24 and 131 Commando Squadron Royal Engineers

24 and 131 Independent Commando Squadrons Royal Engineers provide integral engineer support to 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines. This support is vital to ensure the Brigade's mobility and protection as well as fulfilling a number of other tasks.

24 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers is based at Royal Marines Band Chivenor in North Devon and replaced 59 Independent Commando Squadron. The Squadron consists of a headquarters, 3 field troops, a reconnaissance troop, a support troop and a workshop. 59 Independent Commando Squadron was originally formed at Chatham in 1900 as 59 Field Company. It served with the Brigade in the Far East as 59 Field Squadron before reforming in Plymouth in 1971 as 59 Independent Commando Squadron.

The Squadron is responsible for all engineer tasks in the Brigade forward area. This includes route maintenance, bridging, water supply, provision of bulk fuels, construction of field defences and structures, minelaying and mine clearance. As well as possessing a large number of skilled craftsmen, the Squadron also has a variety of plant machinery and other equipment. This gives the Unit the capability to tackle almost any form of construction or demolition.

Additionally, the Squadron also has a diving team, trained to survey rivers and beaches in order to identify their suitability for bridging. What is 131 Independent Commando Squadron RE (V)? The unit frequently deploys on tasks with or to support the Regular Forces in both the UK and abroad. In recent years the Squadron deployed personnel to Iraq, Afghanistan, Oman, USA, Norway, France, Malawi, the Falkland Islands, Romania and Egypt on exercises and training with 3 Commando Brigade units.

The Squadron has worked hard to build up the reputation of a TA unit second to none with a professional approach to part time soldiering. Its personnel have earned the respect of their regular counter parts with many former Regular soldiers joining the Squadron.