Signals Units

Stephen Nulty · 25-01-2008, 04:07 PM

A colleague has a small plaque (purpose unknown) on which is inscribed "I H Thomas, H Section, 55th Div. Signals". It was found in Prescot, Lancashire, and I am wondering if anybody can advise whether that unit might have been based in Prescot at any time, but more importantly, who were they and what did they do?

Many thanks in anticipation

Stephen Nulty

Rich Payne · 25-01-2008, 04:41 PM

Do you have a date for the plaque ? During WW2, 55th (West Lancashire) Division were deployed only in UK. Many of the component Battalions were from the NW. They were a pre-war Territorial Division and the item could relate to that period if it's not dated.

It is difficult to say what the plaque was awarded for. Are there no clues ? I would suspect some sort of Inter-Divisional or Command competition. Could be anything from shooting to sport.

The 1930s was a period of underfunding for the army, during which time much effort was made to raise morale with this sort of inter Battalion / Division / Command competition.

All we can really tell is that the winner belonged to the Divisional Signals but the trophy may not be related to signals work.

Noel Burgess · 25-01-2008, 06:56 PM

Just to add to Rich's reply - 55 Div were an Infantry Division; H section of Divisional Signals would provide Signals for the Divisional Commander, Royal Artillery and his staff. But this does not help to identify the reason for the plaque
Noel

Stephen Nulty · 01-02-2008, 01:48 PM

Rich/Noel

Apologies for the delay in replying, but many thanks for the information.

Next time I see him, I'll try to get more details.

SN

25-01-2008, 04:07 PM	#1 (permalink)
Stephen Nulty Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Warrington, Cheshire Posts: 13	Signals Units A colleague has a small plaque (purpose unknown) on which is inscribed "I H Thomas, H Section, 55th Div. Signals". It was found in Prescot, Lancashire, and I am wondering if anybody can advise whether that unit might have been based in Prescot at any time, but more importantly, who were they and what did they do? Many thanks in anticipation Stephen Nulty

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25-01-2008, 04:41 PM	#2 (permalink)
Rich Payne Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 737	Do you have a date for the plaque ? During WW2, 55th (West Lancashire) Division were deployed only in UK. Many of the component Battalions were from the NW. They were a pre-war Territorial Division and the item could relate to that period if it's not dated. It is difficult to say what the plaque was awarded for. Are there no clues ? I would suspect some sort of Inter-Divisional or Command competition. Could be anything from shooting to sport. The 1930s was a period of underfunding for the army, during which time much effort was made to raise morale with this sort of inter Battalion / Division / Command competition. All we can really tell is that the winner belonged to the Divisional Signals but the trophy may not be related to signals work.

25-01-2008, 06:56 PM	#3 (permalink)
Noel Burgess Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 9	Just to add to Rich's reply - 55 Div were an Infantry Division; H section of Divisional Signals would provide Signals for the Divisional Commander, Royal Artillery and his staff. But this does not help to identify the reason for the plaque Noel

01-02-2008, 01:48 PM	#4 (permalink)
Stephen Nulty Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Warrington, Cheshire Posts: 13	Rich/Noel Apologies for the delay in replying, but many thanks for the information. Next time I see him, I'll try to get more details. SN

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