[1] Prior to REME's formation, maintenance was the responsibility of several different corps: During World War II, the increase in quantity and complexity of equipment exposed the flaws in this system.

Pursuant to the recommendation of a Committee on Skilled Men in the Services chaired by William Beveridge, the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers was formed on 1 October 1942.

In Phase I, which was implemented immediately, REME was formed on the existing framework of the RAOC Engineering Branch, strengthened by the transfer of certain technical units and tradesmen from the RE and RASC.

This decision was published in Army Council Instruction 110 of 1949, and the necessary reorganisation was carried out in the various arms and services in three stages between July 1951 and January 1952.

The British Army, Red Cross and essential German services were chronically short of light vehicles.

[10] The Defence School of Electronic and Mechanical Engineering at MoD Lyneham meets most of the training needs of the corps.

[11] With minor exceptions, the Corps is responsible for the examination, modification, repair and recovery of all mechanical, electronic, electrical and optical equipment of the Army beyond the capacity of unit non-technical personnel.

Separate Units The head of REME was officially known as Director of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (Army) or DEME(A).