39 Army Engineer Regiment was formed in July 1949 at Crickhowell in Wales, but survived only a couple of weeks before being disbanded. It soon reappeared as 39 Corps Engineer Regiment in late 1950. In 1953 the Regiment moved to Ripon in N Yorkshire and after spending some time in East Africa (in the Mau-Mau campaign) and Barton Stacey, was disbanded again in 1956. In March 1967, the Regimental Number reappeared as 39 Engineer Regiment (Airfields) to replace RE (Airfields). At the time it consisted of two construction squadrons and two independent specialist plant and construction troops, along with a Regimental Headquarters.

The squadrons and their titles in the Regiment have changed several times since then, with the current make-up of the Regiment (34, 48, 53 & 60 Squadrons) dating from 1977, when the Regimental title was changed to 39 Engineer Regiment.  

In 1983 the Regiment was re-roled, with 34 Squadron committed to the local 19 Infantry Brigade, mounted in wheeled armoured vehicles. The other squadrons were roled as a Field Support Squadron (60) and two construction squadrons whose main purpose was Airfield Damage Repair (ADR). In 1993 these squadrons were re-roled in order to be able to support the Harrier Force as well as ADR, and the fixed commitment to 19 Infantry Brigade ended, although local ties still existed. In 1995 the role was again changed to Air Support, which includes all manner of RE support to air operations. 60 Squadron re-roled as the Headquarters and Support Squadron and the other Squadrons were re-titled Field Squadrons (Air Support).

The Regiment is currently based in Waterbeach Barracks approximately 6 miles North of Cambridge City centre. The barracks used to be a RAF station and is situated next to Denny End Abbey, which was built in 1294. The Regimental badge (as shown above) depicts an eagle carrying a rose and a gillyflower. The rose and gillyflower were the annual rent demanded by the Abbey for the use of their lands.

The current role of 39 Engineer Regiment is to provide military engineering support to the RAF, including major exercises, operational works on UK main operating bases and support to deployed operations worldwide.

In addition to this, the Regiment is to undertake deployments in support of the LAND Engineer Operational Tour Plot and overseas training exercises. Common RAF support tasks include Harrier support, bulk fuel storage and handling, repair of aircraft operating surfaces, bedding down of aircraft and personnel and maintenance of all essential services such as water and power.