71st (Yeomanry) Signal Regiment are based in Bexleyheath, Kent, with squadrons in Essex, Kent, London, and Middlesex. We are part of 2 (National Communications) Signal Brigade which is made up of ten signal regiments and two independent signal squadrons spread across the UK.
Our Role
Our role involves providing Information Communication Systems (ICS) to the emergency services and to the local government in the event of an emergency. In recent years the brigade has been involved in the Firemen strikes (OP FRESCO), floods, foot and mouth and the fuel crisis, with soldiers and officers of the regiment being involved in a number of these.
In addition to providing support to the emergency services and the local government the regiment also supports the operations with the regular army. Recently the regiment has seen its soldiers and officers deployed to the Balkans to form a squadron that is built entirely from TA personnel in 2 (NC) Signal Brigade, also many of our soldiers and officers been to Iraq (OP TELIC).
As being a part of 2 (NC) Signal Brigade our mission is:
To provide and sustain current and future, national and land environment Information Communication Services (ICS) around the spectium of conflict.
This is achieved through the use of a variety of hi-tech, modern, secure and insecure HF, VHF and Data Communications Systems.
Our History
71st (Yeomanry) Signal Regiment has only existed as a major unit since the reorganisation of the Territorial Army in 1969, it nevertheless retains many long and glorious links with the past. Through the Yeomanry squadrons under its command, the Regiment is the proud guardian of many centuries of bravery, tradition and committed volunteer service.
The role of the Regiment was to provide Home Defence communications for the South East of England. Initially, 265 Signal Squadron acted as the Regiment Headquarters Squadron, but in 1970 it gained a communications role, as well as the title Kent and County of London Yeomanry. The role and organisation of the Regiment remained steady until 1987 when Regimental Headquarters moved from Bromley to join 265 (KCLY) Signal Squadron at Bexleyheath. At around the same time, Headquarters (KCLY) Squadron was raised at Bexleyheath and 348 (IC&CY) Signal Squadron (Home Service Force) was raised at Lincoln Inn, although the latter was relatively short lived.
In 1992, as a result of Options for Change, 70 (Essex Yeomanry) Signal Squadron were moved to 38 Signal Regiment (V), and 71st (Yeomanry) Signal Regiment took under command 57 (County of Bristol) Signal Squadron (V). This unsatisfactory arrangement lasted until the TA restructuring of 1994 when 70 (Essex Yeomanry) Squadron came back under command and 57 (County of Bristol) Signal Squadron (V) moved onto 39 (Skinners) Signal Regiment.
In 1995, 94 (Berkshire Yeomanry) Signal Squadron was given an independent role in support of the Combat Service Support Group (Germany). They then ceased to be part of the Regiment order of battle, although the Regiment still retains close links with that squadron.
The Regiment comprises of the following sub units:
The Regiment is also affiliated to:
FANY - (PRVC) Princess Royal's Volunteer Corps
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