Headquarters signals

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  1. Trux

    Trux 21 AG

    HEADQUARTERS SIGNALS

    Major headquarters were both large and variable in size. It was not usually practicable to
    issue a detailed War Establishment for their signals units. Instead there was a permanent
    headquarters to which would be attached a number of signals sections. These sections are
    listed below and are detailed on a separate page.

    Corps signals differ and are given in full.


    HEADQUARTERS SIGNALS


    Headquarters Signals. War Establishment III/301/1. January 1944
    Headquarters Signals (Modified). War Establishment III/301/1
    Army Group Signals
    Army Signals.
    Air Formation Signals (Tactical Air Force)
    Supreme Headquarters Signals
    Allied Force Headquarters Signals
    General Headquarters Signals
    Line of Communication Signals
    Air Formation Signals (Strategic)
    Chief Signal Officer, Air Formation Signals. War Establishment XIV/1786/1. December 1944.
    Corps Headquarters Signals. War Establishment III/286/1. November 1943
    Corps Headquarters Signals. War Establishment III/343/1. February 1945
    Headquarters Railway Telegraph Company. War Establishment IV/23A/2. March 1944

    All of the above consist of a permanent establishment plus a number of attached signals sections. The sections are detailed under ‘Signals Sections’.


    HEADQUARTERS SIGNALS
    War Establishment III/312/1. February 1944

    This headquarters is designed to command and administer the following major signal units composed of attached sections of various types totalling up to 1,000 men

    Army Group Signals
    Army Signals
    Air Formation Signals (Tactical) employed with
    Headquarters, Tactical Air Force RAF (2nd Tactical Air Force)
    Composite Group RAF (83, 84 and 85 Group)
    Light Bomber Force RAF (2 Group)


    ARMY GROUP SIGNALS
    Army Group Signals were for communication
    - within and between the tactical, main and rear headquarters
    - with subordinate formations, 1st Canadian and 2nd British Armies
    - with units which served directly under army group

    The following signal sections were attached to Army Group Signals as a basic scale. These could be modified as required.

    1 X Headquarters Signals WE III/312/1
    1 X Line Section WE III/23/4
    3 X Construction Section WE III/24/5
    2 X Line Maintenance Section WE III/30C/3
    4 X Telegraph Operating Section WE III/25A/3
    4 X Despatch Rider Section WE III/268/1
    2 X Technical Maintenance Section WE III/30D/4
    3 X Medium Wireless Section WE 271/1
    1 X Telephone Switchboard Operating Section WE IV 25B/1
    4 X Cipher Section WE III/180/2
    1 X Army Group Cipher Pool Section WE III/269/1
    1 X Army Group Signal Park WE/281/1


    ARMY SIGNALS
    The following signals sections were attached to Army Signals as a basic scale. These could be modified as required.

    1 X Headquarters Signals WE III/312/1
    3 X Line Section WE III/23/4
    1 X Construction Section WE III/24/5
    1 X Line Maintenance Section WE III/30C/3
    3 X Telegraph Operating Section WE III/25A/3
    3 X Despatch Rider Section WE III/268/1
    1 X Technical Maintenance Section WE III/30D/4
    4 X Medium Wireless Section WE 271/1
    3 X Cipher Section WE III/180/2
    1 X Army Cipher Pool Section WE III/269/1
    1 X Army Signal Park WE/281/1


    AIR FORMATION SIGNALS
    Air Formation Signals were a normal army signals unit providing communications for the Tactical Air Force. They were responsible for all communications to airfields and TAF headquarters.

    The following signals sections were attached to Army Signals as a basic scale. These could be modified as required.

    1 X Headquarters Signals WE III/312/1
    2 X Line Section WE III/23/4
    2 X Construction Section WE III/24/5
    2 X Line Maintenance Section WE III/30C/3
    3 X Telegraph Operating Section WE III/25A/3
    2 X Despatch Rider Section WE III/268/1
    1 X Technical Maintenance Section WE III/30D/4
    5 X Wing Section WE/29C/2


    Basic Organisation for Headquarters Army Group Signals, Army Signals and Air Formation Signals.

    Lieutenant Colonel, Officer Commanding
    Major second in Command
    3 X Major
    Captain, Adjutant
    6 X Captain
    4 X Subaltern
    Quartermaster

    Regimental Serjeant Major
    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant
    3 X Company Serjeant Major

    3 X company quartermaster serjeant
    serjeant clerk
    transport serjeant

    2 X lance serjeant, signalman class
    7 X corporal, signalman class
    corporal, driver class
    5 X lance corporal, signalman class
    lance corporal, driver class
    10 X signalman
    52 X driver
    Total 106

    Attached
    5 X cook, ACC

    Tradesmen
    lance serjeant clerk
    4 X corporal clerk
    5 X clerk
    draughtsman, signals
    7 X driver mechanic
    6 X storeman

    Non tradesmen
    3 X butchery dutyman
    4 X batman
    6 X batman driver
    8 X driver
    6 X general dutyman
    4 X sanitary dutyman
    3 X water dutyman

    Vehicles
    10 X bicycle
    7 X motorcycle
    2 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
    4 X car 4 seater 4 X 2
    1 X 15cwt GS
    1 X 15cwt water
    9 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    4 X 3ton 4 X 4 TEV Army
    4 X 3ton 4 X 4 TCV
    4 X 3ton 4 X 4 Wireless
    8 X 1ton trailer
    1 X water trailer

    NOTE
    One subaltern in three in charge of sections will in fact be a Captain.

