Duchess of Edinburgh visits soldiers keeping the punch in British Army's fist
The Duchess of Edinburgh – Colonel-in-Chief of the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) – visited Aldershot to see for herself the technical training soldiers receive as they prepare for operations.
Her Royal Highness, who became Colonel of the REME last year, a role previously held for more than 50 years by the late Prince Philip, unveiled a flag to mark the establishment of a newly formed unit, 9 Theatre Support Battalion REME based in Aldershot during her visit on 18 July.
Known as the British Army's Professional Engineers, the REME maintain the vehicles and specialist equipment used by the British Army.
These soldiers 'keep the punch in the British Army's fist', a phrase closely associated with the REME which consists of eight regular battalions and three reserve battalions.
Formed in 1942, REME soldiers and officers serve as an integral element of every major unit in the British Army – artillery, infantry, Royal Armoured Corps, Royal Signals, Army Air Corps, plus others, including the Special Forces.
Every part of the British Army has a REME detachment within it allowing opportunity for service around the world from Belize and Canada to Cyprus and Kenya.
The technical training REME's soldiers get gives them the confidence to tackle any engineering problem and they are known for being professional, resourceful and resilient.
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