201. The Colonel-in-Chief is a traditional appointment that stems from the days of old when a Lord of the land would raise and maintain a force of troops in the service of the sovereign.

202. In June 1937, Her Royal Highness the Princess Mary, The Princess Royal, Cl, GCVO, GBE, TD, DCL, LLD, became the first Colonel-In-Chief of the Australian Signal Corps when, with the of His Majesty King George V, she accepted the appointment of Colonel-in-Chief. In 1965 Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal passed away.

203. To commemorate the memory of our Colonel-in-Chief a special slow march was composed by Royal Signals Director of Music. The slow march is called 'Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal'.

204. Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, GCVO, was appointed the second Colonel-Len-Chief, Royal Australian Corps of Signals on 11th June 1977, after the position had been vacant for some twelve years. On the 13th June 1987, Princess Anne was granted the title of The Princess Royal. She is the current Colonel-in-Chief

Today

205 The Commanding Officer, School of Signals, is responsible for the safekeeping of the following mementos:

a. Princess Royal Salver. RA Sigs is affiliated with the British Army Royal Corps of Signals or the under Royal Warrant of 5th August 1920. At the conclusion of the Second World War, 1939-45, Her Royal Highness, The Princess Mary, The Princess Royal, on behalf of the Royal Corps of Signals presented to a representative of the Australian Corps of Signals (then Major K.R. Colwill), a silver salver, as a memento of the splendid co-operation that has existed between the Royal Corps of Signals and the Australian Corps of Signals throughout the Second World War 1939-1945.

b. The Princess Royal Trophy. The Princess Royal Trophy (a solid silver statuette of 'Jimmy' on a wooden base) was presented to the Australian Corps of Signals in 1939. It was used as a trophy for a competition between Signal Corps units until 1967.

c. The Princess Royal Clock. The Princess Royal Clock was presented to the Colonel-in Chief Royal Australian Corps of Signals, Her Royal Highness Princess Mary, the Princess Royal, in 1951, on behalf of the Corps by COL A D Molloy. Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal graciously entrusted the clock to the care of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals. For many years the clock was on display and in use in the office of the Chief Instructor School of Signals. It was the responsibility of the School of Signals Duty officer to wind the clock daily. After a short time on display in the Corps Museum the clock now has prominence in the office of the Director of Signals Army.

206. The above mementos now form part of Corps Property and are held for safekeeping in the Corps Officers Mess and Directorate of Signals - Army.

Toast to Our Colonel-in-Chief

207. See Corps Memorandum No 11 for details on drinking a toast to her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal.

Communications to Our Colonel-in-Chief

208. All communications to Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal from the Royal Australian Corps of Signals must be cleared by the Director of Signals - Army and despatched from the Directorate. This applies even when the Representative Colonel Commandant is the nominated originator. In practice, standard greetings messages are originated by the Directorate in the name of the Representative Colonel Commandant.

Greetings to Our Colonel-in-Chief

209. Individual units or branches of the RA Sigs Association will not send greeting messages to Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, unless it is a special or unique occasion and then only with the prior concurrence of the Director of Signals - Army.

210. Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, has graciously intimated that when greetings are sent to her on the occasion of annual gatherings, such as the Corps Dinner, they should be sent to Buckingham Palace. From there they will be redirected, if necessary. Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, also wishes these greetings to be sent by post in telegraphic form to reach her at least a week in advance, so a reply may be sent in time to be read out at the dinner or gathering concerned.

211. The following forms of telegraphic message are suitable for sending greetings to Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal:

a. Corps Dinner (10th November)

'For Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal. Representative Colonel Commandant
and Officers of your Corps at their annual dinner at _________on ________
send their loyal and humble greetings to your Royal Highness'.

b. Her Royal Highness' Birthday. (15 August)

'For Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal.
All ranks of your Corps send you loyal and affectionate birthday greetings.

Representative Colonel Commandant
Royal Australian Corps of Signals'.

Christmas Cards to our Colonel-in-Chief

211. A Christmas card on behalf of all ranks of her Corps will be sent to her Royal Highness. The Princess Royal, by the Director of Signals - Army. The costs of production of the card and its dispatch will be borne by the RA Sigs General Purpose fund.

212. A personal card may also be sent to her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, by the Representative Colonel Commandant.

Photographs

213. Requests for signed portraits are to be submitted to the Director of Signals - Army. Approved submissions will be sent to Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, by the Director of Signals - Army.

CORPS MEMORANDA NO 3

CORPS APPOINTMENTS

General

301. The senior corps appointments include the Director of Signals - Army, the Representative Colonel Commandant and the Colonels Commandant for each Defence Region.

Representative Colonel Commandant

302. A Representative Colonel Commandant will be nominated annually from among the Colonels Commandant, in accordance with the Manual of Personnel Administration. A list of past and present Representative Colonels Commandant is attached as Annex A.

Colonels Commandant

303. Colonels Commandant of RA Sigs are to be appointed and are to function in accordance with instructions contained in the Manual of Personnel Administration. A list of past and present Colonels Commandant of the Corps is attached as Annex B.

Directors of the Corps

304. The title of the senior RA Sigs appointment in the Corps has been altered to meet the re-organisation of the Army and increased roles of the Corps. At various times the title has been:

a. Staff Officer (Communications) Army Headquarters,

b. Signals Officer in Chief,

c. Director of Signals - Army,

d. Director of Communications - Army, and

e. Director of Signals - Army.

305. A list of the names of the RA Sigs Officers who have served in the appointments shown above is attached as Annex C.

Corps Regimental Sergeant Major

306. The position of the Corps Regimental Sergeant Major was established on 7 Jan 1993. The role of the Corps RSM is to provide the senior-most officer in the Corps with a conduit to the soldiers not encumbered by the staff process. The Corps RSM also provides a direct link between senior officers in the Corps and the soldiers at all levels. Through him, senior soldiers in the Corps can contribute, from their experience, to the development of Corps policy. He also provides one of the paths for the presentation of Corps views to the RSM-A. A list of the names of Sergeant Majors who have served as Corps RSM is attached as Annex D.

