The Royal Corps of Signals

The Times, 1st July 1940. Awarded the Military Medal.

Citation reads:
This soldier for over a fortnight was on almost continuous duty. On three occasions, when delivering messages at Bergues, which was burning fiercely and under heavy bombardment, he was forced to abandon his bicycle temporarily, and, protecting his mouth with cloths from heavy smoke, he walked through to deliver his message.

 

Sergeant Arthur Abrahamson BEM, 6th Armoured Divisional Signals, Royal Corps of Signals.

Awarded the BEM.

North Africa and Italy Jan-Apr. 44

This NCO has been Orderly Room Sergeant in this unit for two years. In addition to his unit duties, Sgt. Abrahamson has shouldered considerable extra responsibilities in connection with the preparation of codes and the revision of Signals Establishments and Scales of Signals Eqpt. throughout the Division. No amount of work has been too much for him, and his zeal and efficiency have been of great assistance to other units besides his own.

Though denied any opportunity for personal gallantry I feel that his services demand recognition.

7 May 44


LG 21.12.44

 

Major, Temporary Lieutenant Colonel James Earnest Young OBE, HQ MAAF, Royal Corps of Signals.

For continuous devotion to duty in particulary difficult circumstances.

During the period Nov 1942 - July 1943 was responsible (as a regimental officer and as CO) for Air Force Communications in North Africa between Algiers and Tunis.

As from July 1943 was deputy DSO, Northwest African Air Forces, and had to reorganise and control all Air Force line communications in Sicily during the critical period of August 1943.

As from Oct 1943, was principally responsible for the planning and supervision of Allied Air Forces lines in Eastern Italy.

Throughout the period, has displayed notable initiative and devotion to duty, inspite of illness, and has been largely instrumental in all success achieved.



LG 24.8.44

 

Men of the Royal Signals operate a portable wireless set in the field during manoeuvres in Britain.

 

7662003 Signalman William Adamson Forbes Kirkhope DCM, Royal Signals attached SST, SS Brigade, Signal Troop, No.2 Commando Brigade.

Gulf of Salerno 13th September 1943.

On the 13th September at SS Brigade HQ on the Vietri-Salerno Road, Signalman Kirkhope volunteered to repair a vital line to one of the forward units which had been cut by shell fire.

After proceeding along the line the break was found, and as the enemy was mortaring the area heavily Signalman Kirkhope had to perform the repairs under conditions of extreme danger.

On the return Journey Signalman Kirkhope visited a relaying station where he found the operator exhausted from long hours on duty under fire. He at once relieved the operator and himself continued to operate the station though he had no rest since the assault landing five days earlier. He continued on duty all day.

A few hours later the line was again cut by enemy fire during the ensuing battle on Dragone Hill. In spite of very heavy mortar fire and his great fatigue Signalman Kirkhope continued to man the relaying station which now served as the only link forward.

Throughout the operation this man showed the greatest willingness to undertake all tasks however dangerous and his unflurried efficiency and technical skill under fire ensured the maintenance of communications during a critical period of 24 hours.


Gazetted 13.1.44

 

Signalman Archibald Ernest Ward MM, 77th Ind Inf Bde HQ, Royal Corps of Signals.

Signalman Ward was operator of the Brigade Headquarters set which was brought into action at the Brigade counterattack at Kayin on 17th April 1944 in order to be used for direct air support.

Brigade Headquarters came under fire when the leading Battalion was closing with the enemy. Direct air support had been demanded and it was essential to get in touch with the aircraft which were due any moment. The enemy at this time were within 50 yards in the jungle firing at any noise with LMGs and Grenade Dischargers. Signalman Ward with the aid of signalman Charleston unloaded the set from its mule, set it up and brought it into operation whilst being under fire throughout.

Later there was a strong counterattack by the enemy and Brigade Headquarters came under heavy fire from 3 MMGs causing many casualties and some confusion. Ward and Charleston remained at their post and a message was passed to a neighbour O.P. stating where the direct air support was to be brought down. At the height of enemy counterattack the planes arrived and dropped 500lb bombs on the enemy deployed in the jungle within 200 yards of our troops causing very many Jap casualties, which we found later, and completely broke up the counterattack. Later still, under fire, these two signallers helped evacuate the set to a more healthy one.

The results of the skill and devotion to duty and courage of these two men without doubt saved the battalion and Brigade Headquarters from a very difficult situation and allowed time for all wounded to be evacuated and it was found out later also caused the enemy to withdraw leaving many dead behind him.


