I did 3 tours there with my family between 1984 and 2001. A total of 12 years. 31 Sqn, 14 Sqn and Eng Ops. Lived in Elmpt for two tours and in Quarters on base for one tour. Best years of our lives and loved all of the people there particularly the local populations in the area. Thank you for making and sharing this video.
Just like me who is now in the process of dying , I will take those happy memories to my grave as they have lived so long within my heart, so many things to remember, Roermond , Elempt , Munchingladbach, curry sauce and chips , oh to be young and happy , but it seems everything has a time and place. Sending best wishes to everyone who ever walked before and after me on that happy place called RAF BRUGGEN
What a beautiful, sad post. Brought tears to my eyes. I was posted there 1980 to 1982. I loved it and remember each and every one of those things you described. Sending love my friend. 🥰
My whole childhood I was in this camp and it was amazing. Everyone knew each other and you had nothing to be scared about. I wish I could go back just to visit my old home again and my old school, the bowling alley, the youth club... basically everything. I was so upset when we had to leave and I still think about it to this day and all the happiness it gave so much people around me. I also remember going to the school carnivals and I won in year six. I was so proud of myself because it was the first thing I had ever won. I also remember the golden times and the golden awards. I remember riding my bike on the air fields with my family and always having to catch up with them haha. This place has so much meaning to everyone that was part of this camp and I wish we could see it again. I miss you Elmpt 😭❤️
Aw literally same 😭😭💔 So many good memories it’s sad to see it lifeless:( Growing up here made me the person I am and have soo many good memories there. I wish I could go back too!
I loved living in Elmpt and getting the bus to school on Bruggen. My mates dad was the coach of the kids football team and we used to hold on to the back of his moped on our roller blades and he'd take us all the way to Bruggen from Elmpt 😂😂😂😂 We were only 11
Thank you for the fantastic video. It's a shame about the large abandoned RAF air base. To have to watch the disintegration of the area today makes me angry and sad at the same time. Even if I wasn't stationed there personally, it must have been a great location for the soldiers and their families. Sometimes I wish that we could turn back the wheel of time to further intensify friendships between the English, the Dutch and us Germans.
Lived there Roermond and Elmpt then onto the camp 1963 to 1967, us kids had so much fun and many adventures in and around those forests, we found so many war relics. It`s changed so much, alot of what is now abandoned, was not even there back then.
My dad was stationed here from August 1998 to January 2002, we lived in Elmpt for six months before being moved to RAF Wildenrath where I attended Andrew Humphrey Primary school. My teachers were Ms Moscrop, Mr Wright, Mr Gibbs (or Sir) and Miss Butt. I have fond memories from RAF Bruggen, Wildenrath and JHQ and would give anything to relive my time there
Thank you for shooting and posting this - saw my old house and the one remaining school out of the three I attended there 🙂 The shops and bars we visited... the places I used to play and ride my bike...
Thanks for posting this. I was stationed at RAF Bruggen 1980-1983 as an aircraft technician. I'm sure other folks have covered the endless Tachevals during this period, it was arguably the most dangerous time of the cold war. One interesting event occurred whilst I was stationed on 14 squadron Jaguar jets. During a tacheval my secondary role, as a SNCO was looking after the aircraft in my nominated HAS. Myself and another airframe tradesman had just finished a fairly extensive repair to a Jaguar. It had been damaged due to negligent towing out of my HAS when the ground power was attached. My aircraft deployed during the taceval and I later found out that the aircraft we had spent two days repairing had been accidently shot down by a Phantom from Wildenrath. All that work for nothing, still, at least no one died. The pilot managed to bang out ok. Loved my time at Bruggen and Roermond was excellent for shopping.
how strange to see after all these years, I was posted to 431 MU 1979/81 had a fantastic time how sad to see it in this state. So many memories. Thanks for posting, Danke
My father was on 431 MU from 87 to 90. By chance, I drove past Bruggen last year, and stopped by the fence for a quick look in. The MU hangers were in the process of being turned into matchwood, and the heavy machinery was poised at the second to last hanger along the line (which was my father's), so they will all be gone by now I'm afraid. If it makes you feel better, Elmpt and Bruggen village haven't changed much at all.
My dad worked at 431 mu. We lived there 1978 - 1981. Best years of my life, such lovley memories. I went to Kent school, loved it. Wish we could go back in time to see it again. Such happy days 💜
Worked there from 1976 to 2001 as a civilian. Lived in Holland and crossed the border every day. I believe I was the guy who switched the lights off on my way out.
1st posting was here back in 2004, a bit of a shame to see it without cars in the H blocks, Block 52 FTW! Thanks for shooting, good memories were made here.
1990-93, the best 3 fucking years of my life. I could almost cry when I think what a brilliant, care free life we had in RAF Germany. It felt you were existing in a permanent eutopia and not just in another country and another RAF base. Get rid if this fucking shite sound track pronto!