ANNEX A TO
CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 3
 

REPRESENTATIVE COLONELS COMMANDANT OF RA SIGS

ANNEX B TO
CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 3

COLONELS COMMANDANT OF RA SIGS

ANNEX C TO
CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 3

DIRECTORS OF THE CORPS

Staff Officer (Communications) Army Headquarters

Signal Officer in Chief

Director of Signals

Director of Communications

Director of Signals - Army

ANNEX D TO
CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 3

CORPS Regimental Sergeant Majors

CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 4

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER CORPS

401. RA Sigs is affiliated with the Royal Corps of Signals of the British Army under a Royal ant dated the 5th August 1920. At the conclusion of the Second World War 1939-1945, Her Highness, The Princess Mary, The Princess Royal, on behalf of the Royal Corps of Signals presented to a representative of the Australian Corps of Signals a silver salver, 'as a memento of the cooperation that has existed between the Royal Signals and the Australian Corps of Signals throughout the Second World War 1939-1945'.

Exchange of Greetings with Other Signal Corps

402. The Director of Signals - Army on behalf of the Corps, exchanges greetings with the Commonwealth and US Signal Corps on appropriate occasions such as Corps Days, anniversaries and special occasions.

403. Occasions for Exchange of Greetings with other Signal Corps are:

a. 24 Mar - RNZ Signal Corps Day,

b. 21 Jun - USA Signal Corps (formed 1860),

C. 28 Jun - Royal Signals Corps Day (formed 1920, known as Princess Royal Day),

d. 1 Oct - US Army Signal Center (established 1919),

e. 24 Oct - Anniversary of the founding of Signals in Canada in 1903,

f. 15 Nov - Royal Malaysian Signal Corps Birthday (1 952), and

g. 2 Dec - Fort Gordon USA (established 1941), and

404. In addition to the exchange of greetings with other Signal Corps, the Director of Signals Army, on behalf of the Representative Colonel Commandant and all ranks RA Sigs, can convey birthday greetings to the Colonel-in-Chief, Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, Princess Anne to celebrate her birthday on 15 August.

Exchange of Toasts Between the Signal Corps of the Commonwealth and the United States of America

405. Royal Signals has proposed that Commonwealth Signal Corps should drink a toast annually, on ,or near Remembrance Day to the Signal Corps of the Commonwealth, thus perpetuating the close association between the various Corps during two World Wars. RA Sigs have agreed to the toast including the Signal Corps of the United States of America.

406. It is suggested that Defence Regions and the Corps Messes should include this toast in ceremonies conducted annually to mark RA Sigs Corps Day on or about 10 Nov.

407. See Corps Memorandum No 11 for procedures on proposing the relevant corps toasts.

CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 5

THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN CORPS OF SIGNALS
CORPS COMMITTEE - CONSTITUTION

501. The name of the Committee shall be "The Royal Australian Corps of Signals Committee", hereinafter known as the "Corps Committee". The Corps Committee advises the Director of Signals - Army on the domestic affairs of the Regular and Reserve components of the Corps and controls all domestic finances.

502. The Corps Committee may deal with any Corps domestic policy referred to it for consideration, will, if appropriate, obtain the view of any Defence Region sub-committee before completing action. It may make recommendation through the Director of Signals - Army, to the Department of defence (Army Office) on matters of Corps domestic policy.

503. The purpose of the Corps Committee is to:

a. Administer all Corps assets held in the Corps Property Account, for the benefit of the Corps as a whole, ensuring that they are maintained in good order and working condition.

b. Foster the 'esprit de Corps' and traditions of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals.

C. Carry out such other functions as may be approved by regular meeting of the Committee, from time to time.

Committee Composition

Membership

504. The Corps Committee is composed of.

a. Chairman - The Representative Colonel Commandant, The Royal Australian Corps of Signals.

b. Vice-Chairman - Director of Signals - Army.

c. Members

• The Colonels Commandant.
• The Commanding Officer of the School of Signals.
• An Australian Army Reserve representative of the rank of major or higher. - The Corps RSM.

d. Treasurer - An officer of the Directorate of Signals - Army, appointed by the Director of Signals - Army.

e. Secretary - An officer of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals appointed by the Director of Signals - Army.

Co-opted Members - The Committee may co-opt any member of the Corps, in writing, for special duties from time to time.

505. The Australian Army Reserve representative will be nominated by the Director of Signals - Army, in consultation with the Representative Colonel Commandant.

506. The recording of the proceedings of a Corps Committee meeting is to be performed by an officer(s) nominated by the Director of Signals - Army.

Office Bearers

507. The Representative Colonel Commandant, being appointed to assist the Head of Corps in the co-ordination of the functions of the Colonels Commandant of the Corps, shall act as Chairman of the Corps Committee.

508. The Chairman shall authorise the conduct of the normal affairs of the Committee, including the convening of meetings.

509. The Director of Signals - Army, as head of Corps, shall be responsible for the implementation of any course of action recommended to him by the Corps Committee.

510. The Secretary shall be responsible for the conduct of the routine affairs of the Committee, acting under the authority of the Chairman and of the Director of Signals - Army and within the policies approved by the Committee.

511. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the maintenance of accounts over which the Committee exercises policy control.

MEETINGS

Quorum

512. A quorum is deemed to be constituted by the attendance of at least three Colonels Commandant and the Director of Signals - Army or his representative. In the absence of the Representative Colonel Commandant the Director or his representative is to act as chairman.

513. Matters arising at any meeting of the Committee shall be decided by a majority of votes of those present and shall represent a decision of the entire Committee.

514. In cases of equity of votes, the person presiding over the meeting shall have a second or casting vote.

Annual Meetings

515. The Corps Committee should meet at least annually

516. Notification to Committee members of the time, date and location of the meeting is to be given
The outline agenda is to be despatched to all Committee members by the Secretary or Treasurer at least 1 month before the meeting.

517. Copies of all papers relevant to the meeting shall be issued by the Secretary of the Corps Committee 14 days in advance to.

a. all members of the Committee,

b. officers invited to attend meetings, and

c. the SO COMMS of each Defence Region.

Extraordinary Meetings

518. Should the Chairman or Vice Chairman consider a matter sufficiently urgent, or if consideration he matter at the next annual meeting would impose unreasonable delay, then an extraordinary -netting may be convened.

519. The Secretary or Treasurer is to notify each Committee member seven days prior to the convening of the meeting.

Agenda

520. Subjects for consideration by the Corps Committee may be submitted by any member of the Corps or by a committee, association or body recognised by the Corps Committee.

521. Proposed items shall be submitted in writing together with a position paper setting out the Background, the purpose and other relevant aspects of the matter, including a recommended course of action.

522. Proposed items are to be submitted three months in advance through normal Service channels to the Director of Signals - Army, who shall decide whether it is appropriate for the matter to be referred to the Corps Committee.

