Readers can now get this newsletter in two ways, either by collection (Downloading a pdf version for off-line reading/printing) from the newsletter distribution service, and from same they will get regular notification of the availability in same by a brief e-mail, or now thanks to the efforts of Keith Drummond this newsletter has also been made available on-line within the main RSO site. Which also resulted in a major redesign of the RSO site being necessary to accommodate full width representation on all pages.
The newsletter distribution service (a Yahoo group) can be subscribed to under http://groups.yahoo.com/group/royal-signals The on-line version can now be found in the RSO site in the newly created Newsletter Archive under… http://www.royal-signals.org.uk/indexes/newsletter_index.html
We will need your participation submissions and feedback, so please send us your stories, concerns and wishes, and please recommend us to your friends and enemies
I want to say thank you to our readers and our contributors, also in the name of Brian Streetly and Keith Drummond
Mrs. Petra Henderson
(Royal Signals 1971-1976)
The Distribution and Archive Site
Please visit and check/update your data regularly To change your delivery of notification this newsletter visit the above yahoo group.
I am currently working on and nearing completion of the Fourth part of the visual signalling series of datasheets. No. 4 "Mechanical Telegraphy" which due to discoveries I made while researching it, means we will have to rewrite the history of our Jimmy and its first use by the Telegraph Troop of the R.E. in the late 1800s.
Then I have discovered Jimmy was used as a symbol for the Military Telegraph from at least 80 years (1815), if not as early as a hundred years (1795) before the current suggestion… More details will be found in the forthcoming 4th Datasheet, on Mechanical Telegraphy and Semaphores, including details from an original military signals Telegraph form document.
The use of a "Telegraph Jimmy" about 200 years ago, and by exactly whom, I am sure will be a big surprise to many of you.
Again despite waiting for "local" content, i.e. reports or stories from our UK members, not too much has come… So this month's edition will not only be late (Held back as long as I can) but also have a lot of fill-in items to provide content…
However Thanks to …. Link ….John (MoodyBlue) Davis and Alan Beattie, we have some good memory Joggers to give you all the basic idea.
PLEASE people, let us know your stories, some anecdotes of the time you put boot-polish in the RSM's toothpaste, sold a Tank to a willing but drunk German civilian, and the like, and also your list of people you are searching for… We are getting desperate and will consider anything!!!
It is hard to provide, or find content without help, and without any there is no point in sending anything out… So please, please help…
Regards Petra
(Part of his "Corps Myths"collection) Many more (almost 50) can be found on his website…
If you have any "Corps Myths" Please share them by sending them to John either directly or via us, for inclusion onto both his site and if possible here.
Germany 1952, the days of National Service, the Signal Troop to which I belonged had been paraded as a result of some small cock up during a CO 's inspection.
One of the Corporals gave us the good news, "Right you lot, you will spend the next two hours drilling."
True to his word for the next two hours the squad were drilled in quick time and double time almost to the point of exhaustion. Finally we were brought to a halt.
"Stand at ease! Stand easy!" "No f**king talking in the ranks!"
Except for the ragged breathing there was complete silence for several seconds when a voice from the ranks cried out, "O death where is thy sting?"
"Who said that?" "Who said that?" the Corporal ranted. "I want to know where that came from?"
"I think its Corinthians, Chapter 15, Verse 55." came the reply from the same voice.
(Credited with additional thanks to John Nicholls. Witness and Originator of the Story)
It was during the sixties, when many military camps in the UK still consisted of huts and spiders. Early one sunny Sunday afternoon in late July the Orderly Officer was sitting looking out of his bunk window across the main square towards the guardroom and camp gates. He was a little bored and decided to liven up proceedings.
Lifting up his telephone he dialled the Fire Piquet's number. The ring was answered, "Guardroom! Piquet Commander speaking."
"Fire in the Orderly Officer's bunk!"he shouted into the handset and replaced it on the cradle.
Ten minutes passed and nothing had disturbed the tranquillity. He tried again, dialled the number and shouted into the handset, "Fire in the Orderly Officer's bunk! Now!" Slamming the handset down he sat back to await developments.
A further five minutes passed and just as he was getting ready to storm across to the guardroom and tear the Piquet Commander a new arsehole, the side door of the guardroom swung open.
Stepping slowly out into the bright sunshine a solitary figure could be seen. It was dressed in ill-fitting fatigues and brown plimsolls, it's beret was pushed back on it's head and it was carrying a large galvanized bucket in each hand.
The Orderly Officer sat transfixed as this apparition of martial excellence made it's way across the square and down the side of the buildings.
A gentle tap on the door. "Enter!" he screamed.
A metallic clanking indicated that the buckets had been placed on the floor. The door opened to reveal our heroic signalman. He picked up the buckets, entered the room and made his way over to the fireplace where he proceeded to take out from the buckets the paper, wood and coal, needed for combustion and lay them out.
