Squadron History

Introduction

81 Signal Squadron has a rich history, interwoven between the two World Wars of the 20th Century; throughout its history, the Squadron's role has been consistent: that of providing communications for the Air Component which would supports British Expeditionary Operations

1924: 1st Kite Balloon Signal Squadron

The unit first came into being in Leeds as the 1st Kite Balloon Signal Section in 1924. Between 1935 and 1938 the unit was expanded and converted into Air Formation Signals. Its function was to provide landlines and despatch rider communications for the Air Component which would support the Expeditionary Force in the event of war.

1939: World War II

After the formation of a second unit at the end of August 1939, the two units, now 1st and 2nd Air Formation Signals were mobilised and despatched to France early in September. After the evacuation of British Forces from France in 1940 both units supported the Royal Air Force in the Battle of Britain and the preparations against invasion. At the end of 1942, both units deployed to North Africa to take part in Operation "Torch" (the invasion of North Africa); subsequently the units served throughout the Italian campaign with the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces. At the end of the war both units were disbanded. Members of the Squadron still wear a Beaufighter flash in recognition of the wartime Air Formation service of its predecessor units.

1950: The Army Emergency Reserve (AER)

In 1950 and 1953, the 50th and 52nd Air Formation Signal Regiments (AER) were formed. They comprised of individuals who had previously served in 1st and 2nd Air Formation Signals during the war together with many others who had just completed their full time National Service. From 1953 onwards, both Regiments regularly undertook their annual training in Germany.

1960: 81st Signal Regiment

50th and 52nd Air Formation Signal Regiments were re-designated as 81st and 90th Signal Regiments and in 1963 were amalgamated, becoming 81st Signal Regiment (AER). Overseas training continued to be a regular feature and included visits to Germany in 1962, 1965 and 1966. Small detachments were sent elsewhere, including Aden, where they assisted the Regular Army in providing permanent communications. Under the re-organisation of the Reserve Army in 1967, 81st Signal Regiment (AER) was tailored down into a Squadron and became part of 40th (Ulster) Signal Regiment (Volunteers).  In 1969 and 1970 the Squadron undertook its annual training at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus.

1971: 81 Signal Squadron (V)

In 1971, 81st Signal Squadron (Volunteers) became an independent Sponsored, now termed Specialist, Squadron administered from 34th Signal Regiment (V) in Middlesborough. Over the next 15 years the Squadron supported the Royal Air Force in Germany camping on an annual basis at RAF Stations Laarbruch, Bruggen, Wildenrath and Gutersloh. With the reunification of Germany in 1990, and as a result of the Options for Change review of the Army, in 1992 81 Signal Squadron joined with other TA and Regular Squadrons to become the constituent parts of 21 Signal Regiment (Air Support).

1999: 81 Signal Squadron joins 2 (NC) Signal Brigade

Under the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) of 1999, the Squadron moved to its current role based at Corsham in Wiltshire as part of 2 (National Communications) Signal Brigade. The role of 81 Signal Squadron is the design and installation of communications systems, including voice and data circuits over cable and optical fibre, deployed both in static headquarters and in the field. Members of the Squadron have deployed over recent years to the Balkans, Iraq, Cyprus, Germany, Gibraltar, the Falkland Islands, Brunei and Nepal.