1st Division Signals Company

'Linies' running a line to rear HQs. 28 Sep 1917 Westhoek, Belgium. AWM E00798

Vignacourt 1916 - 1918 Louis Thuiller photo (ammended) AWM P1055.662

Brief History

Division Signals Companies belonged to the the Royal Australian Engineers during WW 1. Later, the Royal Australian Signals Corps was created.

The Division Signals Company's role was to provide communications from Divisional Headquarters to those of subordinate formations. In the case of 1 Division, this meant the 1st (NSW) 2nd (Vic) and 3rd (outer states) Brigades and Division units (Artillery, Engineers, Pioneers, MG Battalions and Services etc). This would be by a combination of telephone (requiring the laying of line) and limited radio towards the end of WW1.

At various times homing pigeons and motorcycle despatch riders were also used. Line was buried where possible, but it would often be cut or broken by artillery fire. Then it would have to be surface laid to maintain communications. Laying line was one of the most hazardous jobs in the front line. The "Linies" had to move above ground carrying a reel of wire. They could often be the only moving thing on the battlefield and thus attracted fire - both small arms and even artillery fire. Hence the task was often performed at night, with the added risk of getting disorientated on the battlefield. The "linies" also had the unenviable task of locating and repairing breaks in the line.

When radio began to appear, signallers would have to erect antennas / aerials, often exposing themselves to enemy observation and fire in the process. As antennas are invariably associated with Headquarters they would also attract the unwelcome attention of enemy artillery Forward Observers unless concealed. Fifty two men lost their lives while posted to this unit.

Unit Personnel

• Thomas Hughie Culbertson ?? Sep 1917 - 24 Apr 1919

Individual Honours

• 2 x Distinguished Service Order
• 1 x Office of the Order of the British Empire
• 5 x Military Cross
• 2 x Bar to Military Cross
• 5 x Distinguished Conduct Medal
• 72 x Military Medal
• 1 x Bar to Military Medal
• 11 x Meritorious Service Medal
• 20 x mentioned in Dspatches
• 2 x Belgium Croix de Guerre
• 1 x French Medaille Militaire