The Royal Engineers Association (REA) is the Regimental Association of the Royal Engineers. The original REA was founded in 1912 under the name of the The Royal Engineers Old Comrades Association. Its name was changed to the Royal Engineers Association in 1952. What we do... The aim of the association is to promote and support the Corps of Royal Engineers among members of the association by fostering esprit de cops and and a spirit of comradeship and service, and by maintaining an awareness of Corps traditions. The association also acts as a link between serving and retired members of the Corps and it provides financial and other assistance to serving and former members of the Corps, their spouses, widows and dependents who are in need, Grants, within Association Guidelines, are made to the Army Benevolent Fund and to other charities that further the objectives of the Association.