Minutes

523. Minutes are to be recorded and prepared by the Secretary for forwarding to the Representative Colonel Commandant for his clearance and signature within 30 days following the meeting. A copy of the final minutes is to be forwarded as soon as practicable thereafter to each committee member.

Out-of-Session Business

524. If a matter is deemed to be sufficiently urgent, or if consideration of the matter at the next ordinary meeting of the Committee would impose an unacceptable delay, and if the convening of an
extraordinary meeting is not considered warranted, then the matter may be submitted to all members of the Committee for out-of-session consideration.

525. Any matter referred to the Committee out-of-session shall be accompanied by a suitably detailed explanation of the case and by the Representative Colonel Commandant's recommendation in the matter.

526. Such business is to be listed for confirmation at the next meeting of the Committee.

527. Notwithstanding the period of time that shall elapse between the out-of-session decision and the next Conunittee meeting the decision shall be valid and binding until ratified by the full Committee. In the event that the decision is not confirmed or is otherwise rejected at the next Committee meeting, the out-of-session decision shall be of no force or effect from the date of the meeting at which it was not confirmed or otherwise rejected.

Corps Memoranda

528. The Corps Committee's agreed policy and rules appertaining to Corps domestic matters and other matters of enduring interest to the Corps shall be promulgated by means of Corps Memoranda.

529. Corps Memoranda shall be issued by the Director of Signals - Army on behalf of the Corps
Committee.

Decision

530. The decisions of any meeting of the Corps Committee shall be final and shall remain in force
until varied, amended or annulled at a subsequent meeting.

SUB COMMITTEES

531. The following sub-committees may be formed:

a. Defence Region sub-committees,

b. a Corps Museum sub-committee,

c. a Corps History sub-committee, and

d. special purpose sub-committees as necessary.

532. Sub-Committees are to report in writing as directed, but not less than annually, to the Corps Committee for discussion at each annual meeting.

533. Sub-Committees are to operate within the guidelines of the MPA and are to be responsive to directions given in writing by the Corps Committee from time to time.

Defence Region Sub-Committees

534. A sub-committee may, at the discretion of the Corps Committee, be formed in each Defence region to deal with the administration of Corps domestic matters in that region. It may also be called upon to deal with such matters as are referred to it by the Corps Committee. Matters of general Corps domestic policy are to be referred to the Corps Committee.

535. Each sub-committee will normally include the Colonel Commandant as Chairman, the staff officer (Communications) of the region, senior representatives of each RA Sigs ARA and GRES unit and association representatives. The Colonel Commandant, at his discretion, may invite others to assist in a sub-committee's deliberations.

Corps Museum Sub-Committee

536. The composition and responsibilities of this subcommittee are contained in Corps Memorandum No 15.

Special Purpose Sub-Committee

537. The composition and Terms of Reference of special purpose sub-committees will be determined by the Corps Committee as required and promulgated by the Director of Signals - Army.

FINANCE

538. The Corps Committee exercises policy control over the Royal Australian Corps of Signals General Purpose Fund, hereinafter referred to as the 'Corps General Purpose Fund'.

539. The detailed administration of this fund may be delegated at the discretion of the Corps Committee, generally to the Director of Signals - Army.

540. 'Policy control' means the power to decide the purposes for which the moneys of the Corps are expended. Any individual items of expenditure, excepting Corps Shop stock, of $500 or more shall be subject to the prior approval of the Corps Committee.

Documentation

541. In accordance with current instructions, the following books, ledgers and documents of account are to be maintained by the Treasurer of the Corps Committee.

a. Cash Book,

b. Receipt Book,

c. Cheque Book,

d. Bank Statements,

f. Purchase Voucher folios, and

e. Current and Previous Balance Sheets.

Signatories

542. A minimum of two signatories are to operate the account. The signatories of the General Purpose funds and any Investment Account are to be the Treasurer and the Director of Signals - Army, or an officer(s) of the Directorate of Signals - Army appointed in writing by the Director.

Financial Year

543. The financial year for the Committee will be from 1 October until 30 September.

Balance Sheet

544. The Treasurer is to prepare a Balance Sheet, showing the financial state of the General Purpose Fund as at 30 September. The audited Balance Sheet is to be presented by the Treasurer to members of the Corps Committee at the annual meeting.

Audit

545. The Balance Sheet is to be audited annually by an officer who is not a member of the Committee and who is appointed by the Director of Signals - Army.

Income

546. Income of the Corps funds may be derived from the following sources.

a. the subscriptions of officers and WO/SNCO based on a percentage of their
"on-promotion" daily rate of military salary. Subscriptions are to be called for by the Director of Signals - Army each March. The rate is to be determined by the Corps Committee with the concurrence of the Director of Signals - Army.'

b. profits accruing from the sale of goods such as Corps clothing and accessories, stationery and the like from the Corps Shop.'

C. the proceeds of sale of Corps property authorised by the Corps Committee,

d. gifts, bequests or grants made to the Corps with the approval of the Corps Committee', and

e. any other source that may be approved by the Corps Committee.

Expenditure

547. Expenditure from the General Purpose fund must be in accordance with current instructions. Any individual item of expenditure, excepting Corps shop stock, of $500 or more, shall be subject to prior approval of the Corps Committee. Approval for expenditure on items below $500 is vested with the Director of Signals - Army.

Defence Regions SO Comms

548. A cash advance of $200 is to be issued to each Defence Region SO COMMS to be used for the following purposes:

a. purchase of Corps stationery for use in Corps matters;

b. undertaking minor printing tasks;

C. purchase of wreaths;

d. entertainment of official visitors from other States and overseas, eg Colonels Commandant; and

e. such Corps activities that require cash payment in advance (such advances are to be recovered from the normal financial arrangements made in connection with the activity).

549. The authorisation of expenditure from the advance will be strictly in accordance with the conditions laid down in Annex A.

RA Sigs Museum.

550. An advance of $100 Petty Cash is to be allocated to the Chairman of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals Museum Sub-Committee for authorised purchases. Any expenditure is to be acquitted through the Corps General Purpose Fund Account.

Investments

551. Any investment of funds must be in accordance with current instructions (MPA Vol 3 Chap 1 Para 100) and as determined by the Corps Committee.

Disposal of Funds on Disbandment

552 Prior to dissolution or in consequence of an organisational instruction, the Corps Committee, the concurrence of the Director of Signals - Army, is to determine in writing the method for disposal of surplus funds (including invested funds) from the General Purpose Fund Account. The Corps Committee may delegate this responsibility to the Trustees. (See Paras 565 to 567).

