REME
The Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) to which Hirst belonged, has a relationship with Volkswagen which began in 1945 with a REME detachment using the factory to repair captured enemy vehicles and later to overhaul Jeep and other British Army engines. Major Ivan Hirst, the Control Commission for Germany’s British Senior Resident Officer arrived at the Volkswagen factory in August of that year.
From 1946 the Volkswagen factory focus was on repairing and reconditioning Volkswagens and became known as No 2 REME Auxiliary Workshop. As the company’s prospects improved, the unit became essentially civilian run but directed by the Army. The REME link ended when, on 6 September 1949, ownership transferred to the German Government. Since then VW have recognised the role Ivan Hirst and REME played in their rise from the ashes of the Second World War. A close bond exists between Volkswagen and REME to this day.
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