Turning to the Orderly Officer he spoke, "Sir, the Piquet Commander says I am to inform you that, according to Standing Orders, no one is supposed to have a fire until September 1st."
Everyone has a similar story to tell, so please consider sending it to either us or John moodyblue@ntlworld.com for inclusion in the Corps Myths, and/or the next RSO newsletter.
I am sure others have a photo or two to share, but please tell us the story to go with it… Alan did not, because he intended them to be used in the RSO Photo albums…
However they are too good to just put there, and so I have redirected them for use here (Like many Army volunteers they unwillingly stepped forward!)…
He wrote: Just thought you might like a few photos for your albums…
Hello Petra,
When I was serving (1959-1983) the RSM was often referred to amongst the lower ranks as "Tara", not in any derogatory way, rather as an (almost) affectionate term. I've never been able to find out why this term was used.
I am currently working on Blandford Camp, and it appears that the term is no longer used, but the many old soldiers on camp remember it but again, nobody knows why. It was suggested that it was because it was t' RSM but an ex Corps RSM informs me that he was once told the derivation but although he has forgotten it, that was certainly not the reason.
As you appear to have dug deeply into Corps history, do you know the derivation of Tara, or can you find out. It's been driving me crackers.
Yours hopefully
Pete
I did some research in various groups and sources, and the best answer I got so far (and covered the others and added two more) came from Gordon Angus Mackinlay
He wrote;
Dear Mrs. Henderson,
Thank you for your e-mail. I am currently assembling a book on ranks and appointments - it is a bit more than that, in it covers such things as military law, discipline, punishments, insignia, accounts of ranks et cetera, etc. This being for the armed forces of the British Commonwealth, but because of the advice from a editor at Arms &Armour Press I am now including the USA armed forces. One section is on nicknames for ranks and appointments,; drummie, pipey, etc.
TARA : used to describe a units RSM, there has been three suggestions of its origin:
A fourth comes from the music hall, in which stage Irish would describe the Sergeant Major as 'the tarrSM"! Actually in real life the compiler (Gordon) has heard, Irishmen from the country areas of Republic serving in the Irish Guards describe the appointment as "The TAARSM"!
Whilst working for the UN in The Former Republic of Yugoslavia, in 1998-99, I would always when arriving at a battalion HQ for the first time ask the entry guard for the way to the 'Tara's' - the sentry always knew. Last year I had my niece and her husband (now a major) a Royal Marine, here in Australia recuperating from his efforts in Afghanistan. He belonging to a organisation which El President Blair, does not want anyone to know about. He stated that the SBS has a RSM and so does it's general war and maritime counter-insurgency squadrons (their WOIIs are Troop Sergeant Majors) he stated he relied completely upon his 'Tara'. In 22 as of Saturday when talking to an friend still serving he stating that the RSM frequently uses the call sign 'Tara'
Within the regular Australian and NZ Armies still in quite common usage, on promotion to WOI and subsequent posting into the appointment of RSM of First Field Hospital, I would frequently hear myself described as such - of course never to my face; from below Sir, from above RSM or Mister.
Whether I have confused the issue of have been of some assistance, I know not?
Thank you Gordon, and maybe others might have some suggestions? Let us know…
Please note:Gordon would also like any unusual names (other than ones made up in frustration) that any of us called the various ranks in the Signals…, that he might include in his book. Maybe we can also include Signals branches and trades? And so perhaps start with "Hairies" for the Linesmen? But what others do we have for him?
We have been asked by Mike Symmonds to try to help him find out details of his father's service in the Royal Signals (1952-1954). Mike has supplied a large lot of Photographs of the camps and people, vehicles, etc. that his father left behind, and Brian has added these into two Photo albums on the RSO site.
Maybe you know someone from these? or even see your own smiley face amongst them. We believe they are Hong Kong and Korea, but could also be some other place(s)...
To Album 81 for Even more Photo's
Can you possibly help in identifying any of the people in these photo's or whereabouts they may have been taken? We think they were Pictures of the late Jeffery Alan Symmonds Service time (1952-1954) in Hong Kong and Korea.
Contact either via the Royal Signals History group or by sending a mail to Brian or I at the usual RSO site e-mail addresses...
To his original request for details of the CO's Jeep shown in one Photograph, Dave Ruby wrote he did not think they had such high visibility Tactical signs on any of the British Vehicles in Korea or any other active combat area... Also Cliff Lord wrote a response;
The Cockerel sign would appear to be 40 Division. There was a 40 Division in Hong Kong but I do not see any reference to the Divisional Signal Regiment going to Korea.
It does not show in Nalders history of Royal Signals, nor in my own Royal Signals research.