Thank you for showing us my dad was on 31 sand and we had great times barbeques were great the fire engine used to come and give us rides we used to go to barnes Wallis school we left there in 1993 great place as I remember
Was there in 1970-72 with my husband. He worked in 431MU. We lived in St Joost, (Holland) then Suchteln and finally Bruggen village. My 2 eldest went to playschool and school there. Good times.
A sad sight. I was an SAC MT driver stationed at nearby RAF Laarbruch from 87 to 90. Visited Bruggen dozens of times. Wildenrath also. Great days of RAFG. Sad its all gone. Last period of the goldern era of the RAF.
Just in case anyone's wondering, "Space Cadets" was slightly derogatory slang for the Air Training Corps back then, Space didn't come into it. I am not Corey Goode haha ;-)
@@BillBriceBennett , yeh I was also a `Spacey` & I too went on a weeks camp to Bruggen, cant remember the exact year now but would of been early to mid 80`s.
@@BillBriceBennett I was at Bruggen twice, my first tour was 75 to 77. I worked in the station armoury, and at one point in the small arms section. I remember once a detachment of "space cadets" arrived at the armoury to draw weapons and were under the 'tender loving care' of the RAF Regiment. We couldn't actually see what was going on as they were outside all lined up with their freshly drawn rifles, but we could hear perfectly as a Flight Sergeant Rockape descended upon a poor unfortunate, "what's your name laddie?" He bellowed. "Trevor" came the timorous reply. Mind you, I suppose that really could have been his surname.
I spent a week there in about 1970, when I was in the ATC. That's when they had Lightnings, and hadn't long been equipped with Phantoms. When the RAF still had an airforce. I'd like to see some of the underground facilities.
I loved it at Bruggen. My dad was stationed here and was on 31 Squadron, my mum worked at 9 Squadron. We lived off camp in a flat at Alterkirchweg. I worked at the Officers Mess and then at the N.A.A .F.I. I met my husband who worked on 9 Squadron, we had to find a flat ax we didn't have enough points for married quarters. We found one at Niederkruchten. We were at the end of the runway, could've opened our living room window and bedroom window and tornadoes could've flown straight through to land. Can honestly say it was the best and happiest time if my life. Wish you could turn back time, I'd love to be there again. Wonderful friends and memories.
left there when I was 5 back in 1991, used to live in Dorthausen Flachsbleiche street, Still remember the chippy van driving around ringing his bell, miss those days.
Thanks for posting this wonderful film, spent 4 very happy years at Bruggen, didn’t quite see my house as we lived of base in a flat on Alter Kirchweg, seeing RAF Bruggen again brought back so many wonderful memories, and a few not so good, but that’s a different story. Thanks again, you brought a big smile to my face. 😀👍🇬🇧🏴
I used to play golf at the RAF Bruggen course for the years I was based at JHQ Rheindahlen - I wonder what happened to it..? Would love to do a visit of JHQ and Wildenrath and of course play the Bruggen Golf Course just one more time - happy memories..!
RAF Bruggen. 7 and 16 Sigs at Javelin Bks (kaserne). Great Vid. The Golf Course and the German trench systems and bunkers were still there in 2009. RIP Charlie Booker. There was twice as much underground as there was on the top of Javelin Bks. Roermond was a fantastic place, loved the purple palace in town.
Remember carrying out ADR exercises there in the late 70's, there were Jaguars on base then. Project I enjoyed most was emergency fuel supply, worst part was puncturing the SSM's Landrover tyres on my home made stinger when he was bringing soup to where we were dug in, because we have been bounced by drive through RAF Regt Rovers, least the SSM saw the funny side.
This is a long shot, but I'm wondering if anyone knows where Wohnwagen-Ecke was (proprietor Peter A. Taylor) as it specialised in renting out caravans to Brits, particularly services families, late 1960s and early 1970s at least. The leaflet says it was 500 yards from RAF Brüggen but doesn't say if that's from the main gate. It also says it was on the route 230 from Mönchengladbach to Roermond, but no map was provided. Just curious, because several childhood holidays touring Europe started and ended there!
Standing with your back to the main gate, his office was situated about 100 yards to the right. His caravan site was situated the other side of the chain link fence to the left of the main gate. We were there 1967-1970
I lived there '89 to '91 and '95 to '99, my father was ASF both times I believe. We lived in Elmpt at Alterkierchweg and then Grunewald Strasse. I remember those days so fondly, we seemed to live a different time and world altogether.
My dad was stationed there '78-'81 on XXV Squadron, bloodhounds. Though we lived in wickrath my dad would take me to bruggen on his days off, and show me about the place, something that he couldn't do when posted to Neat in norfolk. Such a shame to see what's happened to bruggen and rhein-d
I remember in February,1986 taking part in a NATO Tacvale Exercise at RAF Bruggen, when in the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. It was so cold, and glade I had a Noddy suit for an extra warmth !. Those were the days when the U.K. had an Air Force, which had a Martime, and SAM capability.
