History
On 4th July 2002, Major General James Shaw MBE officiated the re-establishment of 10th Signal Regiment. In a re-formation parade steeped in history, the Regiment succeeded the Army Communications and Information Systems Group (ACISG) in becoming 2nd (National Communications) Signal Brigade's regular National Communications regiment. This opened a new chapter in the Regiments history.
Evident in the mission statement, the provision of Information Communication Systems (ICS) continues to be the Main Effort, similar to that of the former ACISG. The fundamental improvements and justification for rebirth are best seen in the method, flexibility and rapidity with which 10th Signal Regiment can tailor its support to the demands of an increasingly uncertain world.
In brief, the Regiment provides day-to-day command and control ICS to Land Command throughout mainland GB, ICS reaction forces for major national incidents, including Homeland Security and specialist ICS support to expeditionary operations. Whereas ACISG had responsibility for the provision, maintenance and operation of UK based peacetime ICS, 10th Signal Regiment has extended its horizons to incorporate the delivery of ICS infrastructure and associated support to both national contingency groups and operational environments. The result is the widest possible connectivity, reinforced by standardisation of working practices and enhanced task-organisation of manpower and expertise.
10th Signal Regiment comprises of 5 very different ICS Squadrons; 238, 241, 243 and 251 Signal Squadrons plus the Army's Electronic Counter Measure (Force Protection) [ECM(FP)] Squadron. Of its 32 officers, 402 soldiers and 77 civil servants, the unit provides a dynamic and effective mix of support to UK and Expeditionary operations balanced with a significant contingent of civilian acumen and stability.
The Regiment has Scottish origins, with the founding Company-Group rained in Glasgow in 1924 and a further Company raised in Edinburgh in 1937. For many years, under the title of General Headquarters Signals (GHQ), the Regiment's expertise were largely in line and underground trunk cables using the civilian network, however wireless communications were in place as a failsafe. The Regiment also provided a network of Dispatch Riders, linking all UK Army Units and HQs from other services.
In 1943 the unit was tasked with providing communications for 21 Army Group and a new unit was formed to take on homeland responsibilities - GHQ Home Forces Signals. As 21 Army Group were preparing for offensive operations in France and Germany, the unit took responsibility for the rehabilitation and maintenance of much of Germany's underground cable network. After the war, the unit remained in Germany and assumed the title of HQ BAOR Signals.
It was not until 1st April 1958 that the unit carried the title of 10th Signal Regiment, when it was formed in Kray Barracks, Essen. Significantly, in 1966, the Regiment was entrusted with responsibility for the UK Static Communications Network, incorporating all Communications Centres, switchboards and telegraph terminals. Also that year 'Bruno' the bear was repatriated with the Regiment, having resided at the School of Signals since 1962. Continuing to evolve, the Regiment absorbed a number of independent Squadrons and Troops and by 1972, it had control of the Tropospheric Scatter Troop stationed Maidstone, responsible for the UK BAOR link.
On 1st April 1983, 10th Signal Regiment moved to Wilton and merged with HQ UKLF Signal Regiment. With SWDIST, HQ LONDIST and SEDIST to its name, the Regiment had direct command of 68 exchanges and 31 COMMCENS and operational control of a further18 exchanges and 6 COMMCENS. At this point in its history, the Regiment had 25 officers, 331 other ranks and 547 civilian staff and administered 171 officers, 135 other ranks and 312 civilians, on behalf of HQ UKLF.
10th Signal Regiment disbanded on 1st May 1987, giving life to 238, 239, 243 and 251 independent Signal Squadrons.
In 1945, amongst the ruins of Berlin, outside the headquarters of the Deutsche Femkabel Geselischaft (German Cable Company) in Rognitzstrasse, stood the imposing statue of a Bear (the mascot of Berlin to this day) with its arms embracing a drum of cable. Not wishing to see this prize fall into the hands of the Russians, it was loaded onto the back of a truck, concealed as signal equipment and whisked away through zone check points and arrived at Harewood Barracks in Herford. The intention was, originally, to ship the statue back to the UK, to the Signals Headquarters Mess; however the statue never got any further than the Hook of Holland.
In the spring of 1948, the bear was hoisted atop a column which originally carried the Nazi eagle in Kray Barracks, Essen. It was at Essen that a visiting engineer from Seimens saw and recognised 'Bruno' for what it was and thereby started off the negotiations, which eventually resulted in the return of 'Bruno' to the original company.
On the 28th November 1957, with full military honours, the statue was handed back to the Managing Director of the firm, Herr Friedrich Muhi - 'Bruno' had finally arrived back home!
As a result and as an expression of gratitude and generosity, the Company had a replica made and in May 1958, amid much press and radio coverage, Herr Muhi presented 'Bruno' to 10th Signal Regiment.
The statue was moved back to the UK when the Regiment relocated to Hounslow and latterly to Erskine Barracks, Wilton, where it stood for 20 years. 'Bruno' now commands pride of place in Basil Hill Site, Corsham, outside the entrance to Regimental Headquarters.
Over the years, every element of 10th Signal Regiment, somewhere in its organisations, has carried the logo of this much ventured mascot.
