History
33 Signal Regiment History
55 Merseyside (HQ) Signal Squadron (Volunteers)
A brief history on the Squadron
The 55th Divisional Signals served throughout the Second World War in the United Kingdom, until its disbandment in November 1945, however other units were formed from its resources during this period, in 1940 the 59th Motor Divisional Signals commenced reforming as the 4th Army Signals which later became No4 Line of Communications Signals which in September 1940 deployed to the Middle East. In 1941 elements of the unit were seconded to the newly formed Headquarters of the 8th Army under the command of General Montgomery, now called the 8th Army Signals unit and took part in the battle of El Alamein, the advance to Tunis, the invasion of Sicily, throughout the Italian campaign before coming to a halt in Austria. They remained in Austria under different titles until their disbandment in 1955.
It is for this reason that the Squadron proudly displays in the Regimental Foyer the Rolls of Honour of former volunteer soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for there country in such campaigns as SUAKIM 1885, SOUTH AFRICA 1901-2, WORLD WAR 1 1914-8 and WORLD WAR 2 1939-45.
Alamein TA Center was opened on the 7 October 1956 by Colonel The Right Honorable Earl of Derby MC, and was initially occupied by the Royal Tank Regiment TA, until the reorganisation of the Territorial Army in 1967 when Headquarter Squadron of the newly formed 33 Signal Regiment (Volunteers) took up residence.
In 1993 the role of the Regiment was changed to that of a Ptarmigan Signal Regiment, (which is the first time a Territorial Army Signal Regiment has been rolled with the same equipment as that of our Regular counterparts) in support of 11 (ARRC) Signal Brigade.
Today, like our fellow volunteer soldiers of old, we are helping the Regular Army carry out its role(s) around the globe with soldiers from the Squadron serving in the Falkland Islands, Bosnia and Germany.
Like so many TA Units, close liaison with the community is an essential ingredient for the continued success of the Territorial Army, Headquarter Squadron over the years has forged great bonds with the Local Governments with Prescot and with the Local Government reorganisation in 1974 with Knowsley Council from whom the Squadron were graciously granted the freedom of the Borough in 1977.
59 Signal Squadron (Volunteers)
Brief History of the Squadron
5th Signal Regiment started life as the 4th Anti-Aircraft Divisional Signals in 1939 and it was engaged continuously in the course of the German air offensive against Great Britain during 1940 and 1941.
Renamed the 59th Motor Divisional Signals, this unit went to the 8th Army in 1942 and served at El Alamein, Tunis, Sicily and Italy, finishing the war in Austria.
In 1947 this unit was reformed as 14 Anti Aircraft (Mixed) Signal Regiment TA Then in 1955, the Anti Aircraft Command was abolished and the Regiment reorganised as Western Command (Mixed) and finally as 59 (Mixed) Signal Regiment TA.
80(Cheshire Yeomanry) Signal Squadron (Volunteers)
Brief History of the Squadron
The first troop of Yeomanry Cavalry was raised in Macclesfield in 1797 and a Regiment was formed in 1803 as the Western Cheshire Volunteer Cavalry, The Earl of Chester's Regiment, late HRH The Prince Regent's Regiment of Cheshire Yeomanry.
After service in the South African War with the Imperial Yeomanry, the Regiment then served dismounted in Egypt in 1916. It amalgamated with the Shropshire Yeomanry in 1917, becoming the 10th Battalion The Kings Shropshire Light Infantry, and moved to the Western Front in May 1918.
The Regiment retained its cavalry role in 1920 and went to Palestine in 1941 as part of the 1st Cavalry Division. It continued to serve in the Middle East as the last mounted cavalry Regiment of the British Army until 1944. Its role had changed in 1942 to the 5th Lines of Communications Signals. After leaving the Middle East the Regiment was redesignated the 17th Line of Communication Signals (Cheshire Yeomanry) for service in Belgium. In 1947 the Cheshire Yeomanry reformed as an armoured Regiment and converted to armoured reconnaissance in 1958. On the formation of The Queen's Own Yeomanry, it incorporated C (Cheshire Yeomanry) Squadron as a sabre squadron. A second squadron continues in service as 80th (Cheshire Yeomanry) Signal Squadron (V).