Good times, based here 88-92 in the air photographic section (SCIEL). Plenty of detachments to Deci, goose bay and first gulf war, never a dull moment always something going on.
I am a 64 year old lady, as a teenager i spent three years there when my dad was on 19 squadron Lightenings. I used to walk daily to the Malcom club and NAAFI for papers and food. My mum was a bus escort. They were the happiest times of my life with weekly visits to Reormond and the hair dresser’s in Elm. Sad to see the base now.
Fantastic video, I served here 1984 to 1987 on 431mu cat 3 aircraft repairs. If I was to come over do you know if I could get access on to the base. Apologies if this has already been asked 👍
Thanks for posting - the drone footage gives a perspective i never saw on the ground - how huge the base was. I was at 431MU Bruggen as an SAC Mt Mech between January 1980 to December 1981 - great posting/formative years. Endless Tacevals, LOA that paid for a nice car, a bit of Gliding in a Blanik not far from the QRA, all good. Sorry to see its state now that so many of the buildings have been knocked down. Life goes on, it will be re-purposed.
Anyone watching this who remembers ERIC the python mascot of 14 Sqdn around 1998 ish..... he's still alive! now resides in a theme park in Strathclyde, Scotland! Amazing
Lived in Elmpt from 1990-1999. Went to Cheshire and Windsor school (at JHQ). Looks like a town from The Last of Us today, but it will always look better in my memories.
Trying to find the right words here... Back in the early 90s, i was a young boy out on the fence of runway 27 . Waiting for the Tornado GR 4's to return or leave.. watching, dreaming in the summersun, the GR4's were about to get their grey paint jobs back then.. it kinda feels surreal to watch this video, i was riding with my bike about 60km when i was 14 - 16 years old to get to this place. I remember that i had to leave cause it was about to go dark outside and i know i had a long way back to my aunts place (RIP), when i crossed the first fields close to the base, four tornados came back straight from the direction where the sun touched the horizont, the whole sky was painted in orange colors. I instantly jumped of my bike while the ground was shaking because of the powerfull engines of the Tornados, they did some touch n go's like always..i just starred into the endless sky with the Gr4's thundering above my head, only memories remain. Still got some old analog photos i took back then.. it all feels surreal right now. Time pass by... Thank you
Colyn Alderman Was at Bruggen 1962 - 1964 80 Squadron Canberra PR7`s So vibrant then so much activity with NATO and on going competitions, 1964 when the squadron bell disappeared after an exchange visit with a USAF squadron to Bruggen. Presentation by Princess Margaret of the Squadron colours in June 1964
Enjoyed my time at RAF Bruggen in 2000, I actually landed there on a trooper. Didn't enjoy it so much when it was gutted and became javelin barracks though.
Was there in 2005-08 7th sigs 231 Sqn. so many memories the very last minute was where I worked, all the aging sheds have been torn down with only their concrete bases remaining. 😢 does anyone know if you can still get on the site?
Binnenvaart in Beeld . Im not sure. But I walking around Jhq. As I don’t live to far from there. Its a refugee holding area. I read in the German newspaper. Bruggen would be a refugee place as well. Regarding the extra control post. I will find out and let you know..
With Jhq there is active security. I was along the fence and saw police inside. The REME area is trashed and the NAAFI appears to be a migration office. The training wing is accommodation. The Big house appears to be offices for a company.
Wow, what a difference to being there in the cold war period 84-86. The place was buzzing. 14 sdn jaguars were still there and 31 sdn tornado gr1. Me, Tornado Nose Radar techy in the bay. Those exercises though......
In Brüggen habe ich während meiner Elektrikerlehre Ende der 1970er die Kabel in den Barracken saniert. Und bin mehr als einmal durch die Heraklitplatten an der Decke gebrochen weil wir unter'm Dach waren
Why is it guarded if it's closed... Do you have more information maybe? I live 10km from there and i saw that the gates were opem but yeah.. who dares walking there without asking 🤣
Wat ik gezien heb, is het bewaakt. Hoofdingang zit beveiliging, en zijingang bij de oude doanekantoor ongeveer, komt je ook een beveiliger kijken. Er is een pad om het terrein wat aan de zuid en westkant door het bos loopt.
What was there purpose of the massive bunker/fortified building at 00:02:57 ? There is a similar building on former RAF laarbruch. I always wondered what this was used for.
The large square concrete bunker was called the PAC. Believe it stood for Protected Avionics Centre. It contained the Radar, ECM and other avionics bays for servicing. I was an Engineer Officer based in there in the late 1980s. The WOC (War Operations Centre) was smaller and closer to the main site, I also worked in there during exercises and the busy period during the Gulf War. Bruggen was a terrific base! Happy memories!
