JHQ Rhinedahlen Rheindahlen Mönchengladbach April 2019

[@juxe411]

i don’t think some people realise how beyond strange it is to see your childhood village completely abandoned

[@stevenrisnyovszky1120]

Indeed, that is truly sad, but is there something you could do?

[@MelanieMaguire]

I lived in Huntingdon Way 1970 - 74, St George's school, Queens Lower School, SW Extension. Blue Pool, The Globe and Astra, the Big Naafi, the Little Naafi, the Fuchsbau, the Thrift shop, the riding stables, sports days, climbing pine trees, walking through the beautiful woods, soft pine needles underfoot, visiting historic German and Dutch towns, shopping at C&A in Monchengladbach. Everywhere so clean. Concrete Cellars and attics, a concrete boiler in the cellar with wooden tongs and an old mangle. Teak G-plan. Wooden shutters on french windows. Left-overs from days when there were servants - buttons on the walls for bells in the rooms, ringing in the attic bedroom. Safe, happy times. Best times of my childhood. We went back there 1978(?) - Banff Walk, SW Extension. Ration cards, parties, Queens Upper School 6th form, bicycling everywhere, a great social life. I always thought that I would go back and visit. But it's gone. My childhood hometown is gone. How can that be? It feels terrible.

[@MelanieMaguire]

In a perfect world, I would be a multi-billionaire and buy the camp, renovate the best of the accommation, reopen all the leisure facilities and shops and run it as a retro themed holiday camp. How many people lived, worked, grew up at JHQ Rheindahlen? Would they want to come back for a nostalgia-filled holiday? I would. But maybe we can never go back to previous times...

[@lindabrighton6843]

Tugs at the heart strings, lived in Appleby walk in 60's,went to queen's school. Just the best years ever. Only us rheindahlen fans know.

[@45Rickj]

My dad was sent too fight the war in kosovo, and we were stationed here in 1995 I went too windsor school. I also have so many great childhood memories of this base. It makes me sad too see it all abandoned like this. I left windsor school after the war and we moved to Canada in 2001. I still live in Canada. But will always have the memories of this base that was once so full of life.

[@cathylincoln323]

We were there in 1966 to 1968 I worked at the big house my first job when left school loved it we had such a happy time there. Catherine O'REILLY

[@beyondbabylon]

Stationed there, met my husband there, married quarters there, worked in hq, G4 division. Heartbreaking to see this and so many memories brought back. What a tragic waste of housing in such desperate times.

[@45Rickj]

So many memories indeed! Me & My family lived on base from 1995-2001

[@MatthijsvanHalteren]

I worked in the big house in 1994, G3 Ops as a Dutch conscript doing national service.

[@Amz11_13]

This made me cry so much. Some of the best years of my life were lived here. My dad was in the British Army and we lived in JHQ from 1999-2003. I went to St. Georges school and then Windsor. I went on my first school trip while living here, and my sister was born here, this was her first home. I used to go to the Naafi and buy sweets and the Simpsons comic and Beano. I remember going to the bowling alley and I always thought they had the best burgers. I made so many good friends here and I remember the year they found an undetonated bomb. I used to rollerblade and scooter all over the place. I also remember a big fun event they put on, on the field behind my house with BBQs and big bouncy castles. I lived on Devonshire Avenue and I loved this place. It breaks my heart to see it like this.

[@AshleyBrown-fg3yh]

I went to St. George’s as well for year six in 2000! 😊

[@8888swatt]

I went to St. George's too! But it was from 76-79. Actually I lost a toy crocodile in the sand pit that used to be on the north end of the playing field - don't suppose you found it by any chance? Happy memories though, I just remember being free to explore and trees everywhere.

[@Amz11_13]

@@8888swatt sadly no crocodile found Stephen, here's hoping he found a good home! And yes the trees were my favorite!!

[@4vl802]

i went to St. George's the year it closed :(

[@ryankennedy4078]

I was there from 98 Till 00. Great times

[@TheBritshadow]

Very poignant video. I was there in the 70’s as a teenager then as a soldier in the 80’s. Such a great place to grow up, and such a shame to see it like this now. This brings back some fantastic memories, thanks for sharing it.

[@michelejasper6393]

We lived there in the 70s too - I remember a time when we were delayed at the W airport for 19 hours because of freezing fog. We were glad in a way so that going back to boarding school was delayed!

