50 (Northern) Signal Squadron (Volunteers)

State of the art communications systems took a back seat while 50 Squadron soldiers honed their soldiering skills on the scenario driven exercise.
The exercise obviously contained a communications element but they wore their comms equipment rather than transport it by vehicle.

Cpl Elsdon lives and works in and around Newcastle upon Tyne and endures a 70 mile round trip in order to report for duty at the 50 Squadron HQ in Darlington.  He takes the extended travelling time in his stride which is testament to his commitment to the TA.

Cpl Elsdon was attached to the 15(NE) Brigade Recruit Training Team before deploying to Iraq where he worked within a Force Protection Troop. 

Upon his return to the UK he rejoined 50 Squadron to resume his role as a Communications Systems Operator, he is also a skill at arms instructor who enjoys the 'green' side of army life and was asked recently, 'Which do you prefer....green or trade,(comms)?', the answer was fairly predictable, 'The green stuff is soldiering bread and butter', he later added, '...but I like teaching the comms side too'.

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Another Squadron member swapping radios for face paint was Cpl Tate who has recently returned from a successful tour of duty in Afghanistan, he is part of 890 Troop based at Hartlepool.

As one of the squadron's physical training instructors (PTI), maintenance of the Squadron's physical fitness is one of Cpl Tate's priorities.

He works hard to make PT as varied, fun and interesting as possible to keep our soldiers fit to perform all of their duties either in a communications or 'green' environment.

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Sporting success was high on the agenda on the 32 Signal Regiment Annual Camp back in September.  50 Squadron wiped the floor with teams from across the Regiment ultimately lifting the CO's cup which was presented to Signaller Twist (newest signaller) by Lt Col Donegan.

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50 Signal Squadron (V) are training to provide post emergency and disaster communications anywhere in the UK. 

 

Using the latest communications technology we are the vital link between the emergency services and the Army.

Do you come from the North East and are looking for something extra from your life, a rewarding experience outside normal working hours?

You will find it within your local Royal Signals TA unit - 50 Signal Squadron (V)

• Adventure
• Challenge
• Travel
• New skills
• Full pay
• Top class training

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