LG 2.1.45

 

Sergeant Percy David Legge DCM, Royal Signals

During the 6th, 7th and 8th June, in the Bosc Bordel, Buchy area, this NCO and other ranks (Under Lt. J.J.G. Harvey) worked ceaselessly, and with complete disregard to their own safety, in repairing the telephone cables in the 'B' Brigade area, which were continually cut by enemy bombing. Largely as a result of their efforts telephone communications were maintained right up to the moment of the withdrawal on the evening of 8th June.

Gazetted 20.8.40

 

The Times, 27th August 1941

Ethiopian Pupils of Telegraphy

Instructors from Royal Corps of Signals
ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 26


One of the most curious and impressive sights in Addis Ababa at present is that of 200 young Ethiopians, with hardly a word of English between them, who are being initiated into the arts and mysteries of telegraphy by half a dozen British n.c.o.s of the Royal Corps of Signals. These pupils are destined to become the nucleus of both the Ethiopian Telegraph Service and a signal company in the Ethiopian Army.

A few of them have had some slight experience of the matter during the period before the Italians were evicted, but most are complete novices. Nevertheless after eight weeks training, a handful are already sufficiently advanced to be employed as assistant wireless operators, while others are out reconstructing the telegraph lines destroyed during the war, under the supervision of British signallers.

It is amazing to see a burly Lancashire Sergeant teaching map-reading and the use of the prismatic compass to a class of swarthy youths in every sort of mixture of European and Ethiopian dress, and putting it over by sheer persistence and force of character. Some of the instructors have a slight knowledge of French and Italian. That helps.

 

Lieutenant Alan Holifield MC, L Section, 46 Divisional Signals, The Royal Corps of Signals.

Awarded Military Cross.

 

WO2 (CQMS) Charles Alfred Attwood Chatterley DCM awarded the DCM. Gazetted 9.8.45. No Citataion Listed.

 

Lieutenant Temporary Major Edward Albert Barry MBE, R.A.R.C. attached CSO HQ E.A. Compound, Royal Corps of Signals.

Awarded MBE, Recommended OBE.

Previous MiD 30.12.41.

This Officer has been a Staff Officer of the Branch for two years and senior Staff Officer for the last nine months. During the Abyssinian operations he was responsible for organizing the rapidly expanding tele-communications system in rear of the advance and at the same time he had to ensure the smooth flow of necessary signal stores forward.

His organizing ability and driving power enabled him to carry these essential tasks in a most satisfactory manner. Since then he has been chiefly concerned with the re-organizing of E.A. Signals to meet the different requirements due to the change from a War to an occupational and training role.

Major Barry's cheerfulness under long hours of arduous work and his never failing willingness to co-operate has been an example to all.

I strongly recommend that his outstanding work be recognised by appointing him an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.


LG 8.7.43.

 

Corporal, Acting L/Sergeant Alexander Clyde MM, Second Armt Signals, The Royal Corps of Signals.

Awarded Periodical MM.

Throughout the campaign Serjeant Clyde has shown the highest possible degree of personal courage and leadership in his duties as Section Serjeant of a Line Section. During the crossing of the Orne in Normandy it was his detachment that was working on the main cable artery.

In the face of the fiercest artillery fire he inspired his detachment to push forward across the river. Inspite of the fact that the bank on which he was working was being heavily shelled the detachment swam the river with the cable and completed their task. This episode was but one during which Serjeant Clyde has demonstrated his outstanding zeal, personal bravery and inspiring leadership.



LG 24.1.46

 

Lieutenant, Temporary Captain Peter Leslie Berry MC, 4th (EA) Divisional Signals, The Royal Corps of Signals.

Awarded Periodical MC. Recommended for MBE.

Capt. Berry commanded the 10th Brit Inf Brigade Signal Section from 1 May until he was wounded on 7 Aug. 44. During the operations crossing the R. Gari (MR 866185) from May 11-17th, he supervised the laying of a line across the river at the earliest opportunity in spite of heavy shell and mortar fire. He never hesitated personally to inspect his wireless detachments and line parties at work inspite of enemy fire and the difficulties of moving from one place to another. By his supervision and example he ensured that communications were satisfactory in spite of the very difficult conditions which then obtained.

During the next operations in which his Bde. took part from Tivoli to Palombara and during the advance from Lake Chiusi to the River Arno on the eastern outskirts of Florence Capt. Berry continued to command his section with exceptional ability.