[@karenhenderson1462]

heart wrenching we had the best of times here 1970 - 1972 such fun, loved the place and never forgotten it. this is so sad, like a death

[@moonlightforest3657]

I'm 14 now, and I remember this place, I was born here and lived here for 6 years! Such a great time, I miss Jhq... At least we have one piece of Jhq with us (My family). We have the old post office sign!!! It's nice to think that a part of Jhq is always with us TwT

[@sessionswithsimon7391]

I was a 11/12 year old when I attended windsor school (queens) as it was previously known as. Spent 6 months there before returning to england. Wow this brought a few tears to my eyes, seems like another lifetime ago of which I had no pictures, no school photos etc... so thank you for this video, truly.

[@johnwebster3001]

Wasn’t it Kings School

[@ewangtr]

So many memories. Could literally spend days walking around this place. Such a waste too, could have turned this into businesses and renovated homes.

[@lindanagle1226]

Heartbreaking to see the state of the place. We were stationed at Bruggen but have happy memories of visits to JHQ NAAFI on Saturday mornings.

[@sasuyunakai_cosplay]

I was stationed with my family from 2001-2003 best part of my childhood any many amazing friends. Miss this place dearly used to live on Lancaster and Russell

[@ChilliePepper63]

I was stationed at RAF Wegberg 1992-93, lived in the Officer's Mess at Rheindahlen. SO sad to see the place like a ghost town, it was so full of life; I was OIC the Bike Club, many happy memories of riding out with the lads, Carnival, Fraus Tag, etc.. Such poignant photos and memories of a bygone time - brought a tear to my eye, and a heavy heart. Thank you for sharing.

[@starkalender2008]

We miss the english troops 🇬🇧 gruesse aus moenchengladbach!

[@johncuttriss9900]

Yes we miss you too and well remember the happy times at Rheindahlen and in Germany.

[@chinthe65]

I grew up there from 1974 to 1980 and it's sad to see it abandoned but still easily recognisable after all those years. Lots of great memories.

[@ceshagan]

Many great memories & friends made here during the 70's & 80's - they were great times. THANK YOU

[@christineingram7923]

I had great times here 80/90's

[@kimjohnson5868]

Started school as a 5yr old at St Patricks in 1960….. worked at RAF Rheindahlen Central Registry in my gap year 1973-4…… taught at Kent/Queens/Windsor School 1987-1991. So many very good memories 🇩🇪😊

[@eliasmartin7920]

Full of beautiful memories, I was there for my military service as a Belgian driver in 1983… sad feeling to see all these abandoned buildings, it looks like the end of the world

[@PjBrown-wj7ls]

It brings back so many memories 😭 I loved living there. So many friends

[@mrsulzer66]

Last time I was at JHQ was 1980 as a 14 year old. Do remember a lot of streets/places in this film. Great clip.🙂👍

[@charliefarlie2884]

Happiest time of my life there and the best friends I ever had at Queens Lower and St Davids Juniors.

[@nicholasbradford32]

When did you go to St Davids?

[@charliefarlie2884]

@@nicholasbradford32 1962-1964. Mr Ilian was Head teacher and Mr Dyson and Mr Pollard were my teachers in the different years.

[@cathylincoln323]

Such wonderful memories for me, my dad was stationed there in the RAF, I started my first job at the headquarters and was the best time of my life. So sad looking at it now. My dad worked in the education department, I started as a post girl then worked in the reproduction department. 1969 always made me smile. Catherine O'REILLY

[@cathylincoln323]

I also went to Kent school, left and went to work at JHQ Rhinedahlen, so many happy memories, I used to get paid and go the shops and buy clothes after had given my mum some money for board. I felt I was so grown up. We all had such happy memories,.my Mum and Dad no longer with us but have so many memories. Cathy O' Reilly

[@ianevans2917]

My last posting here was in 2010. So sad to see it now. I recall a vibrant and lively community which left me with many great memories.

[@bmused55]

The best 2 and a half years of my life were spent here. Left in 93. Visited in 2007 and it was already far less busy than it had been when I was there between 1990 and 1993. It's such a shame to see it in such disrepair. Childhood stomping grounds, rotting away. :(

[@ScooterPAK]

Lived in wickrath '78-'81, first went to st clements school in wickrath, then onto queens school in rhein-d, and remember saturday morning pictures where each week it would alternate between the astra and globe cinemas. Always remember the old rickety green buses to get us to school and cinemas. If we were lucky we'd get the posher 55 seater buses to ride in lol. Heartbreaking to see it overgrown and desolate.

