209 Signal Squadron History

On 10 June 1958, 19th Infantry Brigade Signal Squadron at Sobroan Barracks in Colchester was enlarged with the addition of Kilo Troop, 3 (Inf) Division Signal Regiment. The Squadron was given the number 209 in 1959. This was a result of the reorganisation of the Corps' numbering series, by which all regiments were numbered in a single series of 1 to 30, all independent squadrons between 200 and 299 and independent troops from 600 to 699. Initially, the Squadron was organised into two main troops: Alpha Troop and Juliet Troop, with a further smaller technical troop formed under the Foreman of Signals. In 1965, the Squadron took over responsibility for the operational and administrative effectiveness of the brigade headquarters. Prior to this date, signallers in all formations had worked closely with, but had been administratively separate from their headquarters.

During the 1960s and 1970s the Squadron was based at Cherry Tree Barracks in Colchester until it was relocated to a new barracks built on the old Garrison Cinema. In 1966 the unit assumed an air portable role.  In 1970 it was deployed to Malaysia on Exercise BERSATU PADU as part of 5 Commonwealth Division. A composite formation of Royal Marines, 4 Malaysian Infantry Brigade, Australian and New Zealand forces, this represented at the time the largest UK out-of-area exercise since Suez. The Squadron was renamed in 1978 as 7 Field Force Headquarters and Signal Squadron.

In 1982, the Squadron's ORBAT was renamed Alpha Troop, Bravo Troop and Support Troop with the Quartermaster commanding the latter. The Squadron reverted to the title of 19 Infantry Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron, remaining at Colchester until April 1993 when the Brigade became mechanized and moved to Catterick Garrison, entitled 19 Mechanized Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron (209). In January 2005 the Brigade was renamed  19 Light Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron (209). With the re-roling of the Brigade all the armour has been backloaded for the new arrival of the Pinzgauer Vehicles.

The Squadron has served in Suez, Borneo, Libya, Cyprus, the Middle East, Kenya, Northern Ireland and the Balkans. It deployed as a headquarters to Kosovo in 2001, and to Iraq on Operation TELIC 2 between June and November 2003. It was based in the south east of the country around Basrah and Al Amarah. 209 Signal Squadron provided communications between the headquarters and units of the brigade, as well as conducting patrols on foot and by boat. The Squadron also organised fundraising projects to benefit the local population, including the donation of mattresses to an orphanage, and participated in the restoration of the British Military Cemetary in Basrah.

The Squadron's mission is 'to provide communication information systems and command support to the Brigade Commander and staff in order that they can effectively command and control the Brigade'. It is currently equipped with Pinzgauers, Land Rovers and DAF utility trucks. The Squadron is affiliated with the Northumbrian Universities OTC.