PROPERTY

Definitions

553. The following definitions are established by this Memorandum

a. 'Corps Property' is all property that has been presented to the Corps or purchased from the Corps Fund.

b. 'Mess Property' is all property bought by or presented to a Mess. Such property will remain Mess property as long as the Mess is in being.

c 'Unit Property' is all property bought by or presented to a unit. Such property will remain unit property as long as the unit is in being.

d. 'Corps Mess Property' is all property that has been presented to the RA Sigs Officers and Sergeants Messes in their capacity of Corps messes, as distinct from that of area messes.

e. Any item not definitely identifiable as unit or Mess property may be regarded as Corps property and may be redistributed by the Corps Committee.

Distribution

554. Corps property will be distributed as decided by the Corps Committee. The repository for most Corps property will be the School of Signals, the Corps Officers' Mess or the Corps Sergeants' Mess as appropriate.

Insurance

555. All Corps property, other than Corps Museum items, is to be covered by a comprehensive all risks insurance policy. This insurance is the responsibility of the Corps Committee and will be paid for from the Corps General Purpose Fund. Insurance may be arranged by the Corps Mess Committees and the School of Signals respectively for Corps property normally held at the three locations listed in Para 554.

Accounting, Purchase, Maintenance and Sale of Corps Property

556. Property for the Corps Messes may be purchased from time to time from the Corps General Purpose Fund. The Corps Mess Committees are to seek the prior approval of the Corps Committee for any such expenditure. Rules governing the management of the General Purpose Fund are at Paras 538 to 552. All purchases must comply with current instructions and moneys are not to be expended on:

a. articles of equipment, furniture or clothing which are within authorised scales of issue.,

b. in aid of any religious or philanthropic organisation., or

c. for any purpose not directly related to Corps matters.

557. The Corps Officers' Mess Committee is empowered to spend up to $100 per annum on the maintenance of Corps property. Expenditure by the Corps Sergeants' Mess for this purpose may be authorised in advance by the Director of Signals - Army on behalf of the Corps Committee.

558. The Property Members of the Corps Mess Committees are each to maintain the RA Sigs Corps Mess Property ledger for all such items of property in their Corps Mess. Corps property held at the School of Signals is to be recorded in the Q Account ledger as Corps property. A stocktake of all Corps Property will be carried out annually as at 30 September, with the results of each stocktake being reported to the Committee at the annual meeting.

559. The Corps Mess Committees may recommend to the Corps Committee the sale of any items of Corps property that the appropriate Mess Committee considers undesirable to retain. When approval for the sale has been obtained, the appropriate Mess Committee may negotiate the sale and crediting of the amount received to the Corps General Purpose Fund.

Loan of Corps Property to Units

560. Corps property may be loaned to RA Sigs units and to SO CONMS on request for appropriate functions. Insurance of the property during transit and on loan is mandatory and is to be the responsibility of the borrowing organisation. Units or SO COMMS requiring the loan are to apply directly to the Chief Instructor School of Signals as far in advance of the required date as possible.

561. It is essential that Corps property be carefully packed for return. Precise instructions for packing are to be shown in the inside of the lid of all boxes in which the property is forwarded.

Disbandment of Units

562. On the disbandment of a unit it is desirable that the property of the Officers' and Sergeants' Messes should be regarded as being held in trust for all members of the Corps. This should be borne in mind when recommendations are made for its disposal.

563. A list of Corps property held by the unit is to be forwarded to the Chairman of the Corps Committee who will seek the direction of the Corps Committee. The unit commander is to be advised of the required distribution of the property. The unit commander is to be responsible for the safe custody of the property until such time as he is required by the Chairman of the Corps Committee to effect its redistribution.

564. The disposal of unit property is to be in accordance with current instructions. However, when disposing of items that are of enduring interest to the Corps, the intent of paragraph 562 is to be observed.

TRUSTEES

Appointment

565- The Corps Committee is to appoint Trustees upon whom is vested the legal ownership upon ~, for the members of RA Sigs, of the Corps property. The number of Trustees is, so far as is practicable, four. Upon the death or resignation of any of the Trustees the Corps Committee must appoint the new Trustee to fill the vacancy. If the Committee does not fill the vacancy within six months following the death or resignation of the previous Trustee, the remaining Trustees may appoint a new Trustee to fill the vacancy. Should the Corps Committee not ratify an appointment of a Trustee by the other Trustees, instead appointing another, then the appointment becomes effective on a date decided upon by the Committee. The Trustees will be the incumbents of the following appointments:

a. the Representative Colonel Commandant,

b. the Director of Signals - Army,

c. Commanding Officer/Chief Instructor of the School of Signals, and

d. the Corps RSM.

Trustees are required to resign as trustee once they no longer hold one of the above appointments.

566. All Corps property is to be vested in the Trustees at the direction of the Committee. The Trustees shall have the custody of all deeds and documents of title relating to the Corps Property as vested. The Trustees shall deal with and dispose of all property on the advice of the Committee provided that such directions are not in violation of the trusts upon which the property is held.

567. The powers, duties and responsibilities of the Trustees are to be set out in a Trust Deed and lodged with the Office of the Registrar of Titles at Canberra in the ACT, by the Corps Committee. A copy is held by the Directorate of Signals - Army.

PROCEDURE ON MOBILISATION

568. Because of the unforeseen changes that can occur in time of copies of all correspondence dealing with the arrangements made by units on mobilisation must be forwarded to the Chairman of the Corps Committee. This applies to both Corps and unit property.

569. These arrangements are to be included in unit SOP dealing with mobilisation.

Corps Property

570. On mobilisation the following procedures will apply in the case of Corps property:

a. Trustees. The Trustees shall be responsible for the safeguarding of Corps property on mobilisation.

b. Funds and Securities. These will be handed over to the Chairman of the Corps Committee who will deposit them in the bank. This will ensure that funds remain under Corps control until they are handed back to units, or otherwise disposed of in accordance with current instructions.

c. Silver and Other Valuables. The Chairman of the Corps Committee shall direct that items either will be dispatched to the Corps Messes and the Chairman of the Corps Committee advised, or will be lodged in a bank in the name of the Chairman of the Corps Committee. If the unit is overseas, silver and other valuables should be handed to the unit's local bank with instructions that they are to be dispatched to the Chairman of the Corps Committee. A list of articles stored or dispatched will always be forwarded to the Chairman of the Corps Committee.

d. Furniture. Furniture will be stored in local depositories and not Government buildings. Storage charges and insurance of Corps property will be met from Corps funds.

e. Control. No funds, plate or furniture deposited under these instructions will be withdrawn without the consent of the Corps Committee. Officers making deposits will instruct banks and depositories concerned not to hand over funds or property entrusted to their care without the written consent of the Chairman of the Corps Committee.

