Basic training for Royal Engineers,how long?

[manxsapper]

My Grandfather enlisted on 1st April 1915 and travelled to Newark ETC to,most proberbly,do his basic training. Firstly how long would his training take and secondly,what would he have to do during training,since he was going to be in the R.E.'s? He later when on to Bordon Camp and left for France 10th October 1915, joining 97th Field Coy,21st Div, unit diaries state that they were doing mostly trench repairs and preparing artillery positions. Any ideas?

[Terry_Reeves]

The RETC at Newark was established in the spring/summer of 1915 originally under Brigadier - General AL Schrieber with Colonel Jerome as his Assistant Commandant and Capt RL Bond as Adjutant.

Training was carried out in Field Works (under Chief Instructor in Field Works, Major Rotherham); Drill (Chief Drill Instructor, Lt and Quartermaster Bright); musketry, and pontoon training on the River Ouse. Out of interest, in September 1915, another RETC was established at Deganwy in Wales.

Terry Reeves

[manxsapper]

Thanks Terry, just out of interest what type of training was done in the Field Works? Also is there any other info regarding the RETC at newark available please?

Barry Quilliam