Berkshire Yeomanry

94 (Berkshire Yeomanry) Signal Squadron recently became a member of 39 (Skinners) Signal Regiment. They are based in three locations in the Home Counties. The Headquarters of the Squadron is based in Windsor along with 908 troop and a support troop. They have 885 troop in Reading, Berkshire and 886 troop in Chertsey, Surrey.

History

The Berkshire Yeomanry is the County of Berkshire's senior volunteer unit with over 200 years of voluntary military service. Originally formed as mounted cavalry in 1794 to counter the threat of invasion during the Napoleonic Wars, the squadron, which has seen service as machine gunners, artillery, armour, infantry and now signallers, serves within the Royal Corps of Signals.

The Berkshire Yeomanry has a number of battle honours won from Europe to the Far East, including a Victoria Cross won by Private Frederick Potts in the Gallipoli operation In recognition of its service, the Berkshire Yeomanry was granted the freedom of the Royal Borough of Windsor in 1994 on its 200th anniversary.

The Role of the Squadron

Today the squadron is a Territorial Army squadron of the Royal Corps of Signals, serving within both of the Royal Corps of Signals UK Brigades, at home and abroad.

Overseas, the squadron supports NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC), providing essential Combat Net Radio communications for the ARRC or international coalition force ensuring that vital orders get passed around the battlefield. This is a unique Territorial Army role for which 94 (Berkshire Yeomanry) Signal Squadron was especially selected.

Such a role means that Berkshire Yeomanry soldiers train at home in the UK, but can also be found detached for short periods to locations as far away as the Balkans, Canada, the United States, and Iraq or Afghanistan.

Recently the Berkshire Yeomanry began training on the Bowman communications system, which they will begin to use from 2008. Bowman will replace their aging Clansman radio equipment.

ee also

*Territorial Army
*Royal Corps of Signals
*Yeomanry

References

* [http://www2.army.mod.uk/royalsignals/94sigsqn.htm Official British Army page about 94 (Berkshire Yeomanry) Signal Squadron]