[@Casshern2010]

Grew up here, left when I was 5 years old back in 1991. I remember a lot still, carnival and they used to put smoking pipes in loafs of bread (I think they still do) I never wanted to leave.

[@Col42]

Lived there early 80's and went to Queens School. Lived originally in the flats in Richard Wagner Strasse and then moved onto the base after a year or so. Very fond memories of riding everywhere on bikes and exploring Grot Lake. Enjoyed the Blue Pool in the summer and the US PX sweets!

[@keegan773]

What a waste. A once thriving and vibrant place full of memories. I had a holiday job pushing petrol at the BP garage opposite the shops. Remember the coupon system? I also had holiday jobs at the Buschoff NAFFI and the International Restaurant (junior ranks mess). Certainly learned the value of a DM. (Pre €).

[@coxhoe789]

the milatery really looked after us in those days and for me it was 50 years ago

[@daz6637]

This brings a tear to my eye, I was there between 1996-99 and 2005-08😢

[@davegoldsmith4020]

bought my first posh Stereo in this NAFFI, Lived at Wickrath and shopped here weekly for three years. usually filled my car at the BP garage.

[@naguerea]

That Stereo would go in a museum now.

[@davegoldsmith4020]

@@naguerea If I had held onto it, it could have featured on the repair shop!LOL

[@keegan773]

I pushed petrol at the BP garage in the late 1960’s. Such a great place and time.

[@davegoldsmith4020]

@@keegan773 I filled up at that garage weekly for three years

[@johnwebster3224]

Went there in 1955 as a raw AC2 National Serviceman. It was still being built then and a number of us were out-billetted at RAF Bruggen for about six weeks until our accommodation was ready. Enjoyed the cleanliness but it didn't last as I was posted to Fassberg before Christmas - a soul destroying place!

[@jamesmatthew9404]

Went to Windsor Lower from 86-89. Absolutely gut wrenching to see. Can't believe it was occupied by 20,000 people at the height of the cold War.

[@heroicmiquio6327]

Sehr schöne Erinnerungen Habe dort 18 Jahre gearbeitet..

[@keithbean5348]

Born there 1968. Parents lived in married quarters number eight Derby Road. I visited there in 2013 as the base was closing down. I was very fortunate that the guards allowed me in.

[@roryrecon]

Thankyou for this I have no idea why it is still left like this, so many memories but could still be occupied by residents. Why didn't they allow us to stay and build our communities

[@mikeclark4416]

So very sad to see , My Aunt served as a Nurse on the Ambulances I remember My Aunt & Uncle taking me to RAF Rhinedahlen in the early 70s

[@MissMalikaA]

It is so strange seeing it all abandonded we were here from 1997 - 2001. I've been searching up all of our old addresses while my dad was serving and it's weird seeing them all abandon now 😢

[@margueritebaker1826]

We lived in Worcester Way. I worked in Buschof Naafi. Rem Queensway & Marlborough Nightclubs - Pop's and Eddies - two clubs just off Base that stayed open late.

[@meliodas1662]

Another happy base occupied only by ghosts

[@eddtheducky]

I can't remember what years I was here with dad, but it would have been at some point in the 90's (Royal Engineers), we moved so much. But I remember the checkpoint and the mirrors going under the car. I remember the NAAFI and the beavers/cubs... in fact I remember lining up as a beaver or cub as the (now) King visited. It's not easy being an army brat and places like JHQ Rhinedahlen were so important in my formative years. I miss it.

[@davidgoode2104]

I was there at Queens School 1968-71. Fantastic times. People I remember are Charlie Miller, Mike Morrisey, Paul Feavior (fifi), Mark Ormrod, Debbie Smythe, Linda Marshall, Lorraine Wong, Gideon Weinbaum, Mike Noble, Ronnie Scheinman and many others. Teachers included Mr Daisy, mrs Hodges, miss Viney, mr Aspinal. Lots of sport, cinema, Blue Pool etc - I didn’t realise how lucky I was. Sad to see the camp in such a dilapidated state. My surname back then was Casbolt (Cas).

