Branch History

Branch formed: 15th January 1989

Jellicoe Cup award: 19th May 1999

Bergen-Hohne Garrison Commander's Commendation 14th November 2014

Great Pilgrimage participation: August 2019

Former Chairmen include: David Baker;Nikki Burton;Nik Mooney;Terry Kirkham and currently, Keith Orton.

The Branch initially shared premises just outside the wire of Hohne Camp with the Chieftain and Stag RAOB Lodge. The Branch was massively refurbished in 1997 and formally re-opened by the then National Chairman, Mr. G. Downing.

After a time, the RAOB moved out and the Branch were able to retain the premises. Following the closure of the Bergen-Hohne garrison in 2015 the Branch applied to the new owners of the building, the German authority BiMA and were granted a contract and permission for continued use of the building which is still in force.

Much work has been done to establish and cement contacts with the local German Panzer Batallion and this allows the Branch to continue its valuable work.

Notable events in the Branch history include the presenting of a Gold Badge to Branch Standard Bearer Mike Kirkham-Ingram for his foresight in taking the branch standard on deployment into Basra in 2009. The award was initiated by the National Chairman.

The Branch was also presented with a Garrisomn Commander's Commendation in 2014 and Commander's Commendation from the German Battalion Commander, Lt.Col. Marco Niemeyer in 2018.

The Branch Standard has also had the honour of being paraded twice at the Festival of Remembrance in the Albert hall.

Today the Branch continues it's Welfare work and Remembrance duties. It is present at the annual Bergen-Belsen commemorations, organises the annual Remembrance Sunday at Becklingen CWGC and Poppy Appeal and holds an annual Remembrance Dinner.

Currently the Branch is building a Memorial Garden to commemorate those who passed away whilst serving in Bergen-Hohne garrison and have no memorial to them.