Forward Vehicle Depot Recklinghausen (also known as Preston Barracks) was opened in 1961 in a disused railway coach repair yard. The depot’s purpose was to ‘store vehicles in the forward area for some spearhead units that might have to be deployed at short notice’. By 1969 its role was to store fit ‘B’ vehicles, pre-stocked unit equipment (PUE) and war maintenance reserve (WMR) stocks.

FVD Recklinghausen is quoted as supporting Operation Granby – the first Gulf War.

The Depot closed on 30 March 1991.

Freemil