    Headquarters
    Lieutenant Colonel, Officer Commanding
    Major second in Command
    Captain, Adjutant
    Subaltern
    Quartermaster

    Regimental Serjeant Major
    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant
    serjeant clerk
    transport serjeant

    Tradesmen
    lance serjeant clerk
    corporal clerk
    2 X clerk
    draughtsman, signals
    3 X storeman

    Non tradesmen
    butchery dutyman
    4 X batman
    3 X batman driver
    5 X driver
    6 X general dutyman
    4 X sanitary dutyman
    3 X water dutyman

    Attached
    5 X cook, ACC

    Vehicles
    4 X bicycle
    1 X motorcycle
    2 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
    1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2
    1 X 15cwt GS
    1 X 15cwt water
    4 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    1 X water trailer


    No1 (Construction) Company
    Major
    2 X Captain
    Subaltern

    Company Serjeant Major
    company quartermaster serjeant
    corporal clerk
    clerk
    driver mechanic
    electrician
    storeman
    batman driver
    butchery dutyman
    driver

    Vehicles
    2 X bicycle
    2 X motorcycle
    1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2
    2 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS


    No2 (Operating and Maintenance) Company
    No3 (Operating and Maintenance) Company
    Each
    Major
    Captain, Second in Command
    Captain (duty officer)
    Subaltern

    Company Serjeant Major
    company quartermaster serjeant
    corporal clerk
    clerk
    7 X driver mechanic
    2 X electrician
    storeman
    butchery dutyman
    batman driver
    driver

    Vehicles
    2 X bicycle
    2 X motorcycle
    1 X car 4 seater 4 X 2
    2 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    2 X 3ton 4 X 4 TEV (Army)
    2 X 3ton 4 X 4 TCV
    2 X 3ton 4 X 4 Wireless (fitted as teleprinter office)
    4 X 1ton trailer



    HEADQUARTERS SIGNALS (MODIFIED)
    War Establishment III/301/1. January 1944

    This headquarters is designed to command and administer a major signal unit composed of attached sections of various types totalling up to 1,000 men. It will be employed as the headquarters signal unit for sections serving large static and semi static headquarters including

    Supreme Headquarters Signals
    Allied Force Headquarters Signals
    General Headquarters Signals
    Line of Communication Signals
    Air Formation Signals (Strategical) (Did not serve on the Continent)

    Sections will be allotted in accordance with individual requirements except in the case of Line of Communication Signals which has the following basic scale

    LINE OF COMMUNICATION SIGNALS
    1 X Headquarters Signals WE III/301/1
    6 X Construction Section WE III/24/5
    2 X Line Maintenance Section WE III/30C/3
    6 X Telegraph Operating Section WE III/25A/3
    4 X Despatch Rider Section WE III/268/1
    2 X Technical Maintenance Section WE III/30D/4
    2 X Medium Wireless Section WE 271/1
    2 X Telephone Switchboard Operating Section WE IV 25B/1
    2 X Cipher Section WE III/180/2

    Supreme Headquarters was at Versailles for much of the campaign.


    Headquarters Signals (Modified) basic establishment.
    Lieutenant Colonel, Officer Commanding
    Major second in Command
    Captain, Adjutant
    Subaltern
    Quartermaster

    Regimental Serjeant Major
    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant
    serjeant clerk
    serjeant

    Tradesmen
    lance serjeant clerk
    corporal clerk
    2 X clerk
    draughtsman, signals
    3 X storeman (technical stores, MT and petrol, rations and general stores)

    Non tradesmen
    butchery dutyman
    4 X batman
    3 X batman driver
    driver
    6 X general dutyman
    4 X sanitary dutyman
    4 X water dutyman

    Attached
    corporal cook, ACC
    4 X cook, ACC

    Vehicles
    2 X bicycle
    1 X motorcycle (for RQMS)
    3 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS

    Headquarters
    Lieutenant Colonel, Officer Commanding
    Major second in Command
    Captain, Adjutant
    Subaltern
    Quartermaster

    Regimental Serjeant Major
    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant
    serjeant clerk
    serjeant

    Tradesmen
    lance serjeant clerk
    corporal clerk
    2 X clerk
    draughtsman, signals
    3 X storeman (technical stores, MT and petrol, rations and general stores)

    Non tradesmen
    butchery dutyman
    4 X batman
    3 X batman driver
    driver
    6 X general dutyman
    4 X sanitary dutyman
    4 X water dutyman

    Attached
    corporal cook, ACC
    4 X cook, ACC

    Vehicles
    2 X bicycle
    1 X motorcycle (for RQMS)
    3 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS

    A Light Aid Detachment Type A REME was attached.


    No1 (Construction) Company
    No2 (Operating and Maintenance) Company
    No3 (Operating and Maintenance) Company
    All three Company Headquarters are identical but administer a varying number of various types of section

    Major
    2 X Captain
    Subaltern

    Company Serjeant Major
    company quartermaster serjeant
    corporal clerk
    clerk
    electrician
    storeman
    batman driver
    driver
    butchery dutyman

    Vehicles
    2 X bicycle
    2 X motorcycle
    1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS



    CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, AIR FORMATION SIGNALS (Tactical Air Force)
    The Chief Signal Officer and his staff would be located at 2 Tactical Air Force Headquarters.

