" It was the removal of beach obstacles, the building of
    ammo, food and supply dumps and construction that the
    majority of the 6,000 Pioneers, who landed on D-Day, were
    engaged. Much of the work was carried out under artillery

    and small-arms fire with the
    ever present risk of touching
    off a land-mine… "

    Major E H Rhodes-Wood

 Show your support !


23 Pioneer Regiment is soon deploying on Operations in three theatres around the globe. The Unit Welfare Office is raising funds in order to boost the Operational Welfare Package. This package consists of funds to support families and soldiers on rear party whilst the majority of the Regiment are away from home on Operational tours.

If you would like to show your support for 23 Pioneer Regiment, you can help by purchasing a special 23 Pioneer wristband, at only £1 each. Please contact the Association.

Mar 28th 2009

 April 2009 Newsletter


Hot off the press is our latest newsletter, a week or so before it drops through your letterbox ! Please keep your letters coming in and I hope you enjoy reading the many great stories inside this excellent issue !

• Massive news section with details of past and future events
• George Pringles story Part II
• Frank Nichol remembers his time in Munster
• Normany to Neumunster - D-Day with 67 Pioneer Company
• Final part of life in a wartime smoke company - Smokey Joes
• Photo gallery
• Your letters
• Book reviews
• Last post / Obituaries
• Lost trails
• Pioneer humour

and much, much more !

Mar 28th 2009

 Joining the Royal Pioneer Corps Association


Over 21,000 have joined the RPCA since its formation. Unfortunately only around 2,500 are currently on the Active list. When you make contact with ex Corps members or ex RLC Pioneers ask if they receive the newsletters - tell them it is FREE! If they do not please send me their address. If you would like to join the RPCA, drop me an email and I will send you details on how to join. Our reunions are open to all Pioneers and we look forward to seeing you all in 2009.

Mar 28th 2009

Patrons
HRH The Duke of Gloucester  KG GCVO
Vice Patrons
General Sir John Stibbon  KCB OBE
Major General G W Field  CB OBE
President
Bridadier H J Hickman  CBE
Chairman of Council
Colonel A Barnes TD JP
Controller
Mr N Brown Esq

Although the Royal Pioneer Corps disbanded in 1993 when it was amalgamated with 4 other Corps to form the Royal Logistic Corps, the Royal Pioneer Association still runs and does valuable work with the financial help of the Army Benevolent Fund. It's main work is the relief of "need, hardship and distress" of ex-Pioneers, their wives, widows and dependants.

The Corps has quietly got on with business in hand, sometimes with recognition, often with none at all. A price was paid and you will find the graves of Pioneers in most War Cemetaries overseas - they paid heavily. Our overseas Pioneers must never be forgotten; they too gave their lives and served loyally. The Association will provide the focal point for the Royal Pioneer Corps affairs both socially and supportively. It will need your involvement and encouragement.

The Association publishes two newsletters a year. These newsletters are published on this website. Under the umbrella of the Association there are also a number of organisations - details of their activities are also to be included. In the main these are:

•  39/93 Club Dinners
•  Warrant Officers and Senior NCO's Pioneer Reunion Club
•  Northampton Branch of the Royal Pioneer Corps Association
•  215 Company Reunion Lunch