The Museum cares for a fascinating and eclectic mix of objects from around the world. Each helps to tell the REME story and therefore the story of the British Army in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Past and present

The majority of the object collection dates from after the formation of the Corps in the midst of World War Two. However, we do care for objects associated with predecessor Corps, such as the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, many members of whom joined REME when the Corps was born in 1942. The Cold War period is well represented and our collection of items tied to REME in the 1990s and 2000s is growing steadily.

Technical equipment

The pride of our collection is our fleet of specialised repair and recovery vehicles, unique in the world. Some of these vehicles are kept up to working standard and visit shows and events around the country. Find out more about our Reserve Vehicle Collection.

We also collect other equipment utilised by members of the Corps from a variety of trades. This ranges from precision tools for instrument repair to radio and weapons systems that were cutting edge in their day.

Personal and professional

Our object collection represents the skilled work that keeps the punch in the Army's fist as well as the social experiences that bond Corps members together through the decades. Objects associated with REME mess life, sport and ceremony open up a hidden world to civilian visitors. Some objects are personal. We look after medals awarded to REME personnel, trade test pieces made at the Army Apprentice Colleges and mementos saved from operations and exercises. Whether objects belonged to a Craftsman or a Brigadier they all tell a story.

Some of our favourites

We regularly share our exciting objects and new acquisitions on our Blog and social media pages. Click on the photos below to learn more about some of our current favourites (links open in a new window).

This Sherman Beach Armoured Recovery Vehicle (BARV) is one of a rare few that were used during the Allied invasion of Normandy on 6 June 1944. 1984.2746.

Improvised pistol, 1950s. Collected in Kenya during the Mau Mau Uprising. A:1962.0533.01.

REME soldier G Street replaced the worn out bristles of this toothbrush with coconut fibres while he was prisoner of war during World War Two. A:1974.1294.