    Colonel, Chief Signal Officer
    2 X Major, Staff Officer, Royal Signals
    Captain, Staff Officer, Royal Signals

    serjeant clerk
    2 X corporal clerk
    2 X signalman
    lance corporal signals draughtsman
    batman
    3 X batman driver
    driver of vehicle

    2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    Car 4 seater 4 X 4
    3ton 4 X 4 GS

    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    Major, batman driver
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    Major, batman driver

    Car 4 seater 4 X 4
    Colonel, Captain, serjeant clerk, batman driver

    3ton lorry GS 1
    2 X corporal clerk, 2 x clerk, signals draughtsman, batman, driver IC
    Carries baggage and office equipment.
    Note: this vehicle was later a 3ton Office.

    In December 1944 the Chief Signals Officer Air Formation Signals had a separate War Establishment and a slightly larger staff. (see below)





    CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, AIR FORMATION SIGNALS.
    War Establishment XIV/1786/1. December 1944.

    Brigadier, Chief Signals Officer
    Lieutenant Colonel Staff Officer RS (deputy to Chief Signal Officer)
    2 X Major Staff Officer RS (one for equipment and personal matters, one for line duties)
    3 X Captain Staff Officer RS (one for equipment and personal matters, two for line duties)

    Warrant Officer Class II Clerk (for line records and fault control)
    serjeant clerk
    sance serjeant clerk
    corporal clerk
    lance corporal clerk
    3 X clerk
    corporal draughtsman
    lance corporal draughtsman
    driver mechanic

    2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4
    1 X 4 seater 4 X 2
    1 X 4 seater 4 X 4
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 Office
    1 X 10cwt trailer.



    HEADQUARTERS RAILWAY TELEGRAPH COMPANY.
    War Establishment IV/23A/2. March 1944

    Designed to command and administer a railway telegraph company consisting of
    2 X Construction Section. War Establishment III/24/5.
    1 X Telegraph Operating Section. War Establishment III/25A/3.

    Major
    Catain
    Company Serjeant Major
    company quartermaster serjeant
    clerk
    draughtsman, signals
    storeman
    batman driver
    2 X driver IC
    sanitary dutyman
    cook ACC

    1 X motorcycle
    1 X car 2 seater 4 X 2
    2 X 3ton 4 X 2 GS



    CORPS HEADQUARTERS SIGNALS
    War Establishment III/286/1. November 1943

    Corps Headquarters Signals consisted of a headquarters and three companies.

    - No2 Company was an Operating Company providing communications within Corps Headquarters and between Main and Rear Headquarters.
    - No 3 Company was for communication to Corps troops. These were units more or less permanently attached to the Corps.
    - No1 Company was different in that it was not given a permanent establishment but had the headquarters which could administer a variety of sections which were assigned depending on the size of the corps and the number of units such as AGRA, AGRE, armoured brigades etc which were attached. Some of these units brought their own signals units which were linked into the Corps networks.

    The basic scale of attached sections was
    1 X Technical Maintenance Section. WE III/30D/4
    3 X Line Section. WE III/23/4
    1 X Line Maintenance Section. WE III/30C/3
    2 X Operating Section. WE III/137/1
    1 X Telegraph Operating Section. WE III/25A/2
    2 X Despatch Rider Section. WE III/268/1

    Personnel
    Lieutenant Colonel, Officer Commanding
    3 X Major
    Captain, Adjutant
    3 X Captain, including one as Administrative Officer
    7 X Subaltern
    Quartermaster

    Regimental Serjeant Major
    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant
    Company Serjeant Major

    3 X company quartermaster serjeant
    7 X serjeant cipher operator
    serjeant clerk
    6 X serjeant

    7 X lance serjeant, signalman class
    40 X corporal, signalman class
    25 X lance corporal, signalman class
    6 X lance corporal, driver class
    106 X signalman
    84 X driver
    Total 309

    Attached
    Captain, REME
    corporal shoemaker, RAOC
    2 X corporal cook, ACC
    7 X cook, ACC
    18 X orderlies from Corps Headquarters (not included in total)

    Total 320

    Tradesmen
    7 X clerk
    draughtsman, signals
    34 X driver mechanic
    17 X driver operator
    20 X electrician, signals
    6 X instrument mechanic, signals
    6 X linesman
    103 X operator, wireless and line
    5 X storeman (listed as assistant tradesmen)

    Non tradesmen
    12 X corporal cipher operator
    driver IC for duty as
    butchery dutyman
    9 X batman
    7 X batman driver
    21 X driver
    13 X general dutyman
    4 X sanitary dutyman
    water dutyman

    Vehicles
    13 X motorcycle
    1 X car 4 seater 4 X 4
    2 X car 4 seater 4 X 2
    8 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    2 X 15cwt GS
    1 X 15cwt Office
    1 X 15cwt water
    15 X 15cwt wireless House
    1 X 15cwt 4 X 4 personnel
    20 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    2 X 3ton 4 X 4 Cipher Office
    3 X 3ton 4 X 4 TEV Corps
    9 X Lorry Command Vehicle LP
    12 X Lorry Command Vehicle HP
    3 X Armoured Car, stripped

    11 X Bren lmg
    1 X PIAT

    NOTE
    One subaltern in three in charge of sections will in fact be a Captain.


    ORGANISATION
    Headquarters
    Car 4 seater 4 X 4 (Humber FWD).
    Commanding Officer, Adjutant, batman, driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    serjeant clerk, corporal clerk, signals draughtsman, driver IC
    Equipped as Commanding Officers office
    Carries Bren lmg
    Note that two clerks and one batman of headquarters are carried in the transport of the administrative section.

