217 Signal Squadron (Army Group Royal Artillery (Anti Aircraft))

In May 1961 217 Signal Squadron (AGRA(AA)) was based at Laindon Camp, Basildon, Essex. The camp also housed 7 Army Group Royal Artillery HQ. The units role was to provide the communications required by the Army Group Royal Artillery . The main accent of the Squadrons communications was radio relay, supported by H.F. wireless. The unit also had a small line-laying commitment for locals and short tails

217 Signal Squadron was Commanded by Major W.G. Neilson and the Control Troop (Radio Relay) was commanded by Lieutenant G. Barrett. It was reported in the WIRE in October 1961 that the Squadron was sending a small Radio Relay Troop in support of 36 Guided Weapons Regiment Royal Artillery who were heading out to Germany to reinforce the British Army Of the Rhine as part of the British Government's response to the construction of the Berlin Wall. The Regiment was deployed to Sundern, Gutersloh which was later renamed Mansergh Barracks and after a short while the Regiment moved to Glamorgan Barracks Duisburg.

In 1965-6 some men from 217 Signal Squadron (AGRA(AA)) were posted to 653, 654 & 655 Signal Troops at Pembroke Dock where the SAGW Troops were being formed and equipped with the SR B70 Radio Relay System. After the formation and a period of equipment familiarisation 654 Signal Troop under the command of Capt Greatrix Royal Signals deployed to Glamorgan Barracks Duisburg in May 1966 to take over the specialist communications role for 36 Heavy AD Regiment RA from 217 Signal Squadron who had provided a small detachment to 36 Guided Weapons Regiment when the Regiment was deployed to Germany in 1961 with the Thunderbird Mk I.
 Chuck Sutcliffe   Camouflage & Concealment

Syd Wilson and Chuck Sutcliffe

Syd Wilson and Chuck Sutcliffe on exercise with 217, somewhere in the back of beyond.
Cutts Cunningham

Cuts Cunningham at Hubblerath Dusseldorf 217 Signal Squadron before he joined 654 Signal Troop (SAM)

 		 

Cutts Cunningham
Syd Wilson   Syd Wilson

Syd Wilson on exercise with 217,

Terry Syd Paddy Alex

Terry,Syd ,Paddy and Alex enjoying a few beers in the sun at Hubblerath (Dusseldorf)

  

Terry Syd Paddy Alex
 Tich Dryhurst & Brian Rivett   Tich Dryhurst & Brian Rivett

Titch Dryhurst and Brian Rivett outside the garages at Hubblerath (Dusseldorf)
217 Signal Squadron

A group of the lads from 217 out on a piss up in the NAAFI at Hubblerath.







 

Group Photo

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260 Signal Squadron (SAM) Royal Signals Association