On Saturday 19th June, 150 soldiers from 11 (RSS) Signal Regiment were on parade at Blandford Camp to celebrate the Royal Corps of Signals' 101st birthday. The event was the first large-scale parade held by the Corps since the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions. In attendance was HRH The Princess Royal, Colonel-in-Chief to the Corps, who carried out the inspection, presented medals and awards, and took time to speak to lots of young trainee soldiers.
The parade was much smaller than usual due to the prevailing circumstances, and unlike other years, there was no presence from our strong veteran or cadet communities. Nevertheless, as Colonel Mark Brookes, the Corps Colonel, said, it was still a spectacular day.
“There was a real sense of pride from everyone on parade on Saturday, and it was a great honour to be on parade for our Colonel-in-Chief after everything that has happened in the last 18 months. For the junior soldiers it was a really important occasion: they've not seen this side of the Corps before and they were all so proud that The Princess Royal spent so long talking to them. For everyone in the Corps, it reminded us that despite the pandemic, there's not been a better time to be in the Corps, with our apprentice schemes, new training and development processes and exciting cyber roles."
The Royal Signals are the British Army's communications, IT, and cyber specialists, providing the vital link to Defence deployments worldwide. The Corps is one of the leading Army providers of apprenticeships and provides a strong framework of professional and personal development training for all soldiers and officers. The Royal Signals' actual birthday is on the 28th June and we have no doubt countless flags will be flown.