    Headquarters squadron
    Headquarters
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    Captain REME, batman driver
    Car 4 seater 4 X 2
    Captain, Regimental Serjeant Major, batman, driver IC

    Administrative section
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    Quartermaster, batman driver
    15cwt truck water
    water dutyman, driver IC
    3ton lorry GS 1
    corporal cook ACC, 2 X cook ACC, driver IC
    Carries clerk from headquarters
    3ton lorry GS 2
    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant, clerk, corporal shoemaker RAOC,
    storeman, butchery dutyman, driver IC
    Carries quartermasters stores
    Carries a clerk and a batman from headquarters
    3ton lorry GS 3
    corporal cook ACC, 2 X cook ACC, 2 X general dutyman, driver IC
    Carries cooking equipment
    Carries a Bren lmg
    3ton lorry GS 4
    4 X sanitary dutyman, 4 X general dutyman, driver IC
    Carries technical and MT stores
    Carries a PIAT
    3ton lorry GS 5
    storeman, driver IC
    Carries petrol in tins


    No1 Company
    No1 Squadron was not given a permanent establishment but had the headquarters which could administer a variety of sections which were assigned depending on the size of the corps.

    Headquarters
    This was permanent and did not vary with the size of the corps.
    Motorcycle
    Company Serjeant Major
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4
    Major, batman driver
    3ton lorry GS
    company quartermaster serjeant , storeman, corporal clerk, driver IC
    Carries baggage and stores
    Carries a Bren lmg

    Cipher sub section
    15cwt Office
    3 X serjeant cipher operator, driver IC

    3ton 4 X 4 cipher office
    Captain, WOII cipher operator, serjeant cipher operator, 6 X corporal cipher
    operator, batman, 2 X driver IC

    Note:
    By 1945 15cwt Office had been replaced by a 3ton 4 X 4 Office.
    The Cipher Office carried cipher machines and a shredder.



    No2 (Operating Company)
    Headquarters
    Motorcycle
    Subaltern
    Motorcycle
    Company Serjeant Major
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4
    Major, Captain, corporal clerk, driver IC
    3ton lorry GS
    company quartermaster serjeant , storeman, 3 X batman, driver IC
    Carries baggage and stores
    Carries a Bren lmg

    3ton 4 X 4 Terminal Equipment Vehicle (Corps) 1
    driver mechanic
    Carries six orderlies from Corps headquarters
    3ton 4 X 4 Terminal Equipment Vehicle (Corps) 1
    driver mechanic
    Carries six orderlies from Corps headquarters
    3ton 4 X 4 Terminal Equipment Vehicle (Corps) 1
    driver mechanic
    Carries six orderlies from Corps headquarters

    Cipher Section
    15cwt Office
    driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 Cipher Office 1
    driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 Cipher Office 2
    driver IC
    The following personnel were carried in the Cipher Section vehicles.
    Subaltern, 2 X company serjeant major, 6 X serjeant cipher operator, 7 X corporal cipher operator, instrument mechanic, batman.

    Cipher Pool Section
    This section contained cipher personnel who could be assigned to other sections as required. The section had no transport of its own and personnel not otherwise assigned were carried in any available vehicle.
    Subaltern, serjeant cipher operator, 2 X corporal cipher operator, 3 X lance corporal cipher operator

    A (Main Headquarters )wireless section
    Motorcycle 1
    Subaltern
    Motorcycle 2
    electrician
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    Captain, batman driver
    3ton lorry GS 1
    corporal relief operator, 11 X relief operator, 5 X relief driver IC, batman, driver IC
    Relief operators and relief drivers IC are for the LCVs.
    3ton lorry GS 2
    electrician, driver mechanic
    Carries 6KW charging set

    Lorry Command Vehicle LP 1
    corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set No 19 and Wireless set No 19 HP
    This vehicle is A2 and is for the Corps Commanders net, RT (Morse and teleprinter).
    Lorry Command Vehicle LP 2
    corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries VHF Wireless set AM 1132 and Wireless set No19
    This vehicle is A3 and is Reserve and Tactical Reconnaissance (Air).
    Lorry Command Vehicle LP 3
    corporal operator, 2 X operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set No 19 and Wireless set No 19 HP
    This vehicle is A4 and is for links to flank formations.

    Lorry Command Vehicle HP 1
    corporal operator, operator, electrician, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No 19 plus R.107
    This vehicle is A1 and is for the Corp Commanders net RT (voice).
    Lorry Command Vehicle HP 2
    serjeant, corporal operator, operator, electrician, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No 19 plus receiver R107
    This vehicle is A5 and is for the Main Army net RT (voice)
    Lorry Command Vehicle HP 3
    section serjeant, corporal operator, operator, corporal instrument mechanic, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No 19 plus Receiver R107
    This vehicle is A6 and is for the Main Army net (Morse and teleprinter) and acts as Signal Office.
    Lorry Command Vehicle HP 4
    corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No 19 plus Receiver R107
    This vehicle is A7 and is for the Rear Corps net RT (voice)
    Lorry Command Vehicle HP 5
    corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No 19 plus Receiver R107
    This vehicle is A8 and is for communication with airfields
    Lorry Command Vehicle HP 6
    corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No 19 plus Receiver R107
    This vehicle is A9 and is for communication with the Armoured Car Regiment
    Lorry Command Vehicle HP 7
    corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No 19 plus Receiver R107
    This vehicle is A10 and is for the Rear Corps net (Morse and teleprinter)