[@Guitarinthewoods]

I wonder if we ever met? I was at Queens lower, left in’72. The name Mark Ormrod rings a faint bell. My family lived in Mönchengladbach. The bus took to and from there to Queens every day. Happy memories.

[@Guitarinthewoods]

Real name Dave Barlow

[@nicholasbradford32]

Do you have a sister called Maureen?

[@nicholasbradford32]

Do you have a sister called Maureen ??

[@nicholasbradford32]

Sister called Maureen?

[@martijn7996]

How did you get acces to take pictures on the terrain? With all the security being there and such

[@TheUkLabourGovIsdangourous]

0:25 Vehicle Check point Charlie, road goes towards Wegberg Hospital. 0:53 Car park directly opposite the main NAAFI entrance.

[@johndunlop2241]

Worked for BFBS in 1986 here. Great times living in No 1 Civilian Mess.

[@LePetitPrince915]

I Miss the troublemaker at the Old Town ( Altstadt Mönchengladbach) every weekend...

[@naguerea]

LOL

[@nicholasbradford32]

Such great memories of going to St Davids school 64-67.memories of the NAAFI and David Bedwell was a good friend who I would love to meet again! Football on the big field and the lido with its huge diving board and 15 m pool! Miss Lux was our teacher in my last year at St Davids Good times. Nick Bradford Son of Captain J.W.Bradford Royal Engineers

[@grahamwilliams8061]

Certainly brought back memories. Very sad to see it like this. Could it not have been used for something? Housing Refugees for example. Such a large site, they could have built a new town on it.

[@8888swatt]

It almost was used for immigrant reception in 2014. It seems such a waste to see my old home in this state.

[@45Rickj]

I agree, what a waste!

[@45Rickj]

@@8888swatt it's so sad!

[@EuroScot]

They couldnt use them as they werent up to German housing legal standards, very sad to see!

[@klaasridder7313]

Beware of the security. It's restricted area. To avoid vandalism and illegal trespassing every person caught at the site will be prosecuted. The area is still in use and secured by surveillance systems.

[@geriatkinson8667]

I usedcto live in the flats in Buschoff in 1974 - 1977. Went to Queens School. I was hoping to see the Blue Pool

[@johncuttriss9900]

In 2013 me and Johnny Owens who had served there in the 1960's with the RAF on communications visited the camp for the 'Beating of the Retreat' ceremony as well as the parade up to the Alte Markt in the town. We both took many pictures and video footage at the time when the place still looked lived in. I have a very large archive of photo's, brochures and historic information which are mostly posted on www.QueenswayClubSurvivors. com. We are always looking for new members. Footage is now on DVD and can be made available. Sad to see the place as it is now.

[@saintac31northernsoul]

Lived here and wickrath my old Northen Irish father ran the youth club was a RAF fireman crash crew bruggen 1970 / 5.

[@schmeduk]

Great memories of living at Bruggen in the late seventies and going to Rheindahlen at the weekend and Youth Club events. Sad to see it all overgrown but my memories don't have any weeds!

[@badgoat666]

How surreal to see it as a ghost town, my dad was a warrant officer at jhq and we lived there for 3 years in the early 80s. Its the 5th anniversary of his passing so im on a nostalgia vibe. Went to Windsor school but for the life of me I can't recall the road we lived on. Was there a Shrewsbury lane? That's my best guess. Wish I could ask my dad.

[@IMAGESOFYESTERYEAR]

After watching my uploaded video and seeing these photographs it is so sad. A great posting with the birth of our second daughter in Wegberg in the early 70's. I never thought I would get the opportunity again to visit Rheindahlen so many times whilst I was the Energy Manager in PRB Gutersloh 2007-2013. I wish I could have stayed to be part of the closing ceremony. Always remembered with fondness.

[@naguerea]

Arrived Dec 1960, wonderful

[@heroicmiquio6327]

If anyone knows Joanna Long, please let me know, She has worked in the Offices /Churchill Mess as a waitress .also look for a soldier in which Seargents Mess worked as a cook, he was called, Parky, and A Seargent Dave Moore. Will be happy to hear something. There are still some whose names I don't remember.

[@TheUkLabourGovIsdangourous]

It's criminal they let it go into this state. I can't watch it anymore, it's too upsetting.

[@danielw5850]

I wonder what the plan is for this complex, now?

