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Military unit From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The 1st Signal Brigade, formerly known as the 1st Signal Group, is a brigade of the British Army. The group was first formed in 1968 as a result of the 1966 Defence White Paper which expanded support for NATO and the British Army of the Rhine. In 1987, the group was disbanded and merged into the 2nd Signal Brigade. In 1995, the brigade was reformed and has since deployed on operations across the globe in support of NATO and HQ Allied Rapid Reaction Corps.
1st Signal Group 1st Signal Brigade 1st (United Kingdom) Signal Brigade | |
---|---|
Active | 1968—1987 1995—Present |
Country | United Kingdom |
Branch | British Army |
Type | Signals |
Role | Communications brigade |
Size | Brigade |
Part of | Allied Rapid Reaction Corps |
Garrison/HQ | Imjin Barracks, Innsworth, UK formerly Rhine Garrison, Germany |
Engagements | Bosnian War |
Commanders | |
Current commander | Brigadier Phillip R. D. Muir |
On 1 April 1968, as a result of the 1966 Defence White Paper, 1st Signal Group (Strategic Communications (STRATCO)) was formed at Erskine Barracks, Wilton. The new formation was formed to command those UK-based signal units earmarked for NATO reinforcement and 'Out of Area' operations.[1] The Group was also known as Headquarters, Army Strategic Command (Signals).[2] Under this command, the group was tasked with providing communications for the 5th Division and other Army Groups with no signals support.[2]
After formation, the group commanded the following units:[1][2]
Following the 1975 Mason Review, the group was reorganised so that it oversaw all oversees signal units, leaving the UKLF support role to the 2nd Signal Brigade. The group was therefore reorganised into the following organisation:
In 1979, the group HQ was moved to Tidworth in accordance with the reforms of the 1975 Mason Review. In 1980, the Commandant of the Royal Corps of Signals made a visit to Blandford where he announced possible changes to the group and the overall signal group. As part of this announcement, the master of signals announced 1 Signal Group's role would change, and be able to help with the "Rhodesian Situation".[12] The group was later involved in this when it supported the communications for a smooth independence movement.[13]
In 1982, the group was re-titled with accordance with the 1981 Defence White Paper [The Way Forward], to become the 1st Signal Brigade.[1][13] In addition to the name changes, the brigade also gained command of 244 Signal Squadron (Air Support) at RAF Brize Norton.[14] In 1987, the group was disbanded and merged into the larger 2nd Signal Brigade.[1]
Following the Dissolution of Yugoslavia, increasing tensions in the region lead to a United Nations peacekeeping operation known throughout NATO as Operation Resolute, later the Implementation Force (IFOR). Under this operation, Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps was deployed, and shortly after headquarters 1st (United Kingdom) Signal Brigade was formed at Rheindahlen Garrison, Germany. The new brigade was tasked specifically with overseeing the units deployed on the operation, and later those supporting HQ ARRC. In December 1995 the brigade deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina on Op Resolute. Brigade strength was 1,900 troops and 50% of the HQ Staff of 25 were mobilised Reserves or TA soldiers.[1]
The brigade's organisation on formation remained the same till 2013 following Army 2020:[1][15][16][17]
Under the Defence in a Competitive Age programme and subsequent Future Soldier, the brigade will leave 6 (UK) Division and be directly subordinated to HQ Allied Rapid Reaction Corps.[19] This move was completed by September 2021, joining 104th Logistic Support Brigade.[20]
The brigade's current organisation, as of October 2021, is as follows:
The following have commanded 1st Signal Brigade since its inception as a separate command:[32]
1st Signal Brigade
1st (UK) Signal Brigade
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