    Lorry Command Vehicles are provided by Royal Signals for the use of Divisional Staff. There is accommodation for staff officers as well as the personnel listed and their wireless sets

    Armoured Car 1
    lance corporal operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No19 and no 19 HP
    Armoured Car 2
    lance corporal operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No19 and no 19 HP

    A Wireless set No 22 was carried in the Divisional Commanders Car

    Note:
    By 1945 the following changes had been made
    - 3ton 4 X 4 GS 2 now towed a 1 ton trailer
    - Lorry Command Vehicle A6 now towed a 6Kw generator trailer


    B (Wireless) section
    Motorcycle 1
    serjeant
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    Subaltern, batman driver
    15cwt GS
    corporal electrician, driver mechanic
    This vehicle for battery distribution

    15cwt Wireless House 1
    corporal operator, operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No 19 HP
    This vehicle is for signals pool
    15cwt Wireless House 2
    corporal operator, operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No 19 HP
    This vehicle is for signals pool
    15cwt Wireless House 3
    corporal operator, operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No 19 HP
    Carries a Bren lmg
    This vehicle is for signals pool
    15cwt Wireless House 4
    lance corporal, operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No 22
    This vehicle is for signals pool
    15cwt Wireless House 5
    lance corporal operator, operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No 22
    This vehicle is for signals pool
    15cwt Wireless House 6
    lance corporal operator, operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No 22
    Carries Bren lmg
    This vehicle is for signals pool

    3ton lorry GS
    5 X relief operator, 2 X relief driver IC, driver IC
    Carries stores

    Lorry Command Vehicle LP 1
    corporal operator, operator, electrician, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set No 19 and Wireless set No 19 HP
    This vehicle is B4 and is for signals pool.
    Lorry Command Vehicle LP 2
    corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set No 19 and Wireless set No 19 HP
    This vehicle is B5 and is for signals pool.
    Lorry Command Vehicle HP 1
    corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No19 plus Receiver R 107.
    This vehicle is B1 and is for Main Corp and Rear Division RT (voice).
    Lorry Command Vehicle HP 2
    corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No19 plus Receiver R 107.
    This vehicle is B2 and is for Rear Army net.
    Lorry Command Vehicle HP 3
    corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No19 plus Receiver R 107.
    This vehicle is B3 and is for Main Corps net (Morse and teleprinter).
    Note:
    By 1945 Lorry command Vehicle B1 tows a 6Kw generator trailer.

    No3 Company (Corps Troops)
    Headquarters
    Motorcycle
    Company Serjeant Major
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4
    Major, batman driver
    3ton lorry GS
    company quartermaster serjeant , storeman, corporal clerk, driver IC
    Carries baggage and stores
    Carries a Bren lmg

    Corps RA Signals section
    Motorcycle 1
    Subaltern
    Motorcycle w
    serjeant
    Motorcycle 3
    serjeant

    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    2 X lineman, driver IC
    Carries a hand cable layer
    Tows a 10cwt trailer

    15cwt wireless house
    corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries a Wireless set No22
    This vehicle for communication between Counter Battery Officer and Airfield
    15cwt wireless house
    corporal operator, 2 X operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set No 22
    This vehicle is for Airfield

    3ton lorry GS
    3 X operator, batman, cook ACC, driver IC
    Carries stores and cable
    3ton lorry GS
    corporal lineman, 3 X lineman, driver mechanic
    Carries cable layer

    Lorry Command Vehicle LP 1
    corporal operator, 2 X operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No 19 plus Receiver R107
    This vehicle is Commander Corps RA control and carries the Commander RA and staff
    Lorry Command Vehicle HP 2
    corporal operator, 2 X operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No 19 plus Receiver R107
    This vehicle is Counter Battery Officers Control and carries CBO’s staff

    Armoured Car 1
    lance corporal operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No19 and no 19 HP

    3 X relief operator for the Command Vehicles and Armoured Car are carried in the transport.
    A wireless set No22 is carried in the CCRAs car


    Anti Tank Regiment Signal Detachment
    15cwt wireless house
    corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set No 22
    This vehicle is for Rear Link
    3ton lorry GS
    corporal instrument mechanic, driver mechanic
    Carries 6KW charging set

    Two electricians and two charging set 1260 watt will be carried in the transport of anti tank unit.

    Light Anti Aircraft Regiment Signal Detachment
    15cwt wireless house
    corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set No 22
    This vehicle is for Rear Link

    Corporal instrument mechanic, three electricians and four charging set 1260 watt will be carried in the transport of anti aircraft unit.

    Corps RE Signals section
    Motorcycle 1
    serjeant
    Motorcycle 2
    electrician
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    Subaltern, batman driver

    15cwt wireless house 1
    lance corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries a Wireless set No22
    This vehicle for Rear Link to Field Company
    15cwt wireless house 2
    lance corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries a Wireless set No22
    This vehicle for Rear Link to Field Company
    15cwt wireless house 3
    lance corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries a Wireless set No22
    This vehicle for Rear Link to Field Company
    15cwt wireless house 4
    lance corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries a Wireless set No22
    This vehicle for Rear Link to Field Park Company

    Lorry Command Vehicle LP 1
    corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No 19 plus Receiver R107
    This vehicle is for Chief Engineers Staff
    Lorry Command Vehicle HP 2
    corporal operator, 2 X operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No 19 plus Receiver R107
    This vehicle is for Commander RE’s staff

