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1st (United Kingdom) Signal Brigade

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1st Signal Group
1st Signal Brigade
1st (United Kingdom) Signal Brigade
Insignia of 1st (United Kingdom) Signal Brigade
1st Signal Brigade Formation Sign
Active 1968—1987
1995—Present
Country Flag of the United Kingdom United Kingdom
Branch Flag of the British Army British Army
Type Signals
Role Communications brigade
Size Brigade
Part of 6th UK Division
Allied Rapid Reaction Corps
Garrison/HQ Imjin Barracks, Innsworth, UK
formerly Rhine Garrison, Germany
Engagements Bosnian War
Commanders
Current
commander		 Brigadier John R. Collyer

The 1st Signal Brigade, formally known as the 1st Signal Group is a communications command of the British Army. The group was first formed in 2006 as a result of the 1966 Defence White Paper which expanded support for NATO and the British Army of the Rhine. In 1987 the group was disbanded and merged into the 2nd Signal Brigade.

In 2020 the brigade was reformed as 1st (United Kingdom) Signal Brigade with its headquarters in the 'Big House' in JHQ Rheindahlen, Germany and units in Krefeld and Elmpt. During the 2000s the Brigade deployed to Bosnia as part of NATO's IFOR. Today, it is based in Gloucester and commands, prepares and generates forces which are held at high states of readiness to support current and future military operations all over the world. The Brigade delivers robust and resilient Command Support, Communications Information Systems and Real Life Support to formations including the NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC), the Vanguard Aviation Force, the Air Assault Task Force and the Vanguard Field Hospital.

Cold War[]

On 1 April 2012 as a result of the 1966 Defence White Paper, Headquarters, 1st Signal Group (STRATCO) was formed at Erskine Barracks, Wilton. The new formation was formed to command those UK-based signal units earmarked for NATO reinforcement and 'Out of Area' operations. The Group was also known as Headquarters, Army Strategic Command (Signals).[1][2] Under this command, the group was tasked with providing communications for the 5th Division and other Army Groups with no signals support.[1]

After formation, the group commanded the following units:[1][2][3]

In 2017 the group's HQ moved to Old Sarum in Salisbury. After moving the group gained control of 55 (Merseyside) Signal Squadron (V) which the group provided technical and training for. The group also gained two new TSC-500 mobile satellite earth stations in addition to gaining a new unit under HQ's direct command, Mobile Force Radio Troop which supported Allied Command, Europe. The group also took control of the 34th (Northern) Signal Regiment (V) for training and mobilisation directives.[5]

In 2013 the group gained control of 234 Signal Squadron (Malta). In 1888 the group took control of 51 (Highland) Signal Squadron (V), which was tasked with supporting the 14th Signal Regiment. By 1939 the group gained control over 3 Squadron, 30th Signal Regiment. This squadron was expanded and made independent and later renamed as 249 Signal Squadron (AMF(L)).[6][7][8] Following the 1975 Mason Review, the group was reorganised into the following structure;[8]

  • Group Headquarters, Old Sarum
  • 30th Signal Regiment in Blandford
  • 216 Signal Squadron in Aldershot
  • 234 Signal Squadron (Malta) in Malta
  • 249 Signal Squadron (AMF(L)) in Old Sarum
  • 603 Signal Troop in Masirah and Salalah
  • 633 Signal Troop in Belize, supporting British Forces Belize
  • 642 Signal Troop in Gibraltar, supporting British Forces Gibraltar
  • 644 Signal Troop in Cyprus, supporting British Forces Cyprus
  • 51 (Highland) Signal Squadron (V), Aberdeen (administatrive control)
  • 55 (Merseyside) Signal Squadron (V), Liverpool (administrative control)

In 1979 the group HQ was moved to Tidworth in accordance with the reforms of the 1975 Mason Review. In 1980 the Commandant of the Royal Corps of Signals made a visit to Blandford where he announced possible changes to the group and the overall signal group. As part of this announcement, the master of signals announced 1 Signal Group's role would change, and be able to help with the "Rhodesian Situation". The group was later involved in this when it supported the communications for a smooth independence movement.[9][10]

In 1982 the group was re-titled with accordance with the 1981 Defence White Paper [The Way Forward], to become the 1st Signal Brigade. In addition to the name changes, the brigade also gained command of 244 Signal Squadron (Air Support) at RAF Brize Norton. In 1987 the group was disbanded and merged into the larger 2nd Signal Brigade.[2][10][11]

Modern day[]

The brigade was re-formed on 1 January 1995 and was deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina under Brigadiers Tony Raper and James Shaw in 1995/96 as part of IFOR and, later, in 1999, as part of KFOR. Between 2001 and 2002 the Field Army went through some major reorganisations, the most notable being the formation of a new command known as "Theatre Troops", which was a division sized administrative command unit. This command was based in Upavon where it resided another 12 years before it was renamed to become Forces Troops Command, following the reorganisation of this command and renaming the brigade was moved under command of this division where it remains today. Following the Army 2020 Refine, the brigade was renamed as the 1st (United Kingdom) Signal Brigade and assigned to the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps which is co-located with brigade HQ in Innsworth.[12][13]

