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