Arm of service strips Royal Corps of Signals

Before the Second World War, Royal Signals recruits were required to be at least 5 feet 2 inches tall. They initially enlisted for eight years with the colours and a further four years with the reserve. They trained at the Signal Training Centre at Catterick Camp. All personnel were taught to ride

Throughout the Second World War (1939–45), members of the Royal Corps of Signals had served in every theatre of war. By the end of the war the strength of the Corps was 8,518 officers and 142,472 other ranks. In one famous episode, Corporal Thomas Waters of the 5th Parachute Brigade Signal Section was awarded the Military Medal for laying and maintaining the field telephone line under heavy enemy fire across the Caen Canal Bridge during the Allied invasion of Normandy in June 1944.