    2 X relief operator for the Command Vehicles are carried in the transport.
    An operator wireless set No22 is carried in the Chief Engineers car
    An operator wireless set No22 is carried in the Commander RE’s car


    Armoured Car Regiment signal section.
    This was an integral part of Corps Headquarters Signals at this date but would later be removed and replaced by an independent armoured car regiment signals section which moved around with the regiment.
    Motorcycle
    serjeant

    15cwt GS
    corporal instrument mechanic, instrument mechanic, driver IC
    This vehicle serves as technical workshop

    15cwt wireless house
    lance corporal operator, operator, driver operator
    Carries a Wireless set No19
    This vehicle A echelon

    15cwt 4 X 4 personnel
    lance corporal operator, operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No 19 and Wireless set No 19HP
    This vehicle is for Command and Rear Link

    3ton lorry GS 1
    electrician, driver mechanic
    Carries 6 KW charging set
    3ton lorry GS 2
    electrician, driver mechanic
    Carries 6 KW charging set
    3ton lorry GS 3
    electrician, driver mechanic
    Carries 6 KW charging set
    3ton lorry GS 4
    electrician, driver mechanic
    Carries 6 KW charging set
    3ton lorry GS 5
    electrician, driver mechanic
    Carries 6 KW charging set

    Lorry Command Vehicle HP 2
    corporal operator, 2 X operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless No53 plus Receiver R107
    Carries a Bren lmg
    This vehicle is for Rear Link

    Four electricians are carried in the transport of the armoured car regiment


    CORPS HEADQUARTERS SIGNALS 1945
    War Establishment III/343/1. February 1945
    Superseded War Establishment III/286/1.
    This contained sufficient changes to justify a new number. In fact the changes are relatively small. The Armoured Car Regiment Signal Section has been removed and a separate Counter Battery Officers Detachment added. Other changes are concerned with changes of rank or trade, plus changes in allocation of personnel to vehicles. The only vehicle changes, apart from one or two additions, seem to be the adding of trailers, especially generator trailers for Lorry Command Vehicles, and the specifying of 4 X 4 for 15cwt trucks.

    The front page of the War Establishment table states that the establishment is
    Designed to command and administer a corps signals composed of the sections shown in the establishment and a number of sections of various types. The basic scale of attached sections is as follows:

    1 X Technical Maintenance Section. WE III/30D/5
    3 X Line Section. WE III/23/5
    1 X Terminal Equipment Section. WE III/30C/4
    2 X Operating Section. WE III/137/1
    1 X Telegraph Operating Section. WE III/25A/3
    2 X Despatch Rider Section. WE III/268/1

    Personnel
    Lieutenant Colonel, Officer Commanding
    3 X Major
    Captain, Adjutant
    3 X Captain, including one as Administrative Officer
    7 X Subaltern (two may be Captains)
    Quartermaster

    Regimental Serjeant Major
    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant
    5 X Company Serjeant Major

    3 X company quartermaster serjeant
    7 X serjeant cipher operator
    serjeant clerk
    5 X serjeant

    7 X lance serjeant, signalman class
    36 X corporal, signalman class
    27 X lance corporal, signalman class
    6 X lance corporal, driver class
    89 X signalman
    85 X driver
    Total 282

    Attached
    Captain, REME
    corporal shoemaker, RAOC
    2 X corporal cook, ACC
    7 X cook, ACC
    18 X orderlies from Corps Headquarters (not included in total)

    Total 293

    Tradesmen
    7 X clerk
    draughtsman, signals
    27 X driver mechanic
    14 X driver operator
    13 X linesman
    99 X operator, wireless and line
    8 X radio mechanic
    telegraph mechanic
    5 X storeman (listed as assistant tradesmen)

    Non tradesmen
    12 X corporal cipher operator
    driver IC for duty as
    butchery dutyman
    9 X batman
    7 X batman driver
    24 X driver
    10 X general dutyman
    4 X sanitary dutyman
    water dutyman

    Vehicles
    11 X motorcycle
    3 X car 4 seater 4 X 4
    11 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    1 X 15cwt GS
    1 X 15cwt water
    13 X 15cwt wireless House
    14 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    2 X 3ton 4 X 4 Office
    2 X 3ton 4 X 4 Cipher Office
    3 X 3ton 4 X 4 TEV Corps
    9 X Lorry Command Vehicle LP
    10 X Lorry Command Vehicle HP
    2 X 3ton 4 X 4 Wireless ‘I’
    3 X Armoured Car, stripped
    2 X 10cwt GS trailer
    1 X 6KW charging generator trailer
    5 X 6KVA power generator trailer
    4 X 1 ton GS trailer
    1 X 1ton water trailer

    11 X Bren lmg
    1 X PIAT

    NOTE
    One subaltern in three in charge of sections will in fact be a Captain.


    ORGANISATION
    Headquarters
    Car 4 seater 4 X 4 (Humber FWD).
    Commanding Officer, Adjutant, batman, driver mechanic
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    serjeant clerk, corporal clerk, 2 X clerk, signals draughtsman, batman, driver IC
    Equipped as Commanding Officers office
    Carries Bren lmg
    Note that two clerks and one batman of headquarters are carried in the transport of the administrative section.


