Presentation to the Royal Signals Association

Royal School of Signals

Blandford Camp

2 July 2006

General Boyle, Ladies & Gentlemen

I am sorry that I am unable to attend this Ceremony in person and I have asked Peter Thomas to make this presentation on my behalf.

Sir,

As you well know over the past few years I have been trying to research and record the history of 260 Signal Squadron (SAM) with moderate success, thanks to the help of Peter Cuckow the staff at the Corps Museum and Tim Stankus the Corps Archivist who has been exceptionally helpful.

In recognition for their help and encouragement, I would like to make a personal presentation to the Royal Signals Association in the form of a small statuette of a B70 which I have had specially made and would be honoured if you would receive this gift on behalf of the Association..

When 260 Signal Squadron (SAM) disbanded in 1977 Scrolls, Medals, Pennants and some other artefacts which the Squadron had been so proud to own were donated to the Corps Museum. When I first took on the role of Squadron Webmaster in 2001 I visited the museum only to discover that the artefacts were not on display and no one seemed to know anything about them or indeed 260 Signal Squadron (SAM). Since that time I am pleased to say that the artefacts have been found and a B70 is now on permanent display in the Corps Museum.

During my first visit to the Museum I was so disappointed to discover that the achievements of our Squadron had largely gone unrecorded and what information had been published was inaccurate to say the least. I set myself a personal goal to do what I could to redress this and along the way perhaps I may have stepped on a few toes here and there.

When I first set out to research the history of our Squadron I was surprised to discover that the Squadron has is origins right here in Blandford. 260 Signal Squadron as it was known then was formed in 1962 as a 'Trials' unit and worked closely with the MOD Scientists at SRDE in Christchurch and on Salisbury Plain during the development of the CST 1+ 4 Multiplex Carrier Equipment which formed the backbone of what came to be known as the Radio Relay System.

Following 'The Trials' the Squadron was disbanded sometime around 1964 and three signal troops were formed to provide communications for the Army's medium range Thunderbird Surface to Air Guided Weapons System which was currently under development for the Royal Artillery. The three signal troops were formed at Llanion Barracks, Pembroke Dock in Wales and given the titles 653, 654 and 655 Signal Troop (SAGW). 653 Signal Troop (SAGW) was formed to provide communications for the two School's of Artillery at Manorbier and Larkhall and also for the live firing ranges at Anglesey in Wales.

In April 1968, 654 and 655 Signal Troops (SAGW) amalgamated at Horseshoe Barracks, Shoeburyness in Essex where the new unit was given the title 260 Signal Squadron (SAM). The Squadron was deployed to Napier Barracks Dortmund in Germany in 1971 with it's parent unit 36 Heavy Air Defence Regiment Royal Artillery to provide part of the Air Defence Shield for BAOR which stretched from Norway down through Europe to Turkey during the Cold War.

Prior to its deployment in BAOR the Squadron provided a small detachment in support of 5 Light Regiment Royal Artillery in Londonderry and in 1973 the Squadron was the first and I believe the only major minor unit of the Royal Corps of Signals to have asked its Officers and Men to set aside their trade and take on the role of Infantrymen to patrol the streets of Belfast in an internal security role.

In 1974 the Squadron formed an Affiliation with 8th Signal Battalion of the USA Signal Corps. This unit formed part of 8th Infantry Division and was based at Rose Barracks, Bad Kreznach in Germany.

In the years that followed, the Squadron was asked several times to provide small detachments in support of Royal Artillery units in Northern Ireland and on one occasion a Royal Signals Junior NCO commanded a Section made up of Gunners.

In 1976-77 the entire Squadron was once again deployed in an Infantry role and saw service in Portadown and Londonderry based at Mahon Barracks and at the Maze. During this tour a Section on patrol in Portadown witnessed an explosion when the roof of the Yachtsman Inn was blown off causing 53 casualties to a wedding party resulting in a nation-wide TV and Press coverage of the incident. Gloria Hunniford who incidentally was born in Portadown interviewed members of the Squadron. Sadly the next major incident the Squadron had to deal with was the shooting of an RUC Constable on duty at one of the barriers to Portadown Shopping Centre. The RUC Officer later died from his injuries.

During these difficult and dangerous tours of duty in Northern Ireland the Officers and Men of our Squadron displayed great courage and Esprit de Corps and in the light of my research does not appear to have gained true recognition for its achievements.

2007 marks the 30th Anniversary of the disbandment of 260 Signal Squadron (SAM) and I was delighted to hear the Corps has commissioned an author to write a book which will record the Corps contribution to OPERATION BANNER covering the period 1969 to 31 Jul 2007, the date on which OPERATION BANNER will officially cease. This is a fitting tribute not only to my Comrades in 260 Signal Squadron (SAM) but also to all Signallers who have served in the Province and the young Royal Signals recruits who were killed in the M62 Coach Bombing returning to Catterick after weekend leave in 1974.

I am proud to have served in the Royal Corps of Signals and I am forever grateful to Peter Cuckow for his letter which arrived out of the blue in 1999, twenty-two years after I left the Corps, inviting me to re-establish contact with the Corps Family. Since I became actively involved with the Royal Signals Association I have not only made contact with many old friends I have also established many new friendships. Friendships the like of which are rare in Civvy Street.

Archie Cairns

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