During the whole of the period 1 May until he was wounded on 7 Aug at Le Quattromie (MR 886637) whilst assisting one of his own men who had also been wounded, Capt. Berry has been untiring in his efforts to lead and command his section. By his personal example and lack of consideration for his own safety he has ensured that his section produced the best work of which they were capable.

LG 19.4.45

 

WO2 CSM (Rank should be listed as SSM) Harry Brooke DCM, Royal Signals serving with Force 133 MEF.


In Crete before the occupation he was taken prisoner during the campaign and later escaped. He remained in the island and joined our mission, rendering very valuable service through his knowledge of the terrain and language which he had acquired.

Withdrawn from Crete in the Summer of 1942, he returned to the field in 1943. During the whole time he has been in enemy-occupied territory he has shown unfailing devotion to duty under difficult and often dangerous conditions. When under fire in circumstances of extreme danger his cool courage and resourcefulness had been an example to all present.

He distinguished himself especially on the 3rd October 1943 when his station was surrounded and all were in imminent danger of capture. By his personal example under heavy fire he rallied the party, organised their escape through the enemy lines. Thereafter, regardless of danger he returned and succeeded in saving his W/T set and all station stores including explosives and records before the place was overrun by the Germans.

He is recommended for an award of the DCM.



Gazetted 4.1.45.

 

Snow-covered motorcycle despatch riders attached to 2nd Corps Headquarters at Newmarket, 7 January 1941.

 

2331078 Sergeant Cyril Dove BEM, 46 Divional Signals, The Royal Corps of Signals.

For tireless devotion to duty, determination, and individual courage in the maintenance of Signal Lines from the Salerno landing on 9 Sep. 43 until the end of the period 31 Dec. 43. His duties have often been carried out under shellfire particularly at Salerno from 21 Sep. 43 to 25 Sep. 43.

LG 24.8.44

 

