The Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers was formed on 1st October 1942. Throughout the first five years of its existence, musical support for all Corps functions had been provided by a small group of musicians playing drums and fifes. As the Corps expanded the demand for this group began to increase and it was decided to appoint a Bandmaster for the purposes of developing the skills of the existing musicians and to recruit others. The Band remained unrecognized by the military authorities until 1947 when War Office Letter 27/GEN/2935 (AG1A) dated 23rd September gave authority for Staff Band status.

The Corps Band’s first Director of Music was Captain Denis Plater who had transferred from the Royal Tank Regiment. Its establishment had initially been set at one Band Sergeant, two Corporals, three Lance Corporals and thirty-four Musicians and as the musical standards began to improve, the Band soon started to undertake engagements across the whole of the British Isles.

Today the REME Band’s expertise is seen and heard all over the world and it enjoys an outstanding reputation for musical excellence. In past years the Band has toured extensively in the USA, Canada, Germany, Bosnia, Italy, Cyprus, Uzbekistan, Guatemala, Mexico and throughout the whole of the United Kingdom.

The Band possesses a diverse range of musical ensembles all of which are in frequent demand. These include a Concert Band, Marching Band, Big Band, Dance Band, Pop Group, Chamber Groups, Fanfare Trumpets and a Disco. In addition to their musical duties, the musicians have a role assisting the Army Medical Services in times of emergency.