The Royal Corps of Signals was created in 1920 and established in Malta during 1923. Since its founding, the Corps has been a leader in the development of communications and its use in war and peace operations. The Corps's role is to be in the forefront in the installation and operation of communications equipment. In our modern day and age, the Corps uses cutting-edge information technology and telecommunications systems.
During its existence, members of the corps served in major operational theatres war. Their role was most important in the maintenance of cables and telephone lines and this was done in many cases under enemy fire.
The Malta Signal Section
In 1935, the Malta Signal Section was the representative body of the Royal Corps of Signals in Malta. This Section consisted of a small number of British troops assisted by a local civilian "gang".
Hostilities in Abyssinia in 1935 found the defences of Malta inadequate and steps were taken to remedy this state of affairs and the Signal Section was reinforced.
The Signals found themselves working daily from dawn till dusk fulfilling the heavy new commitments now placed upon them. More and more permanent lines went up and more buried cable went down.
The main priority of the Corps was one sole objective; that of making Malta impregnable, especially at a time when the radar was giving Britain an edge over other countries.
As part of the project, a Cable Scheme was launched where everything had to go underground; maps, charts and diagrams and so on. The order of the day was to have the best in communications on Malta. This resulted in a high standard of communications on the island.
The good system of communications was pulled apart for overhauling and the Cable Scheme went on as new trenches were dug, new charts, new plans and diagrams took shape. The island became "cable-minded". New diggings, maps with little coloured flags were introduced to show the progress of the scheme, courses in cable jointed were launched and in due course the changeover began and the permanent line routes were cleared.
Left: Post-war Conditions of Service, pay, allowances, etc., booklet for Malta Signals. A high standard of education, ability to speak English were important requisites for selection in the Royal Signals. Right: ‘Jimmy’, the magazine of the Royal Corps of Signals in the Middle East)(Christmas 1942)
Hostilities commence
This period of tranquillity and preparation did not last for very long as war clouds hovered. During September 1939, Malta was at stand-by as the island stood and waited. It was becoming more advisable to move Signals to a Central H.Q.
As hostilities approached the work of the defences of the island proceeded with re-doubled vigour. Pressure on signals became more and more intense. More equipment, new exchanges and more and more buried cable was necessary.
As the flood gates of war opened in June 1940, the Italians, who until then had contented themselves with delivering mail to the island, now had a cargo of a vastly different order. Bombers appeared over Mala as bombing raids became to Malta part and parcel of the daily routine.
Staff requirements
As infantry arrived in Malta, came wireless and with it, extensive "W/T (wire and telegraph) Surveys" of the island schemes, practices, tryouts and experiments. Wireless sets were placed well underground.
Sets arrived in numbers, but without the operators to man them. So, it was decided that staff be transferred from other sources. Training commenced on the spot as schools were set up.
By the end of 1942, several hundred Maltese were employed on various administrative and Signal duties divided in four categories:
- Maltese (other ranks)
- Maltese recruits in training
- Men of the Malta Auxiliary Corps (clerks, drivers of Signals vehicles, Army Post Office and in Unit H.Qs)
- Civilians (the civilian linemen, known as "gang" performed a fine job of work. A Jointers Gang was formed and performed invaluable work during the Malta Blitz
Operations overseas
In 1943, Malta moved from a defensive position to an attack-oriented one; on 4 April 1943, 10 officers and 86 men from the Buffs, Cheshire, Royal West Kents, Royal Irish Fusiliers, Durham Light Infantry and the Royal Corps of Signals, left Malta in secrecy on naval craft to capture the Kerkenna Islands near Sousse. The Islands were taken without opposition as the Italians had evacuated their garrison two days earlier.
Disbandment
According to the 234 Signal Squadron Malta, Facebook page, in 1947, the Malta Command Signals became Malta Signal Squadron and in 1949 the first locally enlisted personnel joined the unit. On 1 September 1959, it became 234 Signal Squadron (Malta), and it continued to provide communications for all three services in Malta as well as HQ Malta and Libya, until it was disbanded on 1 April 1979. A troposcatter was built at Gozo.
Roll of Honour
- Walter Childs - Driver (1944)
- Richard Mifsud - Signalman (1942)
- Edward Page - Lance Corporal (1941)
- John Ernest Saunders - Signalman (1940)
- Albert Ward - Signalman (1941)