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unionjack  History of the Regiment



Commanding Officer: Lieutenant Colonel F E R Whichelo R Signals

Honorary Colonel: Colonel I G Henderson OBE TD
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Following the disbandment of the volunteer forces after the Great War and the British Government Treaty of 1921, which established the Irish Free State, it was not until 1937 that the formation of volunteer forces was again permitted in Northern Ireland. The first Royal Signals units came into being in 1939 and were attached to Anti-Aircraft Units, providing line communications. These saw service in Europe and the Middle East during the Second World War and continued in existence until 1955 when Anti-Aircraft was disbanded.

The Royal Signals connection with the Province remained intact through the formation of 11 (Ulster) Signal Liaison Squadron (TA) until 1961 when the reorganisation of the Reserve Army saw the formation of the first Signal Regiment in Ulster. 66 (Ulster) Signal Regiment provided radio and line communications within the Province and provided one of the three roots which are our history. The second 302 Squadron was formed in 1947 and was part of 107 (Ulster) Independent Infantry Brigade Group and it was from this unit that we inherited the tradition of wearing the dark blue Caubeen with hackle incorporating Corps colours, showing clearly our identity as the Ulster Signal Regiment.

The further review of volunteer forces in 1967 resulted in the formation of 40th (Ulster) Signal Regiment, combining the volunteers from 66 (Ulster) Signal Regiment, 302 Infantry Brigade Group Signal Squadron and, the third root of our history, 81 Signal Regiment (Army Emergency Reserve). On 1 April 1995, following a further reorganisation of the Territorial Army, 69 (North Irish Horse) Signal Squadron came under command from 32 (Scottish) Signal Regiment and brought an HF radio capability to the Regiment.

At this time the Regiment comprised of a Support Squadron, 66 (City of Belfast) Signal Squadron, 69 (North Irish Horse) Signal Squadron, 85 (Ulster) Signal Squadron and a Light Aid Detachment (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers).

1997 saw the Regiment come under command of 11 (Allied Rapid Reaction Corps) Signal Brigade and was also the year that 40th (Ulster) Signal Regiment (Volunteers) celebrated its 30th anniversary. This change in command was changed once again in April 1999 when the Regiment came under command of 107 (Ulster) Brigade.

The next big change was that of SDR which had a profound effect on the Regiment. 85 (Ulster) Signal Squadron moved from Newtownards to Bangor and took its present name of 85 (Ulster and Antrim Artillery) Signal Squadron. The Regiment accepted into its fold a large number of soldiers from other units in the Province that were disbanded and the responsibility of ensuring that they all take on a new trade and associated skills.

The army deployments to Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq have seen a large number of the Regiment completing operational tours in support of the regular army.

2005 saw the Regiment transferred from 11 (ARRC) Signal Brigade to 2 (National Communications) Signal Brigade with a change in role and equipment. Presently the Regiment is still in the process of change and expects to be fully operational in the new role by August 2007.

The transfer to 2 (NC) Sig Bde has resulted in a reorganisation of the Regiment reducing the number of field squadrons to two. 66 and 69 Squadrons have amalgamated to become 69 Squadron with troops based in both Limavady and Belfast. Support Squadron have taken the name 66 (City of Belfast).

The Regiment currently comprises:

  • 66 (City of Belfast) Support Squadron (Volunteers)
  • 69 (North Irish Horse) Signal Squadron (Volunteers)
  • 85 (Ulster and Antrim Artillery) Signal Squadron (Volunteers)
  • Light Aid Detachment (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers)