British Garrison Churches in Germany 1945 to 2019

Following the end of World War Two in May 1945, the British army remained in Germany. Initially there to provide support to the Control Commission Administration, it stayed after the formation, in 1949, of the Federal German Republic. Its new role was to help provide defence against any threat from the Soviet Union. That task ceased to be relevant in 1990, but it was not until 2019 that the last garrison withdrew. During this whole period, churches were provided for the military. This article looks at the development of the provision, explores how these churches functioned, including their relations to German churches, and then traces the closure of the churches. It considers the unique position of these churches in British ecclesiastical history. Finally, it is suggested that more research is needed if these churches are not to be forgotten.