[@8888swatt]

You can kind of see on Google Earth but most of the streets are slowly decaying but the use some of the blocks built in the noughties as a refugee reception area. Also some areas get used for polizzi training and so on. Wegberg hospital is being demolished.

[@patrickhoyte1226]

Teenage memories from the late 70s. Worked at the Blue Pool, Naafi, Went to Queens School, lost my virginity there. Anyone remember Pops and Eddies

[@MrFortuna95ole]

Hey. Sehr tolles video. Wie ist es mit der Security aktuell? Habe angst, dass es nicht so einfach mit dem betreten ist. Würde mich gerne selbst mal umsehen. Schonmal danke für deine Antwort

[@btntv2604]

Hey es gibt viele Kameras dort aber ein paar Ecken ohne Kameras und Zaun dort könnte man sich Mal umsehen . Lg

[@yeahdude4124]

Ich bin mit nem Freund ganz einfach reingekommen. Wurden nicht erwischt...

[@davidwagner6973]

@@yeahdude4124 könnte man mit dir Privat schreiben?

[@yeahdude4124]

@@davidwagner6973 klar insta : finngqh

[@japiklaus2710]

Ich arbeite zurzeit dort :)

[@onestepbeyond9120]

So sad to see, what a waste, use to travel from 38 sqn at mulheim most weekends in the mid 70,s, as a teenager bought my first car from there, loved the place

[@AshleyBrown-fg3yh]

Hello! I lived on JHQ from 2000_2002 and I was coming back to Germany to visit this fall and I wanted to see my old house. Can I just drive through it? Or is it blocked off to the public?

[@christopherj8280]

I'll just say Pops & Eddie's. If you know you know.

[@naguerea]

It is now just a dwelling

[@deveronrobinson4322]

Great memories ♥️😢

[@clarenceblinten8860]

So sad to see :(

[@nbrooks8383]

Wow so sad. I lived on camp in the late 60's til late 70's. From St Georges school then Queens lower and Queens upper school, worked in the small NAAFI it is so sad to see it now.I feel hollow inside.(old age I expect?)

[@8888swatt]

Just know you're not alone in the way you feel. I was there in the mid to late 70s Mr Dickinsons class if my memory serves. I just remember the energy of the place and something always going on for kids and families.

[@naguerea]

Figaro, great barber

[@Gamefeedvids]

What happened to the parade square etc? Pity no photos of that area :(

[@mickg8306]

I was stationed just down the road in Viersen.....that's gone as well.....

[@45Rickj]

Wow we lived in vierson too! In a small town called suchteln. Lived in a cul-de-sac with all military families. But we were it! Surroundings were all german. Lol obviously 1995-2001

[@GTABOSS9AN9]

gibts das noch und kommt man da so rein?

[@gloriastone126]

I went to Queens School Rheindahlen back in 60-62 when my father was stationed at Wildenrath. It is so poignant and thank you for the video

[@jamesbrown-cr1fg]

I was walking around the fence last week again. There is loads of refugees walking around and security. I don’t understand why the whole camp was maintained and used...

[@stephenparkes626]

Loved it there 1984 1987

[@nathansworldkidstv6849]

lived here as a kid in 1980-84 can you still go in ?

[@maraygav5450]

Nathan's World Kids TV, no you cannot go in. It’s protected by security all time. But Rutland looks like an invitation! ;-)

[@no-damn-alias]

Man was könnte man daraus alles machen, stattdessen wird es zurückgebaut und dem Erdboden gleichgemacht

[@chaz8758]

Was there with ARRC Sp Bn 1995 to 2000 as a Sapper.

[@jasonroberts6901]

How are you?

[@GunneyChrisUSMC]

My daughter was born at Wegberg Hospital..

[@harryoxer8517]

So was mine! Harry

[@nicholasbradford32]

Lived at 34 Londonderry drive

[@peckdylan5173]

Wer möchte mit mir mal da hin war da jz schon 6mal .

[@Sawusoner]

Peck Dylan yo Moin, ist da kein Wachschutz mehr?

[@El3ktr0R3v3r]

Ich würde gerne mit ihnen hin gehen. War auch schon öfter dort. Es ist so traurig dort.

[@bobv6827]

Ich möchte...

[@peckdylan5173]

Donchitour doch aber manchmal sind die korrekt

[@peckdylan5173]

Bob V joa wurde in der Zeit (5monate seid dem Kommentar 😬)1mal Hops genommen ist gerade was kritisch