Moin wollte mal fragen ist das leer alles da also kann man da Lang gehen und sich alles angucken also lostplace wohne 20 min davon aber will nicht so einfach hin
@@BinnenvaartinBeeld Don't get me wrong, I agree it's abandoned (no operations there for long time) but the buildings and roads seems to be well kept without deterioration. You know how it would looks If it was left to the nature to decay after so long.
Thank you for this video, brings back some very happy memories of my second tour of Germany. I was on 9 squadron from 1988 - 1992, although it was also tinged with sadness as a few people were murdered by the IRA while I was there, but we managed to have a good time, my sons went to the schools on camp too. I lived in Roermond and Elmpt, I dont remember the dual carriage way though, I remember a Schnelle outside the camp gates and I used to be able to cycle to work.
Is it just open to anyone now? I worked at the QRA and SSA and have always wanted to visit to wander around. I remember during Lionheart the Paras tried to attack the QRA and after we played the warning tannoy about us having live ammo and being prepared to open fire, they ran away. They did CS us though.
@@karlj1564 The big Square building with the white roof centre of the shot at 11:20 was the Station Gym. This wasn't that old. Think it was only build just before I moved there in 2008.
can you just go there now? or who manages that now. I would like to walk around, always been very impressive to pass by. and as a little boy looking from the woods to the runway.
I did 3 tours there with my family between 1984 and 2001. A total of 12 years. 31 Sqn, 14 Sqn and Eng Ops. Lived in Elmpt for two tours and in Quarters on base for one tour. Best years of our lives and loved all of the people there particularly the local populations in the area. Thank you for making and sharing this video.
Nice one Spanners.
Goldstars, rah rah rah, was fun I think lol
Just like me who is now in the process of dying , I will take those happy memories to my grave as they have lived so long within my heart, so many things to remember, Roermond , Elempt , Munchingladbach, curry sauce and chips , oh to be young and happy , but it seems everything has a time and place. Sending best wishes to everyone who ever walked before and after me on that happy place called RAF BRUGGEN
What a beautiful, sad post. Brought tears to my eyes. I was posted there 1980 to 1982. I loved it and remember each and every one of those things you described. Sending love my friend. 🥰
Beautiful memories are everything rest easy, love and hugs
Best 3 years of my life spent here. Many of them in HAS 18 and 19. Thank you for taking the time to post. So many memories.
You’re welcome.
My whole childhood I was in this camp and it was amazing. Everyone knew each other and you had nothing to be scared about. I wish I could go back just to visit my old home again and my old school, the bowling alley, the youth club... basically everything. I was so upset when we had to leave and I still think about it to this day and all the happiness it gave so much people around me. I also remember going to the school carnivals and I won in year six. I was so proud of myself because it was the first thing I had ever won. I also remember the golden times and the golden awards. I remember riding my bike on the air fields with my family and always having to catch up with them haha. This place has so much meaning to everyone that was part of this camp and I wish we could see it again. I miss you Elmpt 😭❤️
Thanks. Seems to be a nice place. To bad it is closed.
Aw literally same 😭😭💔 So many good memories it’s sad to see it lifeless:( Growing up here made me the person I am and have soo many good memories there. I wish I could go back too!
I loved living in Elmpt and getting the bus to school on Bruggen. My mates dad was the coach of the kids football team and we used to hold on to the back of his moped on our roller blades and he'd take us all the way to Bruggen from Elmpt 😂😂😂😂 We were only 11
Thank you for the fantastic video.
It's a shame about the large abandoned RAF air base.
To have to watch the disintegration of the area today makes me angry and sad at the same time. Even if I wasn't stationed there personally, it must have been a great location for the soldiers and their families.
Sometimes I wish that we could turn back the wheel of time to further intensify friendships between the English, the Dutch and us Germans.
Lived there Roermond and Elmpt then onto the camp 1963 to 1967, us kids had so much fun and many adventures in and around those forests, we found so many war relics. It`s changed so much, alot of what is now abandoned, was not even there back then.
My dad was stationed here from August 1998 to January 2002, we lived in Elmpt for six months before being moved to RAF Wildenrath where I attended Andrew Humphrey Primary school. My teachers were Ms Moscrop, Mr Wright, Mr Gibbs (or Sir) and Miss Butt. I have fond memories from RAF Bruggen, Wildenrath and JHQ and would give anything to relive my time there
Thank you for shooting and posting this - saw my old house and the one remaining school out of the three I attended there 🙂 The shops and bars we visited... the places I used to play and ride my bike...
Thanks for posting this. I was stationed at RAF Bruggen 1980-1983 as an aircraft technician. I'm sure other folks have covered the endless Tachevals during this period, it was arguably the most dangerous time of the cold war. One interesting event occurred whilst I was stationed on 14 squadron Jaguar jets. During a tacheval my secondary role, as a SNCO was looking after the aircraft in my nominated HAS.