571. If an item is on loan to the account, the item may not be disposed of, except as required by the lender. If the lender cannot be traced and his requirement ascertained, it is to be held in trust in accordance with the Trustees of the Special to Corps Property requirements.

AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION

572. Amendments that are made to accord with Army policy may be made by direction of the Chairman or Vice Chairman.

573. Other amendments are to be made only after approval of the Corps Committee at an annual meeting or, in writing, out-of-session. The Chairman or Vice Chairman must be present at that meeting.

DISSOLUTION

574. The Committee shall be dissolved by resolution agreed to by the Corps Committee (one of the members must be the Chairman) at an annual or extraordinary meeting, and for which notice of motion of dissolution had been duly given in writing.

Annex:

A- Rules for Authorisation of Expenditure from a Defence Region SO COMMS Cash Advance.

ANNEX A TO
CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 5

RULES FOR AUTHORISATION OF EXPENDITURE

FROM A DEFENCE REGION SO COMMS CASH ADVANCE

1. As a guide to SO COMMS the following policy is to be applied before authorising expenditure from Corps funds under their control.

General Expenses.

2. The SO COMMS may authorise expenditure of up to $100 on any one occasion without reference to the Director of Signals - Army for the purchase of such items as:

a. Corps stationery for Corps purposes;

b. Corps Christmas Cards for Corps purposes;

C. stamps for Corps purposes.,

d. minor printing tasks; and

e. wreaths, either by the SO COMMS or the Colonel Commandant in the Defence Region.

Expenditure in excess of $100 for any one occasion is to be referred to the Director of Signals - Army for authorisation before committing expenditure.

Advances to Finance Corps Activities.

3. The SO COMMS may authorise advances of up to $100 for any one occasion without reference to the Director of Signals- Army, provided they are satisfied that this advance will be recouped from the normal financial arrangements made for the activity. Requests for advances in excess of $ 100 are to be referred to the Director of Signals - Army for approval, together with a full supporting case.

Entertainment of Official Visitors.

4. Entertainment expenditure is to be handled as follows..

a. All requests for expenditure from Corps funds for entertainment purposes are to be referred to Director of Signals - Army for approval.

b. Corps funds are not to be used to pay for the entertainment of serving members of RA Sigs or other members of the Army unless special circumstances exist.

c. Corps funds may be used only for the entertainment of visiting personages approved by Director of Signals - Army. They are not to be used for the payment of costs incurred in the entertainment of the general visitors' lists, nor for the personages listed at the end of this paragraph when such entertainment is part of a larger gathering, eg a dining-in night. Such entertainment costs should be borne from the normal financial arrangements for the function.

d. Persons to be entertained at Corps expense will normally come from the following categories only:

(1) Royal or Vice Regal visitors,

(2) CGS or GOC Command,

(3) Heads of Corps,

(4) allied officers representing the head of their respective Signal Corps, and

(5) Representative Colonel Commandant and Colonels Commandant.

Accounting Procedures.

The following accounting procedures are to be observed:

a. SO COMMS are to maintain separate account books to cover all transactions to or from their imprest account from Corps Funds.

b. Each account is to be audited by a Regional Corps Audit Board of not less than two Corps ARA or GRES officers annually as at 1 Aug.

c. Audit reports are to be forwarded to reach the Directorate of Signals - Army by the end of Aug each year.

d. Each expenditure transaction is to have full details recorded.

e. Claims for reimbursement are to be forwarded to the Director of Signals - Army. No claim should exceed $200 and the claims should be submitted not less frequently than quarterly. Each claim is to give full details together with a statement of funds remaining in the Advance.

6. Notwithstanding the intent of paragraphs 2-4, the SO COMMS may authorise expenditure at their discretion if time does not permit consultation with the Director of Signals - Army. In each case the Director of Signals - Army should be advised as soon as possible.

CORPS MEMORANDUM NUMBER 6

RA SIGS CORPS SHOP

General

601- The RA Sigs Corps Shop is established at the School of Signals, Simpson Barracks, Macleod, VIC, 3085.

Purpose

502. Through the sale of Corps related items the Corps Shop fosters Corps identity and provides funds for the RA Sigs General Purpose Fund.

Management

503. A Corps Shop Management Committee is to be established by the Chief Instructor, School of Signals. He is to be President of that Committee.

The Committee will be responsible for;

a. the day to day operation of the Corps Shop,

b. ensuring that all items of stock are adequately insured,

c. proposing articles for inclusion in or deletion from Corps Shop stock,

d. ensuring that items bearing the Corps insignia or colours are of high quality,

e. advertising and promoting Corps Shop articles,

f. maintaining records of all transactions, and

g. producing a report on Corps Shop activities each year.

Audit

605. An audit of the Corps Shop accounts is to be conducted on 1 September each year.

606. An audited statement of the books of account as at 31 August each year shall be sent to the Treasurer of the Corps Committee by 30 September each year.

Disbursement of Accumulated Funds

607. The level of operating funds to be applied to the Corps Shop is to be based upon previous and forecast trading transactions and recommendations made by the President of the Corps Shop Management Committee. The limit of operating funds for any one year is to be agreed by The Director of Signals - Army on behalf of the Corps Committee. Amounts exceeding this value are to be disbursed to the RA Sigs General Purpose Fund on 1 October each year.

CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 7

CORPS PUBLICATIONS

General

701. Esprit de Corps is fostered through the publication of the RA Sigs Newsletters and the Corps Magazine 'SIGNALMAN'. The general purpose of these publications is to draw together the members of a wide variety of units and elements of the Corps. They also keep members informed of current Corps domestic and professional matters.

RA Sigs Newsletter

702. The Director of Signals - Army publishes from time to time the RA Sigs Newsletter. The main purpose of this Newsletter is to keep members of the Corps informed on current Corps happenings, significant events, personal achievements and personnel movements. Short articles of general interest in both technical and personnel fields are considered for publication. The Newsletter is particularly oriented to current personnel management information.

703. The editor is the Chief of Staff, Directorate of Signals - Army.

704. Contributions for inclusion in the Newsletter may be submitted by any member of the Corps but :he editor has sole discretion on the acceptability of the article/contribution for publication.