001 FABIANI FA 3133441 88 FIELD REGT, RA, SIG SEC 03/01/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
002 FAIRBAIRN PB 14916092 - 22/11/1945 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
003 FAIRGRIEVE D 7960569 51ST DIV SIGS 14/04/1945 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
004 FAIRHEAD JV 2590824 - 08/01/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
005 FAIRLESS WH 2572342 - 05/09/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
006 FAIRWEATHER J 2326841 I CORPS SIGS 31/05/1940 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
007 FARADAY RE 2326975 ATTD 9TH INDIAN DIV SIGS 12/09/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
008 FARAGHER CR 2579715 - 29/10/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
009 FARAM GO 2384596 - 08/04/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
010 FARLEY G 14220800 14 BEACH SIG SEC 07/06/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
011 FARMELO E 2583549 50TH DIV SIGS 07/04/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
012 FARMER DG 2332257 43RD DIV SIGS 05/01/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
013 FARNCOMBE DA 2389387 15TH DIV SIGS 24/07/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
014 FARNHILL JK 2328626 - 12/08/1946 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
015 FARR VC 2580051 18TH DIV SIGS 07/08/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
016 FARR FRE 250221 - 22/05/1947 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
017 FARR WJ 14951794 - 13/08/1947 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
018 FARR GH 2585002 50TH DIV SIGS 16/06/1940 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
019 FARR RH 14414222 1 HQ SIGS 30/09/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
020 FARR PRA 137846 - 02/08/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
021 FARRANCE RD 14945626 - 22/11/1945 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
022 FARRAR H 13061795 43RD DIV SIGS 18/12/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
023 FARRELL J 14287864 HQ 4TH SIGS 16/08/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
024 FARRIMOND E 14206688 - 24/11/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
025 FARRINGTON WC 2581578 - 22/05/1940 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
026 FARROW HW 2386997 - 30/09/1945 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
027 FAULKNER M 410269 3RD COMMAND SIGS 01/02/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
028 FAULKNER LW 2340921 - 19/06/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
029 FAULKNER T 6974882 - 29/08/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
030 FAUNCH SEW 2597471 - 24/06/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
031 FAWCETT J 14228503 L OF C SIGS 26/03/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
032 FAWCETT H 2344173 - 01/09/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
033 FAY C 3243208 - 12/01/1946 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
034 FAYERS FA 2332033 - 22/01/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
035 FEATHERSTONE A 2320239 - 17/11/1946 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
036 FEEBERY A 2337116 - 26/11/1940 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
037 FELGATE AC 2581393 - 30/09/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
038 FELL JR 2364003 1ST ARMD DIV SIGS 22/02/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
039 FELLOWS A 2357728 49 DIV SIGS 27/09/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
040 FENDER JD 14384947 17 L OF C SIGS 01/02/1945 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
041 FENNE BCL 5441702 - 07/05/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
042 FENTON H 2351329 XIII CORPS SIGS 18/12/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
043 FENWICK LW 2576984 107 THE SOUTH NOTTS HUSSARS REGT, RHA SIG SEC 08/06/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
044 FERGUSON JHC 2370077 - 20/12/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
045 FERGUSON H 7666956 - 03/06/1947 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
046 FERGUSON HN 14391511 7TH ARMD DIV SIGS 25/07/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
047 FERGUSON JS 2319749 - 25/04/1940 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
048 FERGUSON G 3457034 - 09/11/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
049 FERGUSSON S 2332486 - 15/08/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
050 FERRIE G 2326553 HONG KONG SIG COY 01/10/1942 - - 02/10/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
051 FERRIER JT 2575874 50TH DIV SIGS 29/05/1940 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
052 FETTES W 2372119 6TH AIRBORNE DIV SIGS 24/03/1945 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
053 FIDKIN N 14805498 ATTD 1 EA L OF C SIG SQN 13/10/1946 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
054 FIELD J 2369171 17 L OF C SIGS 11/09/1945 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
055 FIELD EW 14273982 52ND DIV SIGS 25/04/1945 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
056 FIELD KC 2336100 18TH DIV SIGS 05/07/1940 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
057 FIELDHOUSE S 2353991 - 04/03/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
058 FIELDING J 3458288 7TH ARMD DIV SIGS 17/01/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
059 FIELDS J 2347022 9 L OF C SIGS 09/09/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
060 FIELDSEND BC 14569361 14 AIR FORMATION SIGS 06/06/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
061 FINCH FJ 2341177 18TH DIV SIGS 11/06/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
062 FINCHAM L 2374807 - 27/05/1945 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
063 FINDLAY JRC 2357144 18TH DIV SIGS 12/09/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
064 FINLAY J 2328492 1ST ARMD DIV SIGS 18/01/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
065 FINLAYSON WD 2343365 - 26/07/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
066 FINN VL 171976 7TH ARMD DIV SIGS 19/12/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
067 FINNEY T 2570627 - 14/08/1945 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
068 FIRTH C 2351539 ATTD 44TH INDIAN AIRBORNE DIV SIGS 01/03/1945 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
069 FISH AA 2587173 10 CORPS SIGS 14/11/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
070 FISHER FA 2589218 9 LINE MAINT SEC 01/09/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
071 FISHER WG 2575522 7TH ARMD DIV SIGS 26/04/1941 - - 27/04/1941 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
072 FITTON F 2354053 - 17/11/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
073 FITZPATRICK CF 2586946 I CORPS SIGS 30/05/1940 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
074 FITZPATRICK DJ 2356444 III CORPS SIGS 03/12/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
075 FLACK HCV 6573192 - 31/10/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
076 FLAHERTY H 2356677 18TH DIV SIGS 07/08/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
077 FLANAGAN L 2357328 - 01/10/1945 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
078 FLANIGAN JW 2568279 53 LT AA REGT, RA SIG SEC 29/05/1940 - - 30/05/1940 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
079 FLAXMAN J 2598723 ATTD3 INDIAN AIR FORM SIGS 22/12/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
080 FLEET A 2324029 HONG KONG SIG COY 08/12/1941 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
081 FLEMING EG 2344001 MALAYA COMMAND SIGS 21/09/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
082 FLEMING JJ 2311892 - 22/11/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
083 FLEMING TP 2324214 - 22/04/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
084 FLETCHER DA 4535843 9TH INDIAN DIV SIGS 24/11/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
085 FLETCHER J 2587658 ATTD IV INDIAN CORPS SIGS 24/05/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
086 FLETCHER JA 2583273 - 10/11/1940 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
087 FLETCHER H 2596790 7TH ARMD DIV SIGS 27/05/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
088 FLETCHER WR 2332035 - 23/08/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
089 FLETCHER RF 2599538 ATTD 72 MEDIUM REGT 13/10/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
090 FLOWER GS 10694942 - 09/07/1947 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
091 FLOWERS S 14231510 - 06/09/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
092 FLOYD LH 128502 - 02/07/1947 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