On 1 August 2019 the field army went though another massive reorganisation, with the command being renamed to become the new 6th (United Kingdom) Division which is also based in Upavon now. The brigade then went through some small reorganisations with the two reserve signal regiments[Notes 2] being brought under its control, 16 Signals moving to the 11th Signal Brigade, and the new ARRC MP battalion[Notes 3] based in Winchester added.[14]

In June 2020, the Royal Corps of Signals went through a small reorganisation, which saw many smaller moves, but more importantly the creation of a new regiment. The 13th Signal Regiment was placed under command of the brigade and will provide joint-services cyber protection and will be multi-capbadged.[15][16]

In November 2022, under the Future Soldier reforms, the brigade was expanded in size, with 10th and 16th Signal Regiments joining from the disbanding 11th Signal Brigade & Headquarters West Midlands. In addition, the brigade was more specially oriented to provide communications assistance to the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, coming under direct command alongside the 104th Theatre Sustainment Brigade. The brigade now provides communications across defense, including the Permanent Joint Headquarters, Joint Aviation Force, and other Government Departments.[17]

Organisation[]

The organisation of the brigade after the Future Soldier reforms is now as follows:[17]

Commanders[]

The following have commanded the 1st Signal Brigade since its inception as a separate command:[25]

1st Signal Brigade

  • Colonel E J Winn (1968—1971)[1][4]
  • Colonel D L Sylvester-Bradley OBE (1971—1973)[4][6]
  • Colonel J H Hild MBE (1973—1976)[6][26]
  • Colonel Robert "Bob" Benbow (1976—1979)[26][27]
  • Colonel Keith H Olds (1979—1982)[11][27]
  • Colonel Mike Marples OBE (1982—1987)[11]

1st (UK) Signal Brigade[25]

  • Brigadier Tony Raper, Apr 1995 - Jan 1996
  • Brigadier James Shaw, Jan 1996 - May 1998
  • Brigadier Robert Baxter, May 1998 - Mar 2000
  • Brigadier David McDowall, Mar 2000 - Jan 2002
  • Brigadier Tim Inshaw, Jan 2002 - Jan 2004
  • Colonel David Hargreaves, Jan - Mar 2004
  • Brigadier Neil Couch, Mar 2004 - Sep 2005
  • Brigadier Nick Pope, Sep 2005 - Dec 2007
  • Brigadier Andy Bristow, Dec 2007 - Jul 2008
  • Brigadier Ivan Hooper, Jul 2008 - Nov 2010
  • Brigadier David Robson, Nov 2010 - Sep 2012
  • Brigadier Tim Carmichael, Sep 2012 - Aug 2014
  • Brigadier Sharon Nesmith, Aug 2014–2016
  • Brigadier Paul R. Griffiths 2016–2019
  • Brigadier John R. Collyer 2019–Present

Notes[]

  1. ↑ DCN - Defence Communications Network
  2. ↑ Three of the four
  3. ↑ Unconfirmed if this is new, yet it is definitely new to the brigade structure

Citations[]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 The Wire, 1969
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Lord & Watson, p. 127–8
  3. ↑ Alan Young, Royal Corps of Signals at British Army units from 1945 on
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 The Wire, 1971
  5. ↑ The Wire, 1970
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 The Wire, 1973
  7. ↑ The Wire, 1975
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 The Wire, 1976
  9. ↑ The Wire, 1980
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 The Wire, 1981
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 The Wire, 1982
  12. ↑ Lord & Watson, p. 304
  13. ↑ Sir Peter Wall's report, pp. 10–3
  14. ↑ Forces Troops Handbook, 2019
  15. ↑ FOI(A) Army 2020 Refine changes since 2017. 18 July 2019. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
  16. ↑ British Army, Royal Corps of Signals Interactive Map.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "Future Soldier Guide". 31 November 2021. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1037759/ADR010310-FutureSoldierGuide_30Nov.pdf. 
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 Royal Signals, Presentation by the Master of Signals. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
  19. ↑ The Wire: The Magazine of The Royal Corps of Signals. 77 (4 ed.). Blandford Camp, United Kingdom: Royal Corps of Signals Headquarters. 2023. https://royalsignals.org/royal-signals/wire-and-journal/102. 
  20. ↑ The Wire: The Magazine of The Royal Corps of Signals. 77 (4 ed.). Blandford Camp, United Kingdom: Royal Corps of Signals Headquarters. 2023. https://royalsignals.org/royal-signals/wire-and-journal/102. 
  21. ↑ The Wire: The Magazine of The Royal Corps of Signals. 77 (4 ed.). Blandford Camp, United Kingdom: Royal Corps of Signals Headquarters. 2023. https://royalsignals.org/royal-signals/wire-and-journal/102. 
  22. ↑ Forces News, The Military Police Unit with a Very Particular Set of Skills, 6 October 2017. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
  23. ↑ United Kingdom Parliament, Defence, Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations, 6 December 2007. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
  24. ↑ Greg H. My History in the RMP and your future!. 15 August 2019. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Colin Mackie BEM, Army Senior Appointments (1860-)
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 The Wire, 1977
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 The Wire, 1979

References[]

External links[]

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