The two other signs may be white over blue TAC signs with red lettering or numbers. The significance of the numbers is not known to me. Perhaps he was in 40 Divisional Signals and was sent to Korea where he came under another unit.
Royal Signal units in Korea were:
In May 1951 the British and Commonwealth forces were re-organised as 1st Commomwealth Divsion Signal Regiment which comprised the following sub units:
and initially commanded
This was disbanded in Nov 1954 and replaced by 1st Commonwealth Division Independent Signal Squadron until March 1956. A Lof C unit was also formed Britcom Independent LofC Signal Sqn which included a RNZ Signal Troop.
Anyone with any information can contact Mike Directly (remember to include your return e-mail address… Mike Symmonds [ wacokiduk2001 @ yahoo.co.uk ]
Hi, I am looking for anyone of whom has served with my father Andrew Mulholland. he serve in 22 armoured brigade (201)signal squadron and 1st division Verden I think. if anyone knows or knew of him I would love to hear from you. also if anyone should have a picture of him that they could pass on to me I would be extremely grateful.
Thanks
Bernice Jones
If you can help, you can respond to me (Petra) or direct to Bernice's message/profile "jnbrnc" in the Royal Signals Club Yahoo Group. See Message No. 6492
(Malcolm Margerison, Robert (Bob) Orchard and Bob Kenyon)
Another person he was seeking in this mail (Alec Edwards) was found a few weeks back…
Here a copy of the mail I got from Chris Hayles just after the last RSO newsletter...
I thankee muchly kind lady!! Well worth the rate and well done the three of you. What are you like at finding cooks from the old 4 Div? I have been looking for a Cpl Alec Edwards who had a wife called Maureen (Mo) he was at 4 Div around 1969-71 and last known whereabouts was at Peterborough. [Note this person and his wife have now been found and are now in touch with Chris]
Another three people I would dearly love to trace though not at 4 Div are two from 261 Sigs and one from 16 Sigs., I have posted requests on all the relevant Friends sites including two Signals ones but without success.
They are 16 Sigs (Krefeld 1964-68) Lcpl Malcolm Margerison Comcen Op hometown either Colchester or Clacton (no luck in the electoral rolls)
261 Sig Sqn (Airfield Tp Akrotiri) Lcpl Robert (Bob) Orchard and Lcpl Bob Kenyon Both Linemen Both were in the Camera Club at Akrotiri and I believe Bob Kenyon wanted to be a Police photographer.
Any help would be gratefully received, Keep up the good work with the list and the Newsletter,
Chris Hayles, Eastleigh, Hampshire
Stephen.Davies42 @ btopenworld.com (Spaces added to prevent webcrawler collection)
Hello Petra,
I have taken on the role as District Explorer Scout Commissioner for the Radcliffe district in Manchester and one of the activities they would like to do is radio operating & Morse code.
As I was a combat powerman during my service in the Corp and so I have only limited radio procedure. Is there any one in the Manchester area that could help me out.
Many Thanks
Steve Davies
Note: I have forwarded this to the Manchester Group, but so far heard nothing, any other takers?…
Regards Petra
bunde67 @ yahoo.co.uk (Spaces added to prevent webcrawler collection)
A friend of mine has purchased a PRC 351 and is having problems with the synthesizer tuning. Does anyone know where you can obtain any cct diagrams or EMER's? He has various other Clansman radios & has been able to obtain the EMER's off the Web.
Thanks, Phil,
To stir up memories and hopefully some written recollections from our older readers, not only of the 19 set, but also 19, 22, 62, etc. and indeed any Wireless or radio set… Do please drop us a line.
The Wireless Set No.19 was first manufactured by Pye, and introduced in 1941. It was used widely by the Allies in WWII, and afterwards for many years. Typically mounted in tanks, other AFVs, jeeps, etc, but was also used as ground stations, handcarts and even in aircraft. There was a VHF additional circuitry option (B: set) which allowed communication limited to about 300 yards radius, to reduce danger of enemy overhearing tank to tank talk, but that is not being covered here.
By mid 1942 between Pye and English Electric (UK), Canadian Marconi, RCA-Canada and Northern Electric (Canada), as well as Zenith, RCA and Philco in the USA well over 1000 complete sets were being produced per week, including dynamotor PSU, Variometer ATU and various Remote control and intercom units. Many dual-legend for being sent to Russia as part of the War lease agreements
| Type: | Transceiver, Two versions: 'A' set: HF, (there is also a 'B' set for VHF.) |
| Frequency range: | Mk.I: 2.5 - 6.25 MHz Mk.II & III: 2 - 8 MHz. |
| Ranges: | (Ground- wave) 10 miles on speech (AM) and about 20 miles on CW (Morse), between moving vehicles, using a simple 8-foot vertical antenna located on the top of the vehicle. The HP version could cover 50 miles between moving vehicles.