    Headquarters Company
    Headquarters
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    Captain REME, batman driver
    Car 4 seater 4 X 4
    Captain Administrative Officer, Regimental Serjeant Major, batman, driver IC

    Administrative section
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    Quartermaster, batman driver

    15cwt truck water
    water dutyman, driver IC

    3ton lorry GS 1
    corporal cook ACC, 2 X cook ACC, driver IC
    Carries cooking sets for rear corps headquarters
    Tows a water trailer
    3ton lorry GS 2
    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant, clerk, corporal shoemaker RAOC,
    storeman, butchery dutyman, driver IC
    Carries quartermasters stores
    3ton lorry GS 3
    serjeant cook ACC, 4 X cook ACC, 2 X general dutyman, driver IC
    Carries cooking equipment
    Carries a Bren lmg
    Tows a 1ton trailer
    3ton lorry GS 4
    4 X sanitary dutyman, 3 X general dutyman as relief drivers, driver IC
    Carries technical and MT stores
    Carries a PIAT
    Tows a 1ton trailer
    3ton lorry GS 5
    storeman, driver IC
    Carries petrol in tins


    No1 Company
    No1 Squadron was not given a permanent establishment but had the headquarters which could administer a variety of sections which were assigned depending on the size of the corps and the number of units such as AGRA, AGRE, armoured brigades etc which were attached. Some of these units brought their own signals units which were linked into the Corps networks.

    Headquarters
    This was permanent and did not vary with the size of the corps.
    Motorcycle
    Company Serjeant Major
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4
    Major, batman driver
    3ton lorry GS
    company quartermaster serjeant , storeman, corporal clerk, driver IC
    Carries stores
    Carries a Bren lmg
    Tows a 1ton trailer


    No2 (Operating Company)
    Headquarters

    Motorcycle
    Subaltern
    Motorcycle
    Company Serjeant Major

    Car 5cwt 4 X 4
    Major, Captain, corporal clerk, driver IC

    3ton lorry GS
    company quartermaster serjeant , storeman, 3 X batman, driver IC
    Carries stores
    Carries a Bren lmg

    3ton 4 X 4 Terminal Equipment Vehicle (Corps) 1
    driver mechanic
    Carries six orderlies from Corps headquarters
    3ton 4 X 4 Terminal Equipment Vehicle (Corps) 2
    driver mechanic
    Carries six orderlies from Corps headquarters
    3ton 4 X 4 Terminal Equipment Vehicle (Corps) 3
    driver mechanic
    Carries six orderlies from Corps headquarters

    Cipher Section
    15cwt Office
    driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 Cipher Office 1
    driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 Cipher Office 2
    driver IC
    The following personnel were carried in the Cipher Section vehicles.
    Captain or Subaltern, 2 X Company Serjeant Major, 6 X serjeant cipher operator, 7 X corporal cipher operator, telegraph mechanic, batman.

    Cipher Pool Section
    This section contained cipher personnel who could be assigned to other sections as required. The section had no transport of its own and personnel not otherwise assigned were carried in any available vehicle.
    Captain or Subaltern, serjeant cipher operator, 2 X corporal cipher operator, 3 X lance corporal cipher operator


    A (Main Headquarters) wireless section
    Motorcycle 1
    Subaltern
    Motorcycle 2
    radio mechanic

    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    Captain, batman driver

    3ton lorry GS 1
    corporal relief operator, 9 X relief operator, 4 X general dutyman as relief driver , batman, driver IC
    Relief operators and relief drivers IC are for the LCVs.
    3ton lorry GS 2
    corporal radio mechanic, driver mechanic
    Carries 6KW charging set

    Lorry Command Vehicle LP 1
    corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set No 19 and Wireless set No 19 HP
    This vehicle is A2 and is for the Corps Commanders net, RT (Morse and teleprinter).

    Lorry Command Vehicle LP 2
    corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries VHF Wireless set AM 1132 and Wireless set No19
    This vehicle is A3 and is Reserve and Tactical Reconnaissance (Air).

    Lorry Command Vehicle LP 3
    corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set No 19 and Wireless set No 19 HP
    This vehicle is A4 and is for links to flank formations.

    Lorry Command Vehicle HP 1
    corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No 19 plus R.107
    Tows a 6 KVA generator trailer
    Carries a Bren lmg
    This vehicle is A1 and is for the Corp Commanders net RT (voice).

    Lorry Command Vehicle HP 2
    serjeant, corporal operator, operator, radio mechanic, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No 19 plus receiver R107
    Carries a Bren lmg
    This vehicle is A5 and is for the Main Army net RT (voice)

    Lorry Command Vehicle HP 3
    section serjeant, corporal operator, operator, corporal radio mechanic, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No 19 plus Receiver R107
    Tows a 6KVA generator trailer
    This vehicle is A6 and is for the Main Army net (Morse and teleprinter) and acts as Signal Office.