705. Due to the requirement to produce the Newsletter from within Army resources, the distribution will be primarily on a unit rather than individual basis. Additional copies are provided for formation headquarters and Defence Regions. Individual copies are provided for Colonels Commandant and RA Sigs personnel in non-Corps units undergoing long term schooling and on overseas postings/exchanges.

SIGNALMAN

706. SIGNALMAN is the magazine of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals. Its aims are to promote a sense of professionalism within the Corps, develop our knowledge of its history and traditions, and acquaint all members of its activities.

707. Contributions are welcomed on any aspect of the Corps and could cover technical, organisational, operational, personnel, training, historical and regional activities. In fact, anything that will promote reader interest and response is suitable. With few exceptions articles need graphic support to provide life, vitality and the quality for a professional magazine. Authors should submit art work, photographs and/or cartoons with their articles for publication.

708. The Director of Signals - Army has ultimate responsibility for SIGNALMAN. He exercises this responsibility through the appointment of an Editor, and by providing him policy guidance on editorial content, and by providing through him to the publisher, a policy directive on acceptability of advertisements. The policy directive is to be issued to each Editor on appointment and is to be brought to the attention of the publisher.

709. The Director of Signals - Army has appointed as the Editor, the Commanding Officer, School of Signals. The Editorial Board is composed of unit representatives from the Watsonia area RA Sigs units.

710. Publication of the SIGNALMAN is to be at no cost to the Corps or the Army. The Editor is responsible for arranging an appropriate contract with a publishing company whereby the total cost of publication is covered by the sale of advertising space arranged entirely by the publishing company in accordance with the policy directive.

711. It is essential for the continuing good image of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals and of the Australian Army that the total content of SIGNALMAN, both editorial and advertising, be of a high standard. Both must be worthy of the Corps and the Army and such as to enhance the reputation of the Army and advertisers alike.

712. The policy directive on advertising takes into account the operational need of the publisher to produce the magazine as a profitable business venture. It is intended to ensure that a wide readership of military and civilian persons in the military communications - electronics field, are attracted and maintained, thus providing the best incentive for companies to advertise in SIGNALMAN.

713. The distribution of SIGNALMAN is designed to give maximum coverage of the Corps. Distribution is based on one copy for each member of the Corps with additional coverage to local headquarters units, Signals associations, other Corps, overseas posts, Signal Corps of other armies, libraries and interested civilian organisations.

CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 8

THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN CORPS OF SIGNALS OFFICERS' MESS

General

801. The Royal Australian Corps of Signals Officers' Mess (hereinafter referred to as the Corps Officers' Mess) is located at Simpson Barracks, Victoria.

History

802. On 8 Nov 57, LTGEN Sir Ragnar Garrett, KBE, CB (then GOC S Comd) opened the first Corps Mess, at that time collocated with the School of Signals Officers' Mess at Balcombe, Victoria.

803. This Mess was closed as the Corps Mess and transferred in spirit with the School of Signals to Watsonia in 1971. On 1 Oct 73, the Watsonia Barracks Officers' Mess was redesignated as the Royal Australian Corps of Signals Officers' Mess by MAJGEN C.A.E. Fraser, CB, CBE, (then GOC S Comd).

Constitution and Local Rules

804. The Constitution (and any local rules made thereunder) is subject to and should be read in association with the Manual of Personnel Administration Volume 3, Chapters 1 and 2, as amended from time to time.

Composition

805. The Mess is a Combined Mess for officers serving at the Directorate of Signals - Army, School of Signals, 138 Signal Squadron, Land Force Signals Unit, 126 Signal Squadron, 127 Signal Squadron, Defence Force School of Music, Base Area Support Centre, Headquarters 3 Training Group, Land Warfare Centre (Victoria Detachment), Headquarters 8 Dental Unit, 3 Military Police Company and such other units, sub-units or detachments located within Simpson Barracks without their own Officers' Mess.

Membership

806. A member of the Mess is to be an ordinary, affiliated or honorary member as defined in the Constitution.

Mess Appointments

807. The Chief of Staff, Directorate of Signals - Army is to be the Commanding Officer of the Mess. PMC is to be an RA Sigs Officer appointed by the Commanding Officer of the Mess.

Administration

808. The Mess is administered by commercial Contractors for the day to day functioning of the bar, g and accommodation through a Mess Manager appointed by the Contractor. The Mess Committee determines policy and provides guidance to the Mess Manager to ensure the Mess is run in accordance with the Mess Rules and the terms of the Contractors contract to provide certain services.

809. Overnight accommodation and casual meals are available at reasonable rates. Bookings are necessary through BASC(W).

810. The address of the Mess is:

RA Sigs Officers' Mess Simpson Barracks MACLEOD VIC 3085

811. Telephone - (03) 450 7316.

Corps Functions

812. The following functions, and other occasions which might be deemed appropriate (and declared as such by the Corps Committee from time to time) will be known as Corps Functions.,

a. a dinner held during meetings of the Corps Committee,

b. a dinner held during RA Sigs Corps Conferences,

c. a dinner held in conjunction with Corps Day,

d. functions held to mark the retirement of senior officers, and

e. functions held to honour distinguished visitors.

813. Whilst it would be desirable for all Corps Functions to be held in the Corps Mess, the fact that a particular function is necessarily held elsewhere in no way invalidates the standing of the occasion as a Corps Function. Presentations which might be made on such an occasion will be regarded as presentations to or from the Corps.

814. The Director of Signals - Army or his delegate, acting on behalf of the Corps Committee, exercises broad policy control over the procedural and financial arrangements for Corps Functions, but in doing so will necessarily work in collaboration with the appropriate SO COMMS and Mess management authorities.

Corps Property

815. Responsibilities for Corps property are detailed in Corps Memorandum No 5.

CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 9

THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN CORPS OF SIGNALS SERGEANTS' MESS

General

901. The Royal Australian Corps of Signals Sergeants' Mess (hereinafter referred to as the Corps Sergeants' Mess) is located at Simpson Barracks, Victoria.

History

902. The first Corps Mess was collocated with the School of Signals Sergeants' Mess at Balcombe, Victoria.

903. This Mess was closed as the Corps Mess and transferred in spirit with the School of Signals to Watsonia in 1971. On 10 Oct 74, the Watsonia Area Combined Sergeants' Mess was redesignated as The Royal Australian Corps of Signals Sergeants' Mess by COL B.H. Hockney (then Director of Communications).

Constitution and Local Rules

904. The Constitution (and any local rules made thereunder) is subject to and should be read in association with the Manual of Personnel Administration Volume 3, Chapters 1 and 2, as amended from time to time.

