Squadron History

202 Signal Squadron was born as Kilo Troop of First Division Signal Regiment in 1958, based in the United Kingdom. Its role was to provide communications for 2 Infantry Brigade. Shortly afterwards, the troop became independent, moved to Seaton Barracks, Plymouth, and expanded to form 202 Signal Squadron (infantry Brigade Group). The Squadron was rather short lived, however, as the unit was disbanded in 1959.

In March 1981 202 re-formed and moved to Allenbrooke Barracks in Paderborn, Germany. It became a semi-independent Squadron under 4 Armoured Division and its role was to support 33 Armoured Brigade. As part of 1 BR Corps, its formed part of Nato's defence against possible Warsaw pact invasion. At this time it was equipped with Clansman and Bruin communications mounted in AFV 432 armoured vehicles. In January 1986, the Squadron deployed on its first full exercise using ptarmigan, by now using ASV 436 and 439 command vehicles.

The Squadron on providing its two mirror image headquarters for 33 Armoured Brigade. The next major change was when the unit moved under the command of Third Armoured Division Headquarters and Signal Regiment. However it still retained the same degree of independence.

On the 8 February 1993, the Squadron disbanded and reformed as 200 Signal Squadron. The mantle "202 Signal Squadron" passed to the former 2 Squadron, part of Third (UK) Division and Signal Regiment; now based in Bulford.

In December 1995, the Squadron temporarily adapted to a new role on Operation Resolute, in the former Republic of Yugoslavia. For three months the Squadron was based in Bugojno, where it provided numerous detachments around the theatre to British and Foreign units and had enhanced tactical armoured headquarters on standby. From April the squadron moved to Banja Luka to give intimate support to the Division's new headquarters location. There is provided access communications, a commcen and technical and administrative support for the staff.

The three troops in 202 Signal Squadron were named after battles fought by the Third Division, Waterloo, Inkerman and Overloon. The Battle of Bussaco which took place in 1810 in the Spanish Peninsula defeated Napoleon, with one of the French leader's favourite Battalions being nearly destroyed.

In 1944 the third Division was involved with the liberation of Overloon and Vanrai. During Operation AINTREE, they attacked south-east from Oploo and then seized Overloon and Venrai. The fierce battle lasted six days, after which the people of Overloon took the men of the third Division to their hearts and erected a memorial to its dead.

---