CORPS BADGE (click on badge for larger image)
The present Corps Badge, approved in 1946, is described as: "The figure of
Mercury on a globe, the latter supported above by a scroll bearing the motto 'Certa
Cito', and a boomerang below bearing the inscription 'Australia'. The whole is
surmounted by a crown, detached. Mercury and the globe are in sliver; the
remainder gilt. Mercury faces his right."
CORPS MOTTO
The Corps motto is 'Certa Cito' and is translated as 'Swift and Sure',
signifying the aim of the signal service - that communications be carried out
with maximum speed and certainty.
CORPS COLOURS
Tactical (White over Blue) - White symbolises the ribbons wound on the Caduceus
of the God Hermes and the Blue representing the Royal Colours.
Domestic (Light Blue over Dark Blue over Dark Green) - Representing the three
media of communications, the air, the sea and the land.
CORPS DAY
On the 10th November 1948, His Majesty King George VI conferred the title
"Royal" on the Australian Corps of Signals. The day is recognised a "Corps Day",
and commemorative functions are held as near as possible to 10th November each
year.
Brief History of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals
Australia has the unique distinction of having had the first regularly formed
signal unit in the British Empire. In 1869 there existed, in New South Wales and
Victoria small "torpedo and signals corps". These continued until 1882, when they
were disbanded. In 1885 a "signalling corps", composed of 1 officer and 12 other
ranks, existed in South Australia and remained active until 1901.
Before the advent of self-contained signals units, the complement of signallers
was on a regimental basis, each unit having on its establishment a proportion of
regimental signallers. Great attention was paid to the training of these
personnel; prizes and badges being awarded to those qualifying at what was known
as a "signalling school". Instruction was imparted by a staff officer designated
"Inspector of Signalling". After the inception of the Commonwealth Forces, an
"Australian Corps of Signallers" was formed on 12th January, 1906. This Corps
remained as a self contained unit, until the introduction of universal training
in 1911, when it was merged with Australian Engineers.
In 1912, signals troops and companies formed portion of the Corps of Australian
Engineers and served as such throughtout World War 1. These units had such names
as "15th Engr Sig Tp (Engrs)" and "23rd Engr Sig Coy (Engrs)". These
designations were retained until 1916, when the term (AE) was substituted for (Engrs)
in the title.
With the introduction of the divisional organisation in 1921, the terms "Cav Div
Sigs" and "Div Sigs" appeared for the first time. Coinciding with this change of
nomenclature, all Signals units were separated from the Australian Corps of
Engineers. On the 1st January 1925, the Australian Corps of Signals was formed.
Thus began the evolution of the Australian Corps of Signals which reached a
total strength of 24,000 men during the Second World War.
On 10th November 1948, His Majesty King George VI conferred the title "Royal" on
the Australian Corps of Signals. Since then, members of the Corps have served
with distinction in all operational areas in which Australian troops have been
involved - Korea, Malaya, Borneo, South Vietnam, Cambodia, Timor and the Middle
East.
The Corps now has a regular peacetime strength of some 300 Officers and 2,300
Other Ranks. Its members are to be found in many parts of the world and in all
States of Australia
The Princess Anne Banner
On 10 September 1980, approval was given by Her
Royal Highness, Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, LG, GCVO, the RASigs
Colonel-in-Chief, for the Corps to carry a banner bearing her Cipher. The banner
is known as "The Princess Anne Banner"
Note the Cypher , a stylised "A"
on what would be the top left hand corner were the flag flying.
The banner and its accoutrements consist of the
following: - the banner, an English Bely, tassel, crown, pike, two SLR rifles,
two chromed bayonets, two scabbards, two swords, and two white leather belts.
CORPS MARCH
Begone Dull Care - see music
section to play
CORPS PRAY
"Almighty God, You communicate your truth to us in every age, giving light and
understanding to our human condition.
Grant that we, the members of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, may be open
to receive Your word so that our lives will communicate Your truth.
Sharpen our skills that we may faithfully transmit the messages entrusted to us.
We offer ourselves to serve You and our country, and to promote peace in our
world, through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN."
