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261 Signal Squadron can trace its history back to World War II and the 4th Air Formation Signals.
4th Air Formation Signals was formed in 1941 and operated in the Middle East. In 1942 the North Somerset Yeomanry, converting to a Signals Unit, absorbed certain elements of 4th Air Formation Signals and became 4th Air Formation Signals (North Somerset Yeomanry) with responsibility for the Desert Air Force. In August 1944 the unit was relieved and the Yeomanry element was returned to the United Kingdom. The remainder of the 4th Air Formation Signals was built up gradually and took over responsibility for the communications of the Balkan Air Force. In 1946 the unit moved to Palestine and Egypt and in 1947 was reduced in size to become 4th Independent Air Formation Signals Squadron stationed in Egypt. In May 1949 it started expanding again and became a full Regiment again in 1950.
On 1 September the unit was re-designated 20th Signal Regiment (Air Formation) and with the run-down of the Services in this theatre was reduced again to a Squadron, becoming 261 Signal Squadron (Air Formation). Under RISTACOMM in 1968 the title 'Air Formation' went out of use and was officially dropped by 261 on 1 January 1969. The Squadron's role, however, remained the same until 1975 when it was amalgamated into 259 Signal Squadron.
On 1 June 1999, 261 Signal Squadron was re-formed in Aldershot to support the brigade headquarters of the newly formed 101 Logistic Brigade, with a new title "101 Logistic Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron (261)". (The history of 101 Logistic Brigade can be found here)
In 2001 the Squadron returned to the Middle East, deploying to Oman for 9 months in support of Exercise SIAF SAREEA II. This provided invaluable experience for their deployment on Operation TELIC in Iraq in 2003, where they were based in Um Qasar.
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