Myself and another airframe tradesman had just finished a fairly extensive repair to a Jaguar. It had been damaged due to negligent towing out of my HAS when the ground power was attached. My aircraft deployed during the taceval and I later found out that the aircraft we had spent two days repairing had been accidently shot down by a Phantom from Wildenrath. All that work for nothing, still, at least no one died. The pilot managed to bang out ok. Loved my time at Bruggen and Roermond was excellent for shopping.
I see many react to the video. It seems a great time at a great location.
@Peter Mitchell Sorry I don't remember this incident but it could have happened whilst off shift.🤔
Roermond for shopping? Beer and a late night curry at The Jerusalem, more like it.
how strange to see after all these years, I was posted to 431 MU 1979/81 had a fantastic time how sad to see it in this state. So many memories. Thanks for posting, Danke
Mark was on 431 MU, 74/76. LIKE YOU had a fantastic time.
My father was on 431 MU from 87 to 90. By chance, I drove past Bruggen last year, and stopped by the fence for a quick look in. The MU hangers were in the process of being turned into matchwood, and the heavy machinery was poised at the second to last hanger along the line (which was my father's), so they will all be gone by now I'm afraid. If it makes you feel better, Elmpt and Bruggen village haven't changed much at all.
My dad worked at 431 mu. We lived there 1978 - 1981. Best years of my life, such lovley memories. I went to Kent school, loved it. Wish we could go back in time to see it again. Such happy days 💜
Worked there from 1976 to 2001 as a civilian. Lived in Holland and crossed the border every day.
I believe I was the guy who switched the lights off on my way out.
Maybe sometime we name the buildings or something. To keep memory’s alive.
1st posting was here back in 2004, a bit of a shame to see it without cars in the H blocks, Block 52 FTW! Thanks for shooting, good memories were made here.
431 M.U. 1973 -1976, Brings back many happy memories of Elmpt and Roermond. Thank you for posting.
Me too. The best memories ever. Loved it there, and I think about it so much.
Great filming! I was there 65-67 loved living on that camp and in Germany. Lots of happy memories, thanks for posting 👍
Thanks!
1990-93, the best 3 fucking years of my life. I could almost cry when I think what a brilliant, care free life we had in RAF Germany. It felt you were existing in a permanent eutopia and not just in another country and another RAF base. Get rid if this fucking shite sound track pronto!
Thank you for showing us my dad was on 31 sand and we had great times barbeques were great the fire engine used to come and give us rides we used to go to barnes Wallis school we left there in 1993 great place as I remember
Aww I remember the bbq and pinkies yeah was a great school good old tomes
Great video. Loved my time at Bruggen.
Lived on Dowding road and left for Coningsby at the end of 1999.
Was there in 1970-72 with my husband. He worked in 431MU. We lived in St Joost, (Holland) then Suchteln and finally Bruggen village. My 2 eldest went to playschool and school there. Good times.
Thankyou for this video. Did my last tour there in the 90's.
A sad sight. I was an SAC MT driver stationed at nearby RAF Laarbruch from 87 to 90. Visited Bruggen dozens of times. Wildenrath also. Great days of RAFG. Sad its all gone. Last period of the goldern era of the RAF.
Thanks, great upload! Was telling a friend today about my visit to RAF Bruggen in 1981 as a space cadet - fun times :)
Just in case anyone's wondering, "Space Cadets" was slightly derogatory slang for the Air Training Corps back then, Space didn't come into it. I am not Corey Goode haha ;-)
@@BillBriceBennett , yeh I was also a `Spacey` & I too went on a weeks camp to Bruggen, cant remember the exact year now but would of been early to mid 80`s.
@@BillBriceBennett I was at Bruggen twice, my first tour was 75 to 77. I worked in the station armoury, and at one point in the small arms section. I remember once a detachment of "space cadets" arrived at the armoury to draw weapons and were under the 'tender loving care' of the RAF Regiment. We couldn't actually see what was going on as they were outside all lined up with their freshly drawn rifles, but we could hear perfectly as a Flight Sergeant Rockape descended upon a poor unfortunate, "what's your name laddie?" He bellowed. "Trevor" came the timorous reply. Mind you, I suppose that really could have been his surname.
I spent a week there in about 1970, when I was in the ATC. That's when they had Lightnings,
and hadn't long been equipped with Phantoms. When the RAF still had an airforce. I'd like
to see some of the underground facilities.
I loved it at Bruggen. My dad was stationed here and was on 31 Squadron, my mum worked at 9 Squadron. We lived off camp in a flat at Alterkirchweg. I worked at the Officers Mess and then at the N.A.A .F.I. I met my husband who worked on 9 Squadron, we had to find a flat ax we didn't have enough points for married quarters. We found one at Niederkruchten. We were at the end of the runway, could've opened our living room window and bedroom window and tornadoes could've flown straight through to land. Can honestly say it was the best and happiest time if my life. Wish you could turn back time, I'd love to be there again. Wonderful friends and memories.
left there when I was 5 back in 1991, used to live in Dorthausen Flachsbleiche street, Still remember the chippy van driving around ringing his bell, miss those days.
