Napier Barracks, Dortmund: 2011

Tell us what you know?

Hi all,

I have set this Blog up in order that we can share our memories and photos of our time in Napier Barracks. Whichever cap badge you had at the time, you all have a story to tell.

From the late 1940's until 1995, many regiments have passed through the gates of Napier Bks., albeit mainly Royal Artillery regiments and their supporting units. However, other units were present as Occupational Forces, including squadrons from the RAF Regt. and the Royal Scots Fusiliers post 1945; followed by the Royal Engineers in 1950.

Was you a member of one of the many Luftwaffe Squadrons, or an ancestor of anyone and has a tale to tell? 'Richthofen Kaserne' as the airfield with a new runway was known then. Did you serve in the famous Sturmstaffel 1 that was formed here in 1943?

Which artillery regiment did you serve with or attached unit? Did you serve with the 26th US Army Missile Detachment near the gate's entrance when two artillery regiments had Corporal nuclear missiles; or did you serve in the NAAFI, YMCA or WRVS? Come on, tell us what you know and share those photos you have.

Contact me: njedwards368@aol.com

Friday, 23 December 2011

Flugleitung

The Control Tower before it was demolished as a result of an air raid on the airfield. Situated near the taxi ways, close to the entrance of the camp (by the old RSM's residence on the way to RAGTE)

Photo sourced from the internet and Fliegerhorste's excellent site

Monday, 19 September 2011

A view from the air looking south

As you can see, Napier Barracks has gone and resigns to a long history. Only thing that remains from those days (or hanging on!) is the golf course of St. Barbara's

Photo courtesy of Peter Kronfeld

Sunday, 11 September 2011

Flying Rapier!

Towed Rapier underslung beneath a Chinook, whilst another awaits. After doing the basic Rapier course it wasn't unusual to finish the course by taking a flight from RAGTE and then bringing your launcher into action in another location.

Photo sourced off the internet

Old Flughafen

Did the aeroplane crash? Found no records, but it looks like its in a steep dive and fast approaching the ground!

Photo sourced from the internet

The old Medical & Dental centre

This building was probably built post war, due to the fact that it was outside the airfield's perimeter. Formally the Church of Scotland and latterly, the Medical and Dental centre. A queue could be seen from the phone box before mobiles were plentiful!

Sourced from John Walker's REME website

Thursday, 21 July 2011

Dirty Harry cleans his Bofor!

An old L40/60 Bofor, barrel removed for cleaning in Napier Barracks.

Photo sourced from the internet and with thanks to Harry, who's kneeling and cleaning the Gun.

Luftwaffe personnel in Richthofenkaserne

Luftwaffe personnel during the eleven years they occupied Richthofenkaserne. Here, seen in one of their accommodation blocks and the 'Cookhouse'

Photos courtesy of Fliegerhorste site.

Sturmstaffel 1

Sturmstaffel 1, the unit that was formed at the airfield in January 1944. Here we see Luftwaffe personnel with a Fw 190 in the background.

Photo sourced of the internet

Graf Zeppelin & Airport terminal

The Graf Zeppelin lands on the airfield in 1930 and the Flughafen terminal and one of the hangars in 1934, when the Wehrmacht/Luftwaffe took over.

Photos sourced from the internet

Wednesday, 20 July 2011

Evidence of Air raid on Richthofenkaserne

Photo sourced from the internet

Wednesday, 2 February 2011

Old Airport Terminal and Hangar c.1927

The old Airport terminal and one of the hangars that was situated either side of the terminal on Flughafenstrasse, c.1927. All three were probably demolished in order to make way for the now Industrial Estate which was in close proximity of the barracks' perimeter fence and adjacent to the Rapier Domes of RAGTE