15 Signal Regiment (United Kingdom)


The 15th Signal Regiment is one of four special signal regiments of the British Army's Royal Corps of Signals.

History

The regiment was originally formed before World War II during the expansion of British Army signals units. The unit provided communications for the island of Cyprus but was disbanded shortly after 1963. In 1992, following the Options for Change reforms, it was reformed to support HQ Northern Ireland and other units deployed during Operation Banner.

World War Period

Inter-war

Before World War II, the Egypt Signals unit was formed. It was tasked with providing communications and signals support for British Army units based in Egypt. Their area of responsibility was not limited to Egypt itself, but included the following areas: Mandatory Palestine, Sudan, and Cyprus. During this time, the unit was collectively known as Egypt Command Signals.

[World War II]

In 1940, the regiment was based in Cairo. Following Italy's entry in the war, the regiment's support ranged from providing signals and communications for units in Cyprus, Greece, Macedonia, the Balkans, and Eastern Africa.

[Cyprus]

Following the end of World War Two, the regiment was re-titled in 1946 as the 3rd General Headquarters Signal Regiment. In 1959, Middle East Command was dissolved and split into two new formations, namely, British Forces Suez Canal and British Forces Arabian Peninsula. As a result, the regiment was renamed as 15th Signal Regiment to better represent their new role.

[Cold War]

On 15 January 1965, the regiment was reformed in Aden. After this reform, the regiment was re-titled as 15th Signal Regiment.

Post-Cold War

The regiment was reformed for the third time at Thiepval Barracks in Lisburn, Northern Ireland in 1990 and was re-titled as 15th Signal Regiment.
After the Options for Change reforms, the regiment gained command of more signal squadrons. After the end of Operation Banner, the regiment was relocated to Blandford Forum in Dorsetshire.
According to a FOI Response, the regiment will fall under the command of 11th Signal Brigade and Headquarters West Midlands. The regiment is also due to relocate to Perham Down from Blandford Camp by 2025. The regiment's role is to provide "Specialist Technical Support" through information support. The regiment's current structure is as follows; 233 and 259 Squadrons have moved to 13th Signal Regiment.
The regiment under the reform is to re-organise and become a close support signals unit. The regiment will support the 12th Armoured Infantry Brigade by 2020.