Thanks for posting this wonderful film, spent 4 very happy years at Bruggen, didn’t quite see my house as we lived of base in a flat on Alter Kirchweg, seeing RAF Bruggen again brought back so many wonderful memories, and a few not so good, but that’s a different story. Thanks again, you brought a big smile to my face. 😀👍🇬🇧🏴
You’re welcome.
Keep smiling!
My dad was based in Tornado 14 Sqdn and we also lived in the Alter Kirchweg flats :D Memories! And my mum was one of the Naafi wagon drivers haha
I used to play golf at the RAF Bruggen course for the years I was based at JHQ Rheindahlen - I wonder what happened to it..? Would love to do a visit of JHQ and Wildenrath and of course play the Bruggen Golf Course just one more time - happy memories..!
RAF Bruggen. 7 and 16 Sigs at Javelin Bks (kaserne). Great Vid. The Golf Course and the German trench systems and bunkers were still there in 2009. RIP Charlie Booker. There was twice as much underground as there was on the top of Javelin Bks. Roermond was a fantastic place, loved the purple palace in town.
Thanks! Lovely place, well guarded.
Remember carrying out ADR exercises there in the late 70's, there were Jaguars on base then. Project I enjoyed most was emergency fuel supply, worst part was puncturing the SSM's Landrover tyres on my home made stinger when he was bringing soup to where we were dug in, because we have been bounced by drive through RAF Regt Rovers, least the SSM saw the funny side.
Thank you for uploading this video
You’re welcome.
I grew up here as a kid left in 2007
Ran the Bruggen 10 when posted to The Netherlands 86-89. Three happy years. It was my best 3 year yin the RAF.
This is a long shot, but I'm wondering if anyone knows where Wohnwagen-Ecke was (proprietor Peter A. Taylor) as it specialised in renting out caravans to Brits, particularly services families, late 1960s and early 1970s at least. The leaflet says it was 500 yards from RAF Brüggen but doesn't say if that's from the main gate. It also says it was on the route 230 from Mönchengladbach to Roermond, but no map was provided. Just curious, because several childhood holidays touring Europe started and ended there!
Standing with your back to the main gate, his office was situated about 100 yards to the right. His caravan site was situated the other side of the chain link fence to the left of the main gate. We were there 1967-1970
I lived there '89 to '91 and '95 to '99, my father was ASF both times I believe. We lived in Elmpt at Alterkierchweg and then Grunewald Strasse. I remember those days so fondly, we seemed to live a different time and world altogether.
My dad was stationed there '78-'81 on XXV Squadron, bloodhounds. Though we lived in wickrath my dad would take me to bruggen on his days off, and show me about the place, something that he couldn't do when posted to Neat in norfolk. Such a shame to see what's happened to bruggen and rhein-d
Wickrath was a good place to stay I think, much better than RAF Elmpt
We In wickrath in 1973/6
Moderately interesting point. The 1980s RAFG was bigger in every way than the current RAF. Tax free Golf GTI anyone 😿
Yeah had a Gr1 simulator tech buddy who lived on Bratties and chips to fund his GTI lol!
I remember in February,1986 taking part in a NATO Tacvale Exercise at RAF Bruggen, when in the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. It was so cold, and glade I had a Noddy suit for an extra warmth !.
Those were the days when the U.K. had an Air Force, which had a Martime, and SAM capability.
Spent the first 2 years of my life here. Don't have many memories since my main job was making my parents life miserable.. 1963-1965
Played football there many times in the inter services league mid 70’s
Played rugby against the RAF there for the police back in the day. Fantastic times never drank so much beer 🍺 cheers to all who served
Hi first went to Bruggen as a wet behind ears gunner with 37sqn Raf Regt on deployment in 1974 and again in 1975, wonderful times in Germany.
Good times, based here 88-92 in the air photographic section (SCIEL). Plenty of detachments to Deci, goose bay and first gulf war, never a dull moment always something going on.
I am a 64 year old lady, as a teenager i spent three years there when my dad was on 19 squadron Lightenings. I used to walk daily to the Malcom club and NAAFI for papers and food. My mum was a bus escort. They were the happiest times of my life with weekly visits to Reormond and the hair dresser’s in Elm. Sad to see the base now.
Fantastic video, I served here 1984 to 1987 on 431mu cat 3 aircraft repairs.
If I was to come over do you know if I could get access on to the base.
Apologies if this has already been asked 👍
It is closed. I am unable to visit at te times of filming.
