Memories of REME depot on Lincoln Road, Newark, from August 1972

Fifty years ago nearly 300 people were employed by REME on Lincoln Road in Newark.

At the time, it was the Army's main radio repair depot in England.

In August 1972, a rebuilding programme costing £1/4m was approved for 33 Central Workshop.

To mark the decision, the Advertiser's photographer went along to capture some of the staff at work.

Here are the results.

The depot opened in 1939, just before the outbreak of the second world war, to stockpile equipment for anti-aircraft and searchlight units.

It was taken over by REME ­— the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers ­— in 1948 as a repair shop for vehicles, guns, searchlights and radars.

By 1972 it was one of Newark's largest employers.

Its main role was the repair of radios, mostly from the Army, but also for the other two services.

Among those working there at the time was Mr Arthur Warriner, who was one of the first to join the workforce when the workshop first opened in 1939.

According to the Advertiser article, much of the intricate work was done by women, including the soldering of tiny parts of the radio sets.

The commanding officer at the time of the feature was Major Paul Cowl.

Does this bring back any memories for you?