Dates: 1940 - 1946

In September 1939, a number of infantry and cavalry reservists were formed into Works Labour Companies. These, in October 1939 became the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps (AMPC), and a Labour Directorate was created to control labour matters. On 22 November 1940 the name was changed from the AMPC to the Pioneer Corps.

Pioneers were recruited from throughout Africa, Mauritius and India. They performed a wide variety of tasks in all theatres of war. These tasks ranging from handling all types of stores, laying prefabricated track on the beaches and stretcher-bearing. They also worked under Engineer supervision on the construction of the Mulberry Harbour and laid the Pipe Line Under the Ocean (PLUTO), constructed airfields, roads and erected bridges. Hardly known today is the fact that many thousands of Germans and Austrians joined the Pioneer Corps to assist the Allied war efforts and liberation of their home countries. These were mainly Jews and political opponents of the Nazi Regime who had fled to Britain while it was still possible, including the cinematographer Sir Ken Adam. These men - often dubbed "The King's Most Loyal Enemy Aliens" - later moved on to serve in fighting units like the Royal Fusiliers, Royal Tank Corps and even with the RAF. Serving as German nationals in the British forces was particularly dangerous, since, in case of taken captive, with a high probability they would have been executed as traitors by the Germans. Also, the number of German-born Jews joining the British forces was exceptionally high. Until the end of the war, one of seven Jewish refugees from Germany had joined the British forces. Especially their profound knowledge of the German language and customs proved to be very useful. A lot of them served in the administrative bodies of the British occupation army in Germany after the war

Forces Reunited Forum Posts involving Pioneer Corps

" hi alan   i served with a few lads from the pioneer corps back in 1972 with 24 airportable bgd in Barnard castle royal signals and down to Thisk. good set of lads trouble is i cant remember any of thier names"

Click For More

---

" i met Norman Brown on 10/07/04 at Bicester and he made my self and mother very welcome at the Pioneer reunion. My mother & myself made the trip in respect of my father SSGT Ron Gregson B.E.M. I would like to thank all of my fathers old mates and the rest of the Pioneer corps who made us most welcome. But yes in reply this is a very good web site. Good luck lads and God bless"

Click For More

---

" HI IM ALLAN ( SOOTY ) SUTCLIFFE. I WAS IN THE ROYAL PIONEER CORPS, FROM DECEMBER 1970 UNTIL NOVEMBER 1973. AFTER I PASSED OUT IN MARCH 1971, I WAS POSTED TO 522 COY ( RPC ) CAD KINETON, I WORKED DOWN IN THE AMMO SHEDS FOR A FEW MONTHS, THEN I WENT ON DOG SECTION, UNTIL JANUARY 1972, THEN I WAS ..."

Click For More

---

"Any ex-Pioneer Corps members out there who were aboard the RMS LANCASTRIA when she was bombed and sunk in 1940? My father Private Harry Eyles died there and I’ve spent years seeking information about his death. Not morbid, would just like to know. Henry Eyles."

Click For More

---

" LOOKING FOR DAVE SAYER OR SAYE, WHO WAS IN THE ROYAL PIONEER CORPS. HE WAS FROM LEEDS IN WEST YORKSHIRE. LAST TIME I SAW HIM WAS AT 8TH INF BDE, HQ & SIG SQN, EBRINGTON BARRACKS, LONDONDERRY, N/IRELAND. WE WERE BOTH ON ROVER GROUP AT THE SAME TIME BETWEEN JANUARY 1972 & NOVEMBER 1973.IF YOU HAVE ..."

Click For More

View your bookmarks