    Lorry Command Vehicle HP 4
    corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No 19 plus Receiver R107
    This vehicle is A7 and is for the Rear Corps net RT (voice)

    Lorry Command Vehicle HP 5
    corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No 19 plus Receiver R107
    Tows a 9KVA generator trailer
    This vehicle is A8 and is for communication with airfields

    Lorry Command Vehicle HP 6
    corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No 19 plus Receiver R107
    This vehicle is A9 and is for communication with the Armoured Car Regiment

    Lorry Command Vehicle HP 7
    corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No 19 plus Receiver R107
    This vehicle is A10 and is for the Rear Corps net (Morse and teleprinter)

    Lorry Command Vehicles are provided by Royal Signals for the use of Divisional Staff. There is accommodation for staff officers as well as the personnel listed and their wireless sets

    3ton 4 X 4 Wireless ‘I’
    2 X operator driver IC

    Armoured Car 1
    operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No19 and no 19 HP
    Armoured Car 2
    operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No19 and no 19 HP

    A Wireless set No 22 was carried in the Divisional Commanders Car


    B (Rear Headquarters) wireless section
    Motorcycle 1
    serjeant
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    Subaltern, batman driver
    15cwt GS
    Corporal radio mechanic, driver mechanic
    This vehicle for battery distribution

    15cwt Wireless House 1
    corporal operator, operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No 19 HP
    This vehicle is for signals pool
    15cwt Wireless House 2
    corporal operator, operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No 19 HP
    This vehicle is for signals pool
    15cwt Wireless House 3
    corporal operator, operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No 19 HP
    Carries a Bren lmg
    This vehicle is for signals pool
    15cwt Wireless House 4
    2 X operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No 22
    This vehicle is for signals pool
    15cwt Wireless House 5
    2 X operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No 22
    This vehicle is for signals pool
    15cwt Wireless House 6
    2 X operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No 22
    Carries Bren lmg
    This vehicle is for signals pool

    15cwt Wireless House 7
    2 X operator, driver operator
    Carries 2 X R107 recievers for meteorological reports

    3ton lorry GS
    3 X relief operator, general dutyman as relief driver, driver IC
    Carries stores

    Lorry Command Vehicle LP 1
    corporal operator, operator, radio mechanic, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set No 19 and Wireless set No 19 HP
    Tows a 6 KVA generator trailer
    This vehicle is B4 and is for signals pool.

    Lorry Command Vehicle LP 2
    corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set No 19 and Wireless set No 19 HP
    This vehicle is B5 and is for signals pool.

    Lorry Command Vehicle HP 1
    corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No19 plus Receiver R 107
    Tows a 6KVA generator trailer
    This vehicle is B1 and is for Main Corp and Rear Division RT (voice).

    Lorry Command Vehicle HP 2
    corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No19 plus Receiver R 107.
    This vehicle is B2 and is for Rear Army net.

    Lorry Command Vehicle HP 3
    corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No19 plus Receiver R 107.
    Tows a 6 KVA generator trailer
    This vehicle is B3 and is for Main Corps net (Morse and teleprinter).

    3ton 4 X 4 Wireless ‘I’
    2 X operator, driver IC


    No3 Company (Corps Troops)
    Headquarters
    Motorcycle
    Company Serjeant Major
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4
    Major, batman driver
    3ton lorry GS
    company quartermaster serjeant , storeman, corporal clerk, driver IC
    Carries stores
    Carries a Bren lmg

    Corps RA Signals section
    Motorcycle 1
    Subaltern
    Motorcycle 2
    serjeant

    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
    serjeant
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
    corporal lineman (field), 2 X lineman (permanent), driver IC
    Tows a 10cwt trailer

    3ton lorry GS 1
    3 X lineman (field), driver mechanic
    Carries stores and cable
    3ton lorry GS 2
    6 X operator, batman, cook ACC, driver IC
    Carries Bren lmg
    For use as Signal Office

    Lorry Command Vehicle LP 1
    corporal operator, 2 X operator, radio mechanic, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No 19 plus Receiver R107
    This vehicle is Commander Corps RA control and carries the Commander RA and staff

    Armoured Car
    operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No19 and no 19 HP
    For Commander Corps RA reconnaissance

    3 X relief operator for the Command Vehicles and Armoured Car are carried in the transport.
    A wireless set No22 is carried in the CCRAs car


    Counter Battery Officers Detachment
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 3
    corporal lineman (field)
    5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 4
    corporal lineman (field), 2 X lineman (permanent), driver IC
    Tows a 10cwt trailer

    15cwt wireless house 1
    corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries a Wireless set No22
    This vehicle for communication between Counter Battery Officer and Airfield
    15cwt wireless house 2
    corporal operator, 2 X operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set No 22
    This vehicle is for Airfield

    3ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    3 X linesman (field), driver IC
    Carries stores and cable.

    Lorry Command Vehicle HP 2
    corporal operator, 2 X operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No 19 plus Receiver R107
    This vehicle is Counter Battery Officers Control and carries CBO’s staff


    Corps RE Signals section
    Motorcycle 1
    serjeant
    Motorcycle 2
    radio mechanic
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    Subaltern, batman driver

    15cwt wireless house 1
    2 X operator, driver operator
    Carries a Wireless set No22
    This vehicle for Rear Link to Field Company
    15cwt wireless house 2
    2 X operator, driver operator
    Carries a Wireless set No22
    This vehicle for Rear Link to Field Company
    15cwt wireless house 3
    2 X operator, driver operator
    Carries a Wireless set No22
    This vehicle for Rear Link to Field Company
    15cwt wireless house 4
    2 X operator, driver operator
    Carries a Wireless set No22
    This vehicle for Rear Link to Field Park Company

    Lorry Command Vehicle LP 1
    corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No 19 plus Receiver R107
    This vehicle is for Chief Engineers Staff

    Lorry Command Vehicle HP 2
    corporal operator, operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set 12 HP and Wireless set No 19 plus Receiver R107
    This vehicle is for Commander RE’s staff

    2 X relief operator for the Command Vehicles are carried in the transport.
    An operator wireless set No22 is carried in the Chief Engineers car
    An operator wireless set No22 is carried in the Commander RE’s car
     
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