While the Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers officially came into existence on May 15, 1944, its history and functions in the Canadian Army date back to the early twentieth century.
The RCEME museum highlights the services these soldiers have provided from the First World War through the Cold War, UN Operations and Afghanistan. Throughout the museum, you will find an exciting array of objects and memorabilia including photographs, models, medals, uniforms, kit and equipment, and other items that illustrate the lives and experiences of RCEME technicians who have served around the world.
The Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers was created by merging elements from various other corps, including the Royal Canadian Engineers, Royal Canadian Army Service Corps, and Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps. As mechanized equipment became more prevalent during the Second World War, the need for a centralized corps dedicated to service and maintenance became evident. The RCEME structure initially incorporated 25 different trades and sub-trades, ensuring specialists for each specific job. While the majority of RCEME technicians were vehicle mechanics, the corps also covered other essential areas such as radios, radar, and weapons maintenance.
In honour of the 80th Anniversary of the founding of the Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, RCEME Day will be held on the grounds and inside the Military Communications and Electronics Museum all day on May 15, 2024. At 11:15 AM, the RCEME Museum will have two ceremonies in their museum! The first is the well-deserved addition to the RCEME Museum’s Leaders & Trailblazers Wall by the Induction of Col Karen Ritchie. The RCEME Corps is also proud to unveil the RCEME Heritage and Museum Foundation Donor Wall, an important addition that recognizes the many people and partners who sustain our efforts to conserve and highlight our proud heritage.
Did you know that the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RCEME) Museum is located in the same building as the Military Communications and Electronics Museum (MCEM)? This is because RCEME and the Communications and Electronics Branch have a shared history prior to 1944. In May 2016, the RCEME Museum was installed at its current site in Kingston. The RCEME Museum occupies about 3,500 square feet of space and welcomes over 12,000 visitors annually.
The Military Communications and Electronics Museum is happy to celebrate the 80th Birthday of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers on RCEME Day on May 15, 2024!
If you would like to learn more about the RCEME Museum, please see their website or view their virtual tour here: https://rcememuseum.ca/en-ca/
RCEME and CFB Kingston Fun Facts!
Did you know the RCEME Corps is currently over 4500 members strong?
Did you know the RCEME School was once located in CFB Kingston and has since been consolidated in CFB Borden? That is why there are so many places at CFB Kingston that are associated with RCEME. The RCEME history of Kingston is represented at the McNaughton Gate where the memorial wall displays the Corps Badge and RCEME text, and the RCEME Flag is on display.
Did you know that the McNaughton side of CFB Kingston streets are named for the RCEME Corps (i.e. Craftsman Blvd, Sadie Ave, Apprentice St, Artisan Rd, and Bluebell Ln)? Now you know!
May 15, 2024, RCEME Day Schedule of Events:
All events take place in and around the grounds of the Military Communications and Electronics Museum. Please contact WO Cory Vale, LSS Kingston, at Cory.Vale@forces.gc.ca for information about this event.
0740 – 80th RCEME Day Opening Ceremonies Begin
0830 – Sports and other activities begin
1115 – RCEME Museum’s Leaders & Trailblazers Induction of Col Karen Ritchie and the unveiling of the RCEME Foundation Donor Wall
1200 – Lunch begins
1300 – Cutting of the RCEME Cake & Art Contest Unveiling / After Lunch Activities begin
1430 – Closing Ceremonies