With Dipole or long wire antennae world-wide skips with the low power set are possible as many Hams proved in the late 1950s and even today. |
| Modes: | AM R/T, MCW, CW. |
| Tx output: | R/T 1-3 W; CW 3-5 W. (With High-Power kit up to 30 W) |
| Aerials: | vertical 8 - 16' rods; long wires. |
| Power supply: | 12V DC, 4 to 11A depending on Mk and mode. From lead-acid battery, charged by separate generator or vehicle generator. Then in the PSU a Dynamotor conversion from 12V dc to 500 V, 275 V dc HT and 12 V LT (Heater) |
| Major components: | Set containing A-set, and IC amp, power supply unit, variometer for aerial tuning, control unit for connecting headset/mic, carrier. |
| Circuitry: | The A-set uses 9 valves. The Rx is a standard single conversion superhet, with a 455KHz IF. The Tx uses a mixer system based on the Rx LO to ensure Tx and Rx are on the same frequency. The PA uses a control grid-modulated 807. |
| Variants: | Three different Mk. Versions, Mk I, (only with English), the Mk II & III, which has front panel markings in either only English, or both English and Russian, The Canadian developed Amplifier RF No.2, turned the set into a WS19HP, which gave it a welcome range boost, with about 10-30W output on R/T. |
The Canadian Marconi Company not only cured a lot of design errors made by Pye, but also made a lot of innovative accessories, including a high power amplifier in the summer of 1942, increasing output to about 30 watts.
The combination of No. 19 and High Power Amplifier was likely the predecessor to the larger Wireless Set No. 52 that was also made by Canadian Marconi Company.
The 19 Set was used extensively in the European theatre of war with notable contributions to the communications at the Dieppe Raid and Normandy Landings. For these landings, an innovative "Pram" two-wheeled handcart (No.1) was constructed and used to carry a No. 19 "Baby", and as well as nappies and milk, suddenly for the signaller spare valves and tubes ment also spares for the tyres… and four 170-ampere-hour batteries carefully balanced out on the cart, and a mast kit, provided for very effective communications on the beach head or after glider landings.
The design was such that two people could lift it (like a stretcher) to hump it over ditches and other obstacles, or carry it short distances. A later version also had the handles modified so that when necessary two people could carry it a lot further on their shoulders, yet still have their arms and hands free that the front man can work his rifle, and the rear man either a weapon, or the radio set.
Recently made available on the distribution service and/or Website
Keith recently added an revised overview of the contents of the datasheets, also we have added the First (Visual Signalling, General), and Third (Flags and Flag Waving) Datasheets, the second in the series Heliograph, already existed for some time.
Also we recently added the Q and Z codes… The entire list of these datasheets can be found in… http://www.royal-signals.org.uk/indexes/datasheets_index.htm
Hi Keith,
Congratulations on the Q & Z codes , I have not set eyes on them for over 45 years .
I was an OWL B2 n/s conscript, called up 1948 , went out to Malaya in the emergency, did 10 years in the T A , came out in 1960 with the rank of sergeant, loved it! and would do It all again!
I have only been in RSA for 2 years, next weekend, will be my 2nd year at Blandford, can't wait!
My wife is an associate member, I am a very close friend of Brian Streetly & his wife, we very often go out together as a foursome.
I don't have much of an input when it comes to sending e-mails on the signals site, but I do read all the messages.
Re Q Codes !! you missed one out !
Q S A Report my signals, answer 1 to 5, poor to very good
Keep up the good work!
John. (John Eggleton)
Petra's response to the "missing code": By 1967 "QSA" had been removed from the published code that I was taught on in 1972.
| Who, | BEBA (Beverley ex boys of 6th Boys training Regiment) |
| When, | 4th of October 2003. |
| Where | Ramada Jarvis hotel Watford. (Some folks may book for Friday to Sunday if they want). |
| Details: | Beverley Boys Web Site |
| and Contact details | The booking forms can be obtained from Tony Hull BEBA secretary. Tel: 01202 770261 See also following links for further details and photos, etc. |
If you are planning a reunion, please tell us "who, where, when and the relevant contact info".
Not involved in above, but maybe still interesting to the ex-Beverly boys is this site…? http://members.aol.com/beverleyboys/index.html Unfortunately the owner of the site can no longer be reached, the AOL address given now being defunct. So it is not sure how long this valuable info will continue to exist.
It does however have following pages of interest:
If you have any comments, inputs or events for this Newsletter, please Contact Brian, Keith or myself via the respective royal-signals.org.uk email addresses below.
Thank you (also to all our content contributors) , and until till next Month.
Petra
The Distribution and Archive Site
