History of 261 Signal Squadron

261 Signal Squadron can trace its history back to World War II and the 4th Air Formation Signals.

4th Air Formation Signals was formed in 1941 and operated in the Middle East. In 1942 the North Somerset Yeomanry, converting to a Signals Unit, absorbed certain elements of 4th Air Formation Signals and became 4th Air Formation Signals (North Somerset Yeomanry) with responsibility for the Desert Air Force. In August 1944 the unit was relieved and the Yeomanry element was returned to the United Kingdom. The remainder of the 4th Air Formation Signals was built up gradually and took over responsibility for the communications of the Balkan Air Force. In 1946 the unit moved to Palestine and Egypt and in 1947 was reduced in size to become 4th Independent Air Formation Signals Squadron stationed in Egypt. In May 1949 it started expanding again and became a full Regiment again in 1950.

On 1 September the unit was re-designated 20th Signal Regiment (Air Formation) and with the run-down of the Services in this theatre was reduced again to a Squadron, becoming 261 Signal Squadron (Air Formation). Under RISTACOMM in 1968 the title 'Air Formation' went out of use and was officially dropped by 261 on 1 January 1969. The Squadron's role, however, remained the same until 1975 when it was amalgamated into 259 Signal Squadron.

On 1 June 1999, 261 Signal Squadron was re-formed in Aldershot to support the brigade headquarters of the newly formed 101 Logistic Brigade, with a new title "101 Logistic Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron (261)".

In 2001 the Squadron returned to the Middle East, deploying to Oman for 9 months in support of Exercise SIAF SAREEA II. This provided invaluable experience for their deployment on Operation TELIC in Iraq in 2003, where they were based in Um Qasar.

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The History of 11 Light Brigade

The history of 11 Light Brigade starts from the D-Day Landings in Normandy 1944, where 101 Beach Sub-Area supported the 3rd British Division over the 'Roger' and 'Queen' beaches in the SWORD sector. 101 Beach Sub-Area was disbanded after the war but the formation's number would be resurrected as a result of changes brought about after the Gulf War in 1990/1.

During Operation GRANBY no organisation existed to deploy the British Armoured Division some 4000 miles to its area of operations. The lift of soldiers, equipment and stores involved the use of over 146 cargo ships and more than 12000 air sorties. The problems of emergency planning, the assembly of soldiers and materiel and the reception of the force in Saudi Arabia, was a significant task. After arrival, maintenance of the force, preparations for operations and subsequent support in battle fell to the newly formed Force Maintenance Area (FMA).

The Commander of the FMA, Brigadier Martin White (late Royal Corps of Transport) swiftly identified the need for a sense of identity and cohesion in his newly formed organization. Inspired appeared in a letter from his daughter, which read, 'I hope you have a cunning plan'. Fortunately he did and the theme of the Blackadder television comedy, a popular favourite at the time, was chosen to provide this sense of belonging. It was not long before camps in Al Jubail were named after characters from the programme: Baldrick Lines, Blackadder Camp, Meltchett Lines and Camp Bob. Shortly afterwards a natural progression to a formation insignia of a 'black adder' occurred, designed by a member of the HQ FMA staff.

After the experiences of the Gulf War the ministry of Defence decided that a permanent organisation was required to assume command of Combat Service Support to a deployed force on subsequent operations. Combat Service Support Groups (CCSG), one in the United Kingdom and one in Germany were established. CSSG (UK) adopted the Blackadder as its formation insignia at a formal ceremony in Aldershot on 9 January 1997. This insignia was worn by all Regular units within the CSSG (UK) and by Territorial Army units when deployed with the formation.

On 1 June 1999, as part of the implementation of the Strategic Defence Review, Headquarters 101 Logistic Brigade and Signal Squadron (261), was formed from elements of the Combat Service Support Group (UK). Today the formation carries the same remit to support UK forces on deployed operations.