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The Royal Sappers and Miners were raised in 1812 and they were responsible for fortifications and field engineering.   Woolwich was their main training Depot until it moved to Chatham in 1850's.

As your great grandfather served abroad it its likely that he was involved building fortifications.

The RE Museum has recently re-vamped its web site and has more information

http://www.remuseum.org.uk/rem_his_history.htm#null click on the Engineer Soldiers Link it contains information about the Sappers and Miners.

Hope that helps

Simon

The Royal Engineers Museum has launch a new web site - it has some useful and helpful information about researching into the Royal Engineers (RE):

Aviation & Air Transport Museum History
http://www.remuseum.org.uk/index.htm

Research Section:
Researching RE Service Records: links on website no longer available
Researching RE Medals Records:  links on website no longer available
History Section (for general RE history):

You might find some useful background information on the Royal Engineers Museum site at:

http://www.remuseum.org.uk/

Look in the History Section

Dave,

The BFPO system did not come into force until after the Second World War.  The postcard is from a series of exercises held before the First World War.  The datestamp impression is from a date stamp held by the Army Base Post Office 17 which accompanied the exercise.  The number 10 was the identification number of the date stamp issued by the General Post Office on 5 Aug 10.

Army Post Offices were run by the Army Post Office Corps, which was first rised in 1882, but was transferred to the Royal Engineers in 1913.

More information can be sought from:

http://www.remuseum.org.uk/rem_his_special.htm

Hope that helps

Simon