The REME team: Rescue mechanics train at MOD Lyneham

Five years ago, MoOD Lyneham was home to the RAFs C130 Hercules before they were moved to RAF Brize Norton.

Now, it's the main base for the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (the REME), and their collection of broken tanks which are proving surprisingly useful on rescue operations.

That's because the base has become a hub for training rescue mechanics.

Recovery mechanics are taught a whole range of skills to bring back military vehicles that have broken down, crashed or even taken the brunt of explosions. 

Indeed, many of the vehicles at Lyneham are write-offs from Afghanistan.

They will be part of a fleet of broken vehicles that trainees will have to fix.

In fact, during the final exercise of their training, the practising engineers will have 30 wrecks to restore – at night. 

But the preparation will not go to waste. 

For those in the unfortunate position of being a driver when it's all gone wrong in the field, there's often a sigh of relief when the 'reccy mecs' arrive to help.