@@BinnenvaartinBeeld thank you
Thanks for posting - the drone footage gives a perspective i never saw on the ground - how huge the base was. I was at 431MU Bruggen as an SAC Mt Mech between January 1980 to December 1981 - great posting/formative years. Endless Tacevals, LOA that paid for a nice car, a bit of Gliding in a Blanik not far from the QRA, all good. Sorry to see its state now that so many of the buildings have been knocked down. Life goes on, it will be re-purposed.
Thanks Clive, nice to see your reaction.
Wonderful documentary, Marcel!
Thanks!
Anyone watching this who remembers ERIC the python mascot of 14 Sqdn around 1998 ish..... he's still alive! now resides in a theme park in Strathclyde, Scotland! Amazing
Lived in Elmpt from 1990-1999. Went to Cheshire and Windsor school (at JHQ). Looks like a town from The Last of Us today, but it will always look better in my memories.
Same here, lived in Elmpt and went to Cheshire school :D spent most of my early years in that poor looking empty swimming pool
Trying to find the right words here... Back in the early 90s, i was a young boy out on the fence of runway 27 . Waiting for the Tornado GR 4's to return or leave.. watching, dreaming in the summersun, the GR4's were about to get their grey paint jobs back then.. it kinda feels surreal to watch this video, i was riding with my bike about 60km when i was 14 - 16 years old to get to this place. I remember that i had to leave cause it was about to go dark outside and i know i had a long way back to my aunts place (RIP), when i crossed the first fields close to the base, four tornados came back straight from the direction where the sun touched the horizont, the whole sky was painted in orange colors. I instantly jumped of my bike while the ground was shaking because of the powerfull engines of the Tornados, they did some touch n go's like always..i just starred into the endless sky with the Gr4's thundering above my head, only memories remain. Still got some old analog photos i took back then.. it all feels surreal right now. Time pass by... Thank you
Lovely story!
Thanks!
Hey, great Video ^^
wich Drohne you used?
codex 001 phantom 4
Colyn Alderman
Was at Bruggen 1962 - 1964 80 Squadron Canberra PR7`s So vibrant then so much activity with NATO and on going competitions,
1964 when the squadron bell disappeared after an exchange visit with a USAF squadron to Bruggen. Presentation by Princess Margaret of the Squadron colours in June 1964
Was a regular away fixture for Brussels British RFC in the 70s
Enjoyed my time at RAF Bruggen in 2000, I actually landed there on a trooper.
Didn't enjoy it so much when it was gutted and became javelin barracks though.
Was there in 2005-08 7th sigs 231 Sqn. so many memories the very last minute was where I worked, all the aging sheds have been torn down with only their concrete bases remaining. 😢 does anyone know if you can still get on the site?
I was there yesterday. No you can’t get in. There is private security at the gate.
At the main entrance. And the living area there is an other control post.
Binnenvaart in Beeld . Im not sure. But I walking around Jhq. As I don’t live to far from there. Its a refugee holding area. I read in the German newspaper. Bruggen would be a refugee place as well. Regarding the extra control post. I will find out and let you know..
With Jhq there is active security. I was along the fence and saw police inside. The REME area is trashed and the NAAFI appears to be a migration office. The training wing is accommodation. The Big house appears to be offices for a company.
The second entrance is near the parkinglot. The former douane office.
Wow, what a difference to being there in the cold war period 84-86. The place was buzzing. 14 sdn jaguars were still there and 31 sdn tornado gr1. Me, Tornado Nose Radar techy in the bay. Those exercises though......
Good music.
In Brüggen habe ich während meiner Elektrikerlehre Ende der 1970er die Kabel in den Barracken saniert. Und bin mehr als einmal durch die Heraklitplatten an der Decke gebrochen weil wir unter'm Dach waren
Is it possible to visit this place, as it's even not visible on Google Maps...?!
No. It is very wel guarded.
Why is it guarded if it's closed...
Do you have more information maybe? I live 10km from there and i saw that the gates were opem but yeah.. who dares walking there without asking 🤣
When i visited the area, there were people living in the houses. The front gate is guarded, and did not get acces to de site.
Prachtige Beelden. Wilde graag op termijn een wandeling maken langs deze plek. Is er een gedeelte toegankelijk of is het streng bewaakt?
Wat ik gezien heb, is het bewaakt. Hoofdingang zit beveiliging, en zijingang bij de oude doanekantoor ongeveer, komt je ook een beveiliger kijken.
Er is een pad om het terrein wat aan de zuid en westkant door het bos loopt.
@@BinnenvaartinBeeld Dank voor de snelle reactie!
Are all the RAF houses being used, lived in by others or empty? Thanks.
I am not sure.
Full of migrants....
Is the US Army Communications tower gone? Was stationed there in 1972-1974
Cary Dickinson i don’t know.
Binnenvaart in Beeld Thanks
When I was there the tower was known as 'Big Ears'.
