5th Division Signals Company

20 Sep 1917. Laying cable near Hooge AWM E00859

Brief History

The 5th Division was formed at Tel el Kebir in February 1916 with the 8th, 14th and 15th Infantry Brigades. While the 1st and 2nd divisions went to France, the 5th Division built up numbers and trained wile protecting the Suez Canal. Moving to France in late Jun 1916, the least experienced Australian Division was soon the first into action at Fromelles. massive losses resulted, and it was some time before the Division was again battle ready. During 1917 they were involved in attacks on the Hindenburg Line and in the battles collectively known as Third Ypres.

In 1918 they participated in the halting of the German Spring Offensive and the participated in the Hundred Days which began with the defence of Viller-Bretonneux and the set piece battle for Hamel. On 5 Oct 1918 the 5th Division was withdrawn from the front line for a rest, and while they were preparing to reenter the line, the Armistice was signed before they could do so. Thirty four men lost their life while serving with this unit.

Division Signals Companies belonged to the the Royal Australian Engineers during World War One. Later, the Royal Australian Signals Corps was created. The Division Signals Company was tasked with providing communications from the Headquarters to those of subordinate formations. In the case of 5th Division, this meant the 8th (composite) 14th (NSW) and 15th (Vic) Brigades and Division units (Artillery, Engineers, Pioneers, MG Battalions and Services etc).

Unit Personnel

• Roslyn Christopher Coulston 25 Mar - 5 Aug 1918

Individual Honours

• 1 x Distinguished Service Order
• 6 x Military Cross
• 2 x Bar to Military Cross
• 2 x second Bar to Military Medal
• 5 x Distinguished Conduct Medal
• 48 x Military Medal
• 5 x Bar to Military Medal
• 11 x Meritorious Service Medal
• 20 x Mentioned in Despatches
• 1 x Belgium Croix de Guerre
• 1 x French Croix de Guerre