905. The day to day management of the Corps Sergeants' Mess is the responsibility of the Mess Committee.

Composition

906. The Mess is a Combined Mess for Warrant Officers, Chief Petty Officers, Staff Sergeants, Flight Sergeants and Sergeants serving at the Directorate of Signals - Army, School of Signals, 138 Signal Squadron, Land Force Signals Unit, 126 Signal Squadron, 127 Signal Squadron, Defence Force School of Music, Base Area Support Centre, Headquarters 3 Training Group, Land Warfare Centre (Victoria Detachment), Headquarters 9 Dental Unit, 3 Military Police Company and such other units, sub-units or detachments located within Simpson Barracks without their own Sergeants' Mess.

Membership

907. A member of the Mess is to be an ordinary, affiliated or honorary member as defined in the Constitution.

Mess Appointments

908. The incumbents of the following appointments will assume the Mess appointments indicated:

a. President of the Mess Committee - Corps RSM

b. Commanding Officer - Commanding Officer of the School of Signals.

Administration

909. The Mess is administered by commercial Contractors for the day to day functioning of the bar, catering and accommodation through a Mess Manager appointed by the Contractor. The Mess Committee determines policy and provides guidance to the Mess Manager to ensure the Mess is run in accordance with the Mess Rules and the terms of the Contractors contract to provide certain services.

910. Overnight accommodation and casual meals are available at reasonable rates. Bookings are necessary through BASC(W).

911. The address of the Mess is:

RA Sigs Sergeants' Mess Simpson Barracks MACLEOD VIC 3085

912. Telephone - (03) 450 7384.

Corps Property

913. Responsibilities for Corps property are detailed in Corps Memorandum No 5.

CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 10

GUIDE FOR YOUNG OFFICERS

Status of an Officer

1001 - Your being commissioned as an officer in the Australian Army has made available to you privileges and prerogatives of rank, but it has also presented you with a significant responsibility.

1002. The Australian Army, within which your immediate responsibilities lie and to which you must your loyalty, has an excellent record. Your primary duty through your service is to do all you can to maintain the standards set by the officers and soldiers who have served in peace and in war in the Australian Army and its colonial predecessors.

1003. There is a close relationship between the Army and Australian society. This is a consequence of the fact that most Australian families have had some personal tie with the Army through a close relation serving either during a World War, as a National Serviceman or as a Regular soldier. Consequently, because of these ties, the Army and its activities are watched by many of the public with an almost proprietary interest.

1004. The need for and methods of providing an adequate defence for Australia are regularly debated in the communications media. The public is well aware of the cost of providing defence forces and expects that these forces use their funds efficiently.

1005. If the Army is to attain the standards expected of it, then its officers must be efficient, Progressive and dedicated. It is the quality of the officers that dictates the competence of a military system. As young officers you are inheritors of the worthy traditions of the British and Australian Armies. One of your responsibilities is to learn the value of these traditions, to maintain them and to enhance them. Field Marshal Lord Slim has written:

1006. In his opinion, a leader is distinguished from other men by the qualities of courage, willpower, initiative and knowledge. Moral courage is a rarer thing than physical courage and you must develop it from the start. You must be prepared to stand up to difficult subordinates and difficult situations no matter what unpleasantness or resentment may arise. Once you gloss over insubordination or inefficiency you have lost your grip on your soldiers. Once lost it is difficult to regain.

1007. Moral courage is often required in dealings with superiors. When required to give advice, be capable of presenting all factors leading to your conclusions, but remember that ultimate responsibility rests with your superiors.

1008. Willpower ensures that decisions you have arrived at after carefully weighing the factors are carried out despite what form of opposition you may encounter. Failure to make a decision when one is needed is worse that making a poor decision. Uncertainty will be sensed by your soldiers.

1009. Develop initiative early in your career. Be flexible in your thinking and in your actions. Do not discard an idea because somebody tells you it has never been tried before and that the established way of doing things is the only correct way. Introduce new methods into training. This will enliven interest and keenness. A stodgy, unimaginative officer who is too idle to try something new is bad for the morale of a unit.

1010. Do not be too shy or proud to seek advice. Watch the officers serving with you, especially those who have a good reputation and are respected by both their seniors and juniors. Use them as examples on which to base your approach to your duties.

1011. The fourth requisite of leadership is knowledge. Knowledge stems from study and experience. Young officers who have spent the better part of their lives studying in order to qualify for their commissions are apt to ease up with their reading. To become a complete officer, reading and study are essentials throughout the whole of your service. Get the study habit early and stick to it. Hand in hand with study goes experience, and that comes only with time.

The Royal Australian Corps of Signals

1012. The Corps, as a distinct entity in the Australian Army, is comparatively young. 'To have been in the first denotes antiquity - to have become first denotes merit'. Your Corps enjoys a good reputation in the eyes of the rest of the Army. By sheer ability, fortitude and good discipline of all ranks, it has a record of which you should be justly proud.

1013. The Corps knits the large stand smallest components of the Army into one cohesive whole. The outcome of an operation depends mainly on an efficient communications and information system. Without it, attacks lead to piecemeal efforts and likely failure; in defence, firepower is wasted and reserves are tied down. In withdrawal, units and formations become isolated and face possible disaster.

1014. A signal system is only as efficient as its smallest and remotest links. These are in the control of junior officers - success or failure, therefore, depends on you and your soldiers. Remember 'battles and lives depend on signals'.

1015. History has providedseveral examples when signal units and sub-units had to take on a fighting role. Do not neglect training and practice in the use of your individual weapons. Better still, have as many as possible of your soldiers trained in the employment of all infantry weapons.

10 16. Grave responsibility may be thrust upon you whilst you are still a junior officer. There may be no senior officers near by to help and advise you. Always know your commanders Mission and be prepared to work to achieve it. Ensure that you are equipped with the attributes of true leadership.

Relations Between the ARA and GRes

10 17. The Australian Army includes regular soldiers, Ready Reserve (RRes) and General Reserve (GRes). All play their part in the defence of Australia.

10 1 8. There can be only one Army. Jealousy in any form cannot be tolerated or condoned. Young officers of all components should prepare and seek every opportunity to fit themselves for any capacity.

1019. It is incumbent upon you to continue the happy relationships which have been established over the years between the ARA and GRes.

Outside Interests

1020. A criticism, and in too many cases a well deserved one, is that Army officers are inclined to shut themselves off from the general public. Consequently, their interests and topics of conversation are confined to Army matters. Officers should get out and about, thereby widening their experience.

