Royal Engineers Association Wakefield Branch

21/10/2026

Some of us heard Steve’s presentation at the Sapper Gathering in April….fantastic work 👍🏻

17/10/2026

For those members who recently visited Normandy the REA are now over there painting vehicles we saw👍🏻

🇫🇷 Normandy Vehicle Restoration 2026 | Day 1

📍 Arromanches, Normandy

Day 1 of this year’s vehicle restoration event is underway in Arromanches, overlooking the remains of Mulberry B, the artificial harbour that played a crucial role in sustaining Allied operations in the days and months following D-Day. Its remnants are still clearly visible offshore and along the shoreline below the Musée du Débarquement - Arromanches, providing a powerful reminder of the engineering ingenuity that helped shape the course of the Normandy campaign.

This year’s project has brought together a team of 17, combining serving personnel and veterans, including residents of the Royal Hospital Chelsea (RHC), former Troop Commanders and experienced restoration hands, alongside plenty of new faces eager to learn the ropes.

We’ve also been joined by Steve Davies, Military Grave Restorer, who is working on several local monuments, including the much-revered Corps of Royal Engineers Monument overlooking Arromanches from the cliff top.

As the photos show, the Normandy weather has certainly kept us guessing! 🌦️ Undeterred, the team got stuck into a varied programme of restoration work, tackling a German 88mm gun, a Sherman tank, a 25-pounder field gun, a half-track, a Bofors gun and a kite anchor.

Our Chelsea Pensioners have been a particularly striking sight, proudly wearing the scarlet uniform synonymous with the Royal Hospital Chelsea, complemented by specially selected scarlet overalls for working duties. A wonderful blend of tradition, pride and practical teamwork.

As ever, these events are about much more than restoring vehicles and preserving history. They bring generations of Sappers together, sharing experiences, exchanging stories and passing on knowledge, all underpinned by the camaraderie and enthusiasm that make these projects so special.

Day 1 finished in fitting style, with a relaxing evening, a barbecue and great company. A chance to put our feet up, reflect on a productive start and recharge the batteries before doing it all again tomorrow!

More updates from Arromanches to follow. 🇬🇧

09/10/2026

For anyone interested in volunteering.

This November, we’re calling on the Sapper Family.

The National Memorial Arboretum’s Field of Remembrance in Staffordshire will see 35,000 crosses placed.

If you’re able to volunteer, we’d love to have you join us.

Find out more and sign up: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/national-memorial-arboretum-field-of-remembrance-tickets-1997700016526

Lest we forget. ❤️

06/10/2026

Home from a fantastic weekend in Normandy with both members of Royal Engineers Association Wakefield Branch and Leeds - Royal Engineers Association a weekend of banter, information and emotions. A big thanks to Royal Engineers Association for the generous CUBS grant towards our trip 🇬🇧🇫🇷

01/10/2026

Today some of our members had the honour of attending two milestone celebrations at Wakefield Town Hall. The 20th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment and the 107th birthday of our oldest member of the Royal Engineers Association Godfrey Brooks. Godfrey and his daughter were chauffeur driven to and from the event, he truly enjoyed a day being treated like Royalty. Thankyou to Phil Tatterton our Director of ops for the North for attending today from REA HQ and saying a few words it was much appreciated 👍🏻🇬🇧

26/09/2026