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The Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers ('''REME'''; pronounced phonetically as "Reemee") is a Corps of the British Army that has responsibility for the maintenance, servicing and inspection of almost every electrical and mechanical piece of equipment within the British Army from Challenger II main battle tanks and AH64 Apache helicopters to dental tools and cooking utensils. HISTORY Prior to REME's formation, maintenance was the responsibility of several different corps:
The outbreak of World War II , with the consequent increase in quantity and complexity of equipment, led to the flaws in this system being exposed. So, following a recommendation from a Committee chaired by William Beveridge , the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers was formed in October 1942 . The corps was unique in being granted the 'Royal' prefix from its inception. Such a major re-organisation was too complex, however, to be carried out quickly and completely in the middle of a world war. It was decided therefore that the changeover should be undertaken in two phases. In Phase I, which was implemented immediately, REME was formed on the existing framework of the RAOC Engineering Branch, strengthened by the transfer of certain technical units and tradesmen from the RE and RASC. At the same time a number of individual tradesmen were transferred into REME from other corps. The new corps was made responsible for repairing the technical equipment of all arms with certain major exceptions. REME did not yet undertake:
In 1949 , it was decided that "REME Phase II" should be implemented. This decision was published in Army Council Instruction 110 of 1949, and the necessary reorganisation was carried out in the various arms and services in three stages between July 1951 and January 1952 . The main changes were:
REME TODAY With minor exceptions only, REME is now responsible for the examination, modification, repair and recovery of all mechanical, electronic, electrical and optical equipment of the Army beyond the capacity of unit non-technical personnel. REME is currently has its headquarters and training base at Arborfield Garrison , in the county of Berkshire . Within REME there are a total of six regular and four TA Battalion s:
5 Battalion REME was superseded by 19 Light Brigade Combat Service Support Battalion in September 2006. In April 2007, 101 and 102 Battalions REME will become regular battalions and will rename to 8 and 9 Battalions REME from April 2008. REME also maintains the REME Museum Of Technology , which is situated at Arborfield Garrison and which is open to the public. FORMER OFFICERS
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