6th Airborne Divisional Signals

6th Airborne Divisional Signals was formed in May 1943 using a core of personnel from 1st Airborne Divisional Signals.

It was initially commanded by Lt Col ‘Pigmy’ Smallman-Tew, who had previously been second in command of (1st) Airborne Divisional Signals, and based at Beacon Barracks, Bulford, Wiltshire.

The unit was responsible for maintaining and operating communications links for 6th Airborne Division which included links between:

• Divisional HQ and brigade HQs under its command.
• Brigade HQs under command and their battalions.
• Divisional HQ and higher command.

It was also responsible for maintaining links with Allied air support, supporting artillery from outside of the division, and the divisional base in England.

Prior to Normandy the unit had an official establishment of 540 men which comprised a headquarters and three companies.

6th Airborne Divisional Signals supported the division throughout its campaigns in NW Europe during 1944-45, including Normandy, the Ardennes, the Rhine crossing and the advance to the Baltic.

The unit deployed with the division to Palestine in 1945.

It was redesignated as the 6th Airborne Divisional Signal Regiment in 1946 following a restructure of all Royal Corps of Signals units. Its companies and sections were also redesignated as squadrons and troops.

Commanding Officers

*Redesignated as 6th Airborne Divisional Signal Regiment during Lt Col Bradley's command

Compiled with the assistance of Bob Hilton.