Was living in RAF camp in bruggan ibin
The Runways look in good condition
ivor221 good enough for a dronepilot.
Tour of duty 431MU 72 to 75 live out in Holland Town of Roemond beautifull days visited same a few times
I live near Roermond. Thanks for your reaction!
I was stationed at Bruggen on the US Army Communication Site 72-74 also lived Roermond.
went to school at barnes wallis then leonard cheshire lived in bracht but dad was in army dont think he served in bruggen we lived in op de haag
What was there purpose of the massive bunker/fortified building at 00:02:57 ? There is a similar building on former RAF laarbruch. I always wondered what this was used for.
I don’t know. I am just as curious als you.
Nigel Emsen please describe what WOC is, at Widenrath there was a similar building, no fences and a massiv steel door.
The bunker at Niederrhein airport.
www.nachtfotograaf.nl/Urbex/vliegbasis_niederrhein
Nigel Emsen thats why I called a quick response😜, thank you👍🏻
The large square concrete bunker was called the PAC. Believe it stood for Protected Avionics Centre. It contained the Radar, ECM and other avionics bays for servicing. I was an Engineer Officer based in there in the late 1980s. The WOC (War Operations Centre) was smaller and closer to the main site, I also worked in there during exercises and the busy period during the Gulf War. Bruggen was a terrific base! Happy memories!
Btw, what's the tune that starts 9:18? nice sunday vibe :)
Skin - Daxten
@@BinnenvaartinBeeld - Thank you! :)
Good to see the hangar where the Garrison Labour Support Unit used to hide all the stuff they stole
Is het mogelijk om het terrein op te rijden via de hoofdingang op de Nollesweg ?
Er zit nog toegangsbewaking bij de ingang bij de Nollesweg. Het terrein is goed afgesloten.
@@BinnenvaartinBeeld Bedankt voor de snelle reactie.
Loved that place. My best posting.
Moin wollte mal fragen ist das leer alles da also kann man da Lang gehen und sich alles angucken also lostplace wohne 20 min davon aber will nicht so einfach hin
Het lijkt aardig afgesloten. Bij de ingang gevraagd, maar geen toegang.
It looks to be still in pretty maintained condition albeit without aircraft(s). Possibly to be use during escalation of emergencies?
I don’t know.
It looks just abandoned.
@@BinnenvaartinBeeld Don't get me wrong, I agree it's abandoned (no operations there for long time) but the buildings and roads seems to be well kept without deterioration. You know how it would looks If it was left to the nature to decay after so long.
Agreed. It is indeed well kept. Maybe i need to go again and look how it is now.
I asked the owner, if it'd be possible to visit this place.. It's not - very disappointing! 🙄
Who’s the owner?
I am not sure, but possible immigrants housing.
The British Army will never recover from leaving Germany it was the start of their demise as a fighting force!
Thank you for this video, brings back some very happy memories of my second tour of Germany. I was on 9 squadron from 1988 - 1992, although it was also tinged with sadness as a few people were murdered by the IRA while I was there, but we managed to have a good time, my sons went to the schools on camp too. I lived in Roermond and Elmpt, I dont remember the dual carriage way though, I remember a Schnelle outside the camp gates and I used to be able to cycle to work.
You’re welcome.
Is it just open to anyone now? I worked at the QRA and SSA and have always wanted to visit to wander around. I remember during Lionheart the Paras tried to attack the QRA and after we played the warning tannoy about us having live ammo and being prepared to open fire, they ran away. They did CS us though.
It looks like it is closed. I never see anything moving.
god man that damned music
Kann man das frei betreten?
Leider nicht.
Is 1:23 Cheshire middle school?
I don’t know.
Sorry.
Yes I think so but 11:19 gives a better view.
@@karlj1564 The big Square building with the white roof centre of the shot at 11:20 was the Station Gym. This wasn't that old. Think it was only build just before I moved there in 2008.
My mum worked there the food was good especially the salad bar
@@kellieforrester9790 apart from the pickled mushrooms
can you just go there now? or who manages that now. I would like to walk around, always been very impressive to pass by. and as a little boy looking from the woods to the runway.
It is closed. I did not find any way to look around.
It's a pity drones are not used for filming airshows.
THAT would be a great view!
Home
Mir doof das das nicht in Brüggen ist sondern in Elmpt
Stimmt.
I wonder if the Pukka Pie vending machine is still there...😁😁
The vending machines used to take UK 5p coins as German Marks when I was there.
I remember that pukka pie machine it was there in 1990
I remember the red peanut machines they had in the streets.
my dad was R.A.O.C SO WOULD HE OF WORKED AT RAF BRUGGEN
M wife drove the Mally wagon around Bruggen from 1989-93 if you ate a curry pasty she sold it to you
I was at Wilders 88 to closure and still crave a Mally curry pasty. Does anyone have the recipe? I have tried to recreate it.
nog maar 997