"Winkelhausen Kaserne"

These extensive and well appointed former wehrmacht barracks built for Hitler in 1936, are located on “An der Netter Heide”, a street just off the Bramscherstraße in the suburb of Haste which is in the Lower Saxon city of Osnabrück. This then between the years 1958 - 1976 was for many years during the Cold War era, the home to the Sappers of 37 Field Squadron, Royal Engineers. The squadron was part of 25 Engineer Regiment and later on, 23 Engineer Regiment whilst stationed in the Winkelhausen Kaserne, or to give the barracks their British name, “Roberts Barracks”. Presumably named after the famous (General Bobs) - “Lord Roberts of Kandahar”. The image on the left almost certainly taken pre-war, gives some idea of the vast scale of Winkelhausen Kaserne.   

“Roberts Barracks”

This recent photograph of the entrance to Roberts Barracks on An Der Netter Heide, was taken from directly opposite the main gate, and shows the barracks painted in a fetching canary yellow. The dead hand of government being clearly obvious by the inclusion of external metal fire escape stairways. No doubt Health & Safety at Work much in evidence here. We 1960s era cold warriors would have scoffed at such nanny like additions. The barracks are now occupied by an artillery unit, note the sentry box in R.A. colours. Roberts Barracks are scheduled to close in the summer of 2008. The withdrawal of all British troops from Osnabrück will be completed by 2009.

 “Riemann’s Hotel”

Directly opposite the main gate and located behind the trees on the right of the photograph, was Riemann’s hotel. This was once a favourite watering hole for the British troops stationed at the kaserne. The attraction here wasn’t so much the quality of the beer served therein, but the enormity of Frau Riemann’s bust. This small blonde and inoffensive lady, the daughter-in-law of the owners, who had been so over generously endowed was subjected to the constant and undoubtedly unpleasant ordeal of having several oversexed and licentious young men leering at every move she made whilst serving them at the bar of her family hotel. Most of us were rendered speechless and goggle-eyed when we were first confronted by Frau Riemann’s magnificent charms. The lady must be in her 70s now. The hotel is still operated by the same family, albeit that today’s visitor might be somewhat surprised by the changes and modern improvements that have been made to the hotel.

Facilities

These included a full size outdoor swimming pool; a running track; the garrison stable club; together with the usual other facilities included in any British barracks of the day, NAAFI shop & O.R’s club, Church Army canteen, M.I. Room, Barber shop, Tailors shop, Cobbler’s shop, there were two O.R’s mess halls, a gymnasium, garrison post office, (manned by sapper postmen), an extensive REME LAD, endless hangar accommodation for vehicles, and much else. Roberts barracks was almost a small self contained village.

Married Quarters

There were British enclaves scattered throughout the greater Osnabrück area including, Dodesheide; Belm-Powe; Kleine London; Kleine Moscow and elsewhere. These ranged from well built and centrally heated apartment blocks for the other ranks, and semi detached villas for senior NCOs and Officers.