On 1 April 1968 as a result of the 1966 Defence White Paper, Headquarters, 1st Signal Group was formed at Erskine Barracks, Wilton. The new formation was formed to command those UK-based signal units earmarked for NATO reinforcement and 'Out of Area' operations. The Group was also known as Headquarters, Army Strategic Command. Under this command, the group was tasked with providing communications for the 5th Division and other Army Groups with no signals support. After formation, the group commanded the following units:
Group Headquarters at Erskine Barracks, Wilton under Brigadier T I G Gray
* 223 Signal Squadron at Bushfield Camp, Winchester
* No. 4 Signal Squadron, 30th Signal Regiment
In 1970 the group's HQ moved to Old Sarum in Salisbury. After moving the group gained control of 55 Signal Squadron which the group provided technical and training for. The group also gained two new TSC-500 mobile satellite earth stations in addition to gaining a new unit under HQ's direct command, Mobile Force Radio Troop which supported Allied Command, Europe. The group also took control of the 34th Signal Regiment for training and mobilisation directives. In 1973 the group gained control of 234 Signal Squadron. In 1975 the group took control of 51 Signal Squadron, which was tasked with supporting the 14th Signal Regiment. By 1976 the group gained control over 3 Squadron, 30th Signal Regiment. This squadron was expanded and made independent and later renamed as 249 Signal Squadron. Following the 1975 Mason Review, the group was reorganised into the following structure;
Group Headquarters under Colonel J H Hild in Old Sarum
In 1979 the group HQ was moved to Tidworth in accordance with the reforms of the 1975 Mason Review. In 1980 the Commandant of the Royal Corps of Signals made a visit to Blandford where he announced possible changes to the group and the overall signal group. As part of this announcement, the master of signals announced 1 Signal Group's role would change, and be able to help with the "Rhodesian Situation". The group was later involved in this when it supported the communications for a smooth independence movement. In 1982 the group was re-titled with accordance with the 1981 Defence White Paper|1981 Defence White Paper , to become the 1st Signal Brigade. In addition to the name changes, the brigade also gained command of 244 Signal Squadron at RAF Brize Norton. In 1987 the group was disbanded and merged into the larger 2nd Signal Brigade.
Reformation
The brigade was re-formed on 1 January 1995 and was deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina under Brigadiers Tony Raper and James Shaw in 1995/96 as part of IFOR and, later, in 1999, as part of KFOR. Under Army 2020, 1st Signal Brigade was re-organized into four specialist units.
Current Organisation
Each unit is trained to carry out a unique and challenging role in support of the overall brigade mission and is prepared to deploy at short notice anywhere in the world. The current organisation of the brigade is:
299 Signal Squadron, based at Bletchley, which is a small specialist unit that provides communications and command support direct to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office overseas. Army Reserve element provided by 899 Signal Troop
13th Signal Regiment providing third-line support to British Forces communications networks and Cyber Defence.
22nd Signal Regiment, based in Stafford and Innsworth, deliver Information Communication Systems to the NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps Headquarters at their permanent base in Gloucester and when deployed on exercises or operations overseas anywhere across the globe.
30th Signal Regiment, based in Bramcote, supports the British Armed Forces's PJHQ's deployable Joint Force Headquarters, Very High Readiness Field Hospital, the Air Assault Task Force and Joint Helicopter Command.
39th Signal Regiment, Royal Corps of Signals, HQ in Bristol
ARRC Support Battalion, based in Innsworth, provide a bespoke and resilient staff working environment which can be deployed anywhere in the world at short notice to allow the NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps Headquarters to carry out their command role in any type of armed conflict. The Battalion also provides the crucial real life support and protection that enables the headquarters to focus on its role.
Commanders
The following have commanded 1st Signal Brigade since its inception as a separate command: 1st Signal Brigade