093 FLOYD MB 2382239 XXX CORPS SIGS 18/12/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
094 FLOYD DG 2571489 7TH ARMD DIV SIGS 26/04/1941 - - 27/04/1941 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
095 FLYNN TA 2379363 5 CORPS SIGS 09/12/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
096 FLYNN AT 2590891 - 21/06/1946 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
097 FONE RJ 14407056 6TH AIRBORNE DIV SIGS 07/06/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
098 FOORD RD 2326793 - 21/07/1940 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
099 FORBES A 14588186 51ST DIV SIGS 29/08/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
100 FORBES RM 2350192 VIII CORPS SIGS 12/07/1941 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
101 FORD LR 2331261 ATTD III INDIAN CORPS SIGS 17/09/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
102 FORD C 2335889 - 07/10/1945 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
103 FORD JR 2382291 20 BEACH SIG SEC 17/06/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
104 FORD J 2356443 3RD DIV SIGS 19/02/1945 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
105 FORD WA 5346039 I AIRBORNE CORPS SIGS 28/03/1945 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
106 FORD MA 2602229 - 16/10/1945 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
107 FORDE RJ 2328556 - 15/03/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
108 FORDER RF 2390012 - 15/02/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
109 FORECAST HJ 2362246 FIRST ARMY SIGS 23/02/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
110 FOREMAN FD 6141976 3 L OF C SIGS 27/04/1941 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
111 FORREST JW 2593065 4TH AA BDE SIGS 28/01/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
112 FORREST EJ 1510717 - 17/11/1945 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
113 FORREST WS 2357926 18TH DIV SIGS 01/08/1945 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
114 FORSE GJ 2392250 - 27/01/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
115 FORSHAW JT 3658487 25 FIELD REGT, RA, SIG SEC 13/04/1945 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
116 FORSHAW M 2367877 - 20/11/1941 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
117 FORSYTH AS 2373046 - 24/11/1946 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
118 FORSYTH WJC 6202466 1ST ARMD DIV SIGS 14/06/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
119 FORSYTH RA 44905 ATTD 19TH INDIAN DIV SIGS 08/03/1945 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
120 FORWOOD JR 2332206 56TH DIV SIGS 29/04/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
121 FOSTER A 2338956 - 29/06/1946 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
122 FOSTER H 14603586 - 29/06/1945 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
123 FOSTER FWW 2330012 - 05/05/1946 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
124 FOSTER FH 2579156 - 29/11/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
125 FOSTER R 2594131 1 L OF C SIGS 10/08/1945 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
126 FOSTER JA 3122681 - 18/05/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
127 FOSTER J 2565243 50TH DIV SIGS 08/01/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
128 FOTHERINGHAM R 2336729 ATTD 11TH INDIAN DIV SIGS 19/10/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
129 FOULDS WJ 14495201 1 AIR FORM SIG SEC 30/07/1946 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
130 FOULSHAM J 14851954 - 07/03/1947 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
131 FOULSHAM RAJ 2326926 2ND DIV SIGS 27/05/1940 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
132 FOUNTAIN JE 14381756 17 L OF C SIGS 23/02/1945 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
133 FOUNTAIN AC 2376863 - 13/05/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
134 FOUNTAIN DG 19065489 - 10/04/1947 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
135 FOWKE TAH 323251 - 07/05/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
136 FOWLER JC 2335796 18TH DIV SIGS 12/09/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
137 FOWLER WI 14032271 - 06/10/1946 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
138 FOWLER FW 2574669 - 31/08/1940 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
139 FOWLER WH 2571693 - 23/05/1941 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
140 FOX BW 2392783 - 22/11/1945 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
141 FOX KH 2386225 ATTD 81 WA DIV SIGS 08/01/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
142 FOX PW 2323054 - 09/01/1940 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
143 FOX CNW 2591054 135 THE HERTFORDSHIRE YEOMANRY FIELD REGT, RA SIG SEC 16/03/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
144 FOX H 2325079 HONG KONG SIG COY 01/10/1942 - - 02/10/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
145 FOX FJLB 242937 1 AIR FORM SIGS 07/01/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
146 FOX L 2574693 - 09/08/1946 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
147 FOX T 204049 ATTD 26TH INDIAN DIV SIGS 24/12/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
148 FOXON D 2348152 - 15/03/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
149 FRAGLE LE 2600470 - 20/05/1946 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
150 FRANKHAM GH 19115459 - 04/07/1947 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
151 FRANKLIN EG 6459113 - 16/05/1941 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
152 FRANKLIN G 51342 - 28/05/1940 - - 02/06/1940 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
153 FRANKLIN J 2342210 18TH DIV SIGS 26/07/1945 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
154 FRANKS W 2580600 85 HAA REGT, RA SIG SEC 27/05/1940 - - 30/05/1940 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
155 FRASER J 3066734 3RD AA DIV SIGS 17/06/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
156 FRASER A 2361522 ATTD 10/11/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
157 FRASER HG 2372624 15TH INF BDE SIG SEC 20/07/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
158 FRASER C 2335591 4TH DIV SIGS 10/09/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
159 FRASER DB 2333935 - 15/01/1945 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
160 FRASER CGA 2576760 56TH DIV SIGS 03/03/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
161 FREEBORN AR 14728526 - 25/07/1946 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
162 FREELAND WEG 2319348 I CORPS SIGS 30/05/1940 - - 02/06/1940 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
163 FREEMAN BG 14609550 6TH AIRBORNE DIV SIGS 06/06/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
164 FREEMAN W 2374387 - 25/10/1941 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
165 FREEMAN WJ 789892 4TH DIV SIGS 31/05/1940 - - 01/06/1940 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
166 FREEMAN MB 2585208 2ND ARMD DIV SIGS 20/03/1940 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
167 FREICK J 2331529 42ND DIV SIGS 15/02/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
168 FRENCH HW 2345212 46TH DIV SIGS 12/09/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
169 FREW ABM 14212536 1ST AIRBORNE DIV SIGS 23/09/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
170 FRIDAY JC 2324698 - 28/04/1945 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
171 FRIEND CSB 2388843 116 SPECIAL WIRELESS SEC 16/02/1945 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
172 FROBISHER EFHF 2346912 - 16/12/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
173 FROGGETT A 14715351 - 06/12/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
174 FROST WR 2316650 122 FIELD REGT, RA SIG SEC 19/09/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
175 FROST JR 2364733 III INDIAN CORPS SIGS 01/09/1944 - - 30/09/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
176 FROST CW 2590286 7TH ARMD DIV SIGS 20/12/1941 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
177 FROST F 2318601 - 31/01/1942 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
178 FULLARTON AF 2366953 77 HAA REGT, RA SIG SEC 29/11/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
179 FULLER EWD 14254782 1 DIV SIGS 26/04/1943 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
180 FULLER RF 2577606 49TH DIV SIGS 26/12/1944 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
181 FYFE JW 2578667 51ST DIV SIGS 13/02/1941 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS
182 FYFE C 346638 - 17/02/1946 ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS

 

Signalman Ferdinand Edward Robriguez DCM, Royal Signals

Signalman Robriguez volunteered for work in France when he was serving with the Royal Signals in the Middle East in March 1942. After the necessary preliminary training in the United Kingdom he went to France by Lysander on 26th October, 1942. His mission was to organise wireless transmitter communications for a large network of agents. This group of agents was capable of producing first rate intelligence but was without any efficient means of communication. The transmitters were dropped by parachute. Signalman Robriguez arranged for the sets to be installed close to places of military importance. Considerable ingenuity was required for their efficient transportation and installation.

After Signalman Robriguez had been in the field for about six months there were about 30 wireless transmission stations working from widely seperated areas, for which he had recruited and trained the operators locally. Several hundreds of messages of high operational value to all three services were received by these lines, which were so well established that they continued to work satisfactorily, still manned by the same operators, long after Signalman Robriguez had been captured and imprisoned. He was caught while operating a set from the tower of a village church, by Gestapo men who asked to see the contents of his suitcase. By way of reply he thrust the case containing the set into their outstretched arms and fled amid a hail of revolver fire, remaining in hiding with peasants in the vicinity until he was able to move on. Later he took personal charge of the group's communication Headquarters in Paris. He maintained good relations with his French colleagues who admired the courage, skill and good temper with which he carried out his hazardous duties.

After a years work in the field he returned to the UK for leave. He returned to France but was immediately arrested by the Gestapo, Signalman Robriguez revealed nothing of his work. He was kept in solitary confinement for many months in Germany on low rations and was eventually tried by a German court martial and sentenced to death.

After he had been in prison for 18 months and under sentence of death for 7 months, it was possible to negotiate his exchange for a German officer and he arrived back in this country on 2nd February 1945 in good spirits in spite of his poor physical condition due to malnutrition and long confinement.

Throughout all his long period of service in enemy occupied territory Signalman Robriguez showed outstanding qualities of courage and leadership.


Gazetted 21.6.45