Royal Corps of Signals

Royal Corps of Signals
Unit name	Royal Corps of Signals
Caption	The Corps badge, featuring the figure of Mercury.
Dates	1920 – present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	British Army
Type	Combat support
Role	Military Communications and Information Systems
Size	7,300 personnel
Garrison	MoD Corsham
Garrison label	Corps Headquarters
Nickname	"Siggies"
Motto	Certissima Celerrima (Latin: "Swift and Sure")
Colors	Blue and White
Colors label	Corps Colours
March	Begone, Dull Care (Quick); Royal Signals March Past (Slow)
Battles	Second World War, Falklands War, Gulf War, War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), Iraq War
Anniversaries	28 June (Corps Day)
Commander1	Charles III
Commander1 label	Captain General
Commander2	Major General Duncan Capps
Commander2 label	Master of Signals
Notable commanders	Field Marshal Sir John Dill, Field Marshal The Viscount Alanbrooke

Royal Corps of Signals. The Royal Corps of Signals is the British Army's arm responsible for installing, maintaining, and operating all types of telecommunications equipment and information systems. Established in the aftermath of the First World War, the Corps provides vital combat support across the full spectrum of military operations, enabling command and control from the strategic to the tactical level. Its personnel, known as "Siggies," are trained as both soldiers and highly skilled technicians, operating globally in support of the UK's defence commitments.

History

The Corps was formally created by a Royal Warrant in 1920, amalgamating the signalling services of the Corps of Royal Engineers and the Royal Flying Corps. Its formation was a direct response to the critical lessons of the First World War, where Western Front battles like the Battle of the Somme highlighted the desperate need for robust and secure communications. During the Second World War, the Corps expanded dramatically, providing communications for major campaigns including the North African campaign, the D-Day landings, and the Burma campaign. Post-war, it supported operations during the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency, and the Cyprus Emergency. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, it has been integral to operations in the Falklands War, the Gulf War, and conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, continually adapting to the challenges of electronic warfare and cyber warfare.

Role and capabilities

The primary role is to provide integrated command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and target acquisition capabilities. This encompasses a vast array of systems from secure satellite communications and tactical radio networks to complex computer networks and cyber security operations. The Corps operates the Skynet satellite constellation and deploys specialised units like the 1st (United Kingdom) Signal Brigade to deliver theatre-level communications. Its experts work alongside allies such as NATO and are pivotal in enabling joint operations with the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Capabilities extend into electronic warfare, signals intelligence, and supporting the Special Air Service and other United Kingdom Special Forces with specialist communications.

Organisation

The Corps is headed by the Master of Signals, based at MoD Corsham in Wiltshire. The operational field force is centred on the 11th Signal Brigade and Headquarters West Midlands, which commands most regular and Army Reserve signal regiments. Key regular units include 2 Signal Regiment supporting the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, 10 Signal Regiment supporting Special Forces, and 14 Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare). The Royal School of Signals at Blandford Camp in Dorset is the Corps' central training establishment. Specialist elements are integrated within formations like the 16 Air Assault Brigade and 3rd (United Kingdom) Division.

Training

All recruits undergo initial military training at the Army Training Centre Pirbright or the Army Training Regiment, Winchester, before specialist trade training at the Royal School of Signals. Training pathways are diverse, covering trades from network engineer and cyber communications specialist to electronic warfare operator. Courses range from foundational skills in radio and IT systems to advanced qualifications in cyber security and satellite communications. Officers are commissioned through the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst before undertaking the demanding Young Officer course at Blandford Camp.

Uniform and insignia

The Corps wears the standard British Army service dress and combat uniform, distinguished by its unique insignia. The cap badge features the winged figure of the Roman god Mercury (the messenger of the gods) on a lightning bolt, surmounted by a crown. Corps colours are blue and white, reflected in the stable belt and the beret flash. The Pace Stick carried by Regimental Sergeant Majors is coloured blue and white. The Corps of Drums and the Band of the Royal Corps of Signals wear distinctive uniforms.

Notable members

Several members have achieved significant prominence. Field Marshal Sir John Dill served as Chief of the Imperial General Staff during the Second World War. Field Marshal Alan Brooke succeeded him in that role. Roland Boys Bradford of the Durham Light Infantry was seconded to the Corps and became a Victoria Cross recipient. Renowned individuals who served in the Corps include the actor David Niven, the explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, and the television presenter Judi Spiers. The Captain General of the Corps is Charles III.

Category:Royal Corps of Signals Category:Combat support corps of the British Army Category:Military communications Category:1920 establishments in the United Kingdom