1021. Professional clubs and associations provide an avenue to maintain contact with developments in the civil community and allow knowledge updates. Community based clubs/activities provide the opportunity for conducting PR by personal example and contact. Junior officers should consider nominating for a Services Club early in their careers. It is worthwhile to retain membership of a good club which offers reciprocity with other clubs in Australia and abroad. Also consider joining a branch of the United Services Institution. Contact with older and more experienced people with an interest in the Services is invaluable in adding to your self confidence and general knowledge.

1022. If your unit teams participate in outside competitions, give a hand in the organisation of the particular association. It helps to bring the Army to the notice of the public and establishes better public relations. Join a club and play strenuous sport whilst you are young enough and fit enough to enjoy it.

Conclusion

1023. High standards are required and expected of officers both professionally and socially. Professionally because the lives of your soldiers are in your care - soldiers will only respect you when you merit it. Socially, because an officer is always in the public eye. People are scornful of an officer who does not measure up to the standard of conduct which through the years they have learned to expect.

RELATIONS WITH OTHER RANKS

1024. One of the most difficult problems a young officer has to solve is his relationship with other ranks. The more junior you are the closer is your contact.

1025. Soldiers are shrewd judges of character and can often detect weaknesses and faults more accurately than the CO.

1026. You will need to establish contact with each of your soldiers as an individual. The sound approach is to base your attitude on a genuine interest in their welfare. You must, however, not become too familiar with your soldiers. The adage of - 'Be fair, be firm, be friendly' is very good advice.

1027. Be consistent. Do not overlook the misdemeanour of a soldier one day and reprimand another soldier next day for the same offence. Carry out your duties without fear or favour.

1028. Because you had the opportunity to earn a commission do not believe for one minute that you know everything. You are still junior, and the soldiers know it. Start off quietly and be modest in speech and actions. Bragging and arrogance only bring ridicule.

1029. Soldiers hate sarcasm. It displays weakness.

1030. The Australian soldier is intelligent. He likes to be taken into your confidence and told what is going one. He then feels he is part of the team and will support you.

1031. The best way to get onside with your soldiers is to know your job thoroughly.

1032. Play sport with your soldiers. It matters little if you are top or bottom player, the soldiers appreciate the fact that you are a member of their team and a trier.

1033. Without appearing to be inquisitive get to know as much as you can of your soldiers private lives and problems. Your soldiers will appreciate you asking questions about them and their families if it is out of a genuine interest in their welfare. Many a soldier has gone absent without leave and/or later deserted because of problems. Knowledge of these problems may lead to your giving them good and timely advice.

1034. You will have soldiers of both sexes under your command. Be careful and circumspect in your dealings with them. Should unfamiliar problems arise, seek immediately the help of an appropriate officer.

1035. A junior officer must keep a note book containing all the relevant information about his soldiers - particularly next of kin. He must look out for the ugly duckling and make their life less miserable. Shy and retiring soldiers also need special attention.

1036. Leaders not only accept responsibility, they also display leadership. You can do this by joining in all activities with your soldiers, such as sport, PT, work parties, etc. You should also hold regular briefings to keep your soldiers informed.

Sergeants' Mess

1037. Apart from visits on duty, an officer should only enter a Sergeants' Mess:

a. when attending a function in response to a specific invitation, and then

b. only after receiving the concurrence of his CO.

1038. Should you, as Duty Officer, be given the responsibility of ensuring that a Sergeants' Mess has closed, be sure you handle this task with firmness and discretion.

DRESS

1039. An officer must be well turned out at all times. Free initial issues, the provision of a clothing allowance and certain replacements free, leave no excuse for being badly dressed at any time.

1040. If you go out in public in uniform pay particular attention to your dress, bearing and behaviour. Many of the public are ex-servicemen and are most critical. Give them no grounds for adverse comment.

1041. The wearing of uniform should be avoided in places such as hotel bars, licensed clubs,
restaurants and theatres as you may find yourself in awkward or embarrassing situations.

1042. You should purchase Mess Dress as soon as practicable.

1043. Ensure that your wardrobe includes the civilian clothes you need for informal service functions. At least one good quality lounge suit is essential. Sports coat and slacks are necessary. Beyond these basic items the choice is yours, but remember all Messes have dress rules and generally these rules are not based on the dictates of contemporary fashion.

DISCIPLINE

1044. There is a lot of confused thinking about the term 'discipline'. Many are inclined to believe that discipline applies only to the Armed Services. In fact, man has been subject to some form of social convention since the beginning of time. FEs comfort, health, self-esteem and even survival depends upon his belonging to a disciplined body.

1045. There are three meanings of discipline. They are:

a. training to act in accordance with laws, orders and regulations;

b. subjection to laws, orders and regulations; and
c. punishment inflicted by way of correction.

These are the three stages in ensuring that group and self-discipline can be impressed on all ranks.

1046. Very early in your career you will have studied the Defence Force Discipline Act. You must be conversant too with Formation and Unit Standing Orders and Routine Orders as they appear. Just as importantly, you must instruct your soldiers in their contents and their implications.

1047. The next stage is to see that orders are carried out. Everyone, including officers, must know that breaches of orders or failure in any form, will not be overlooked.

1048. Disciplinary action must be consistent. A unit where discipline is strict one day and slack the next will become unsettled, unhappy and inefficient. Soldiers are proud to belong to a well disciplined unit.

1049. When training and insistence on discipline fail, the last resource is punishment. Junior officers, except in unusual circumstances, cannot inflict punishments. Before you send a soldier to your Squadron Commander, ensure that you have done your part fairly by the soldier by your own good example, your training and correction. Otherwise you may find yourself in trouble rather than the soldier.

Orders

1050. Never apologise for an order. To apologise for one of your own orders displays weakness; for that of a superior, disloyalty.

105 1. If you disagree with an order or think it wrong you can always see your Squadron Commander and discuss it. Many a CO has withdrawn an order because a junior officer has shown that it could not be enforced.

1052. Restrict the number of orders you give but make them clear and definite. Give your orders confidently; the soldiers will then know you mean to have them carried out.

Loyalties

1053. You have to give your loyalty to the Corps, your superiors and your subordinates.

1054. Your Corps loyalty requires that you be aware of the Corps responsibilities, policies, capabilities and that it is your duty to implement or comply with them to the best of your ability.

1055. Loyalty to your superiors requires your understanding that obedience to orders is not enough in itself You must respect the spirit of each order