the most perfect precision, and at its conclusion the salute was taken by General Sir Bertram Rowcroft, K.B.E., G.B., who also reviewed the first physical training display. The second P.T. display of the day was inspected by Brig. L. N. Tyler, C.B.E., Commandant of the Training Centre.

Visitors were able to inspect the vast N.A.A.F.I. building, where very welcome cups of tea were served with cakes and salad rolls, on presentation of a tea ticket. The smartly-painted married quarters were viewed with some envy by many would-be house hunters.

It was impossible not to be impressed by the spotless cleanliness and modern equipment of every building – from the N.A.A.F.I. to the splendid gymnasium, outside which boxing displays were given in the afternoon and evening before an admiring crowd. Although it is impossible to record in detail all the points of interest, the "At Home" afforded the civilian some idea of the extent of the mechanical efficiency of the British Army today.

The entire afternoon’s programme had been planned with great care and forethought, and in addition to special ‘bus services from Reading and Wokingham stations, the Camp ran its own "taxi" service to and from the car park to the display centres – a gesture which was very much appreciated by tired sightseers at the end of the day. The R.E.M.E’s own band provided the music throughout the afternoon.

[This news item was transcribed from a microfilm at Bracknell Local Studies Library, with acknowledgement to the 'Times' series of newspapers. In addition to this, there were full illustrated reports of the event in the 'Reading Standard' and in the 'Reading Mercury', both of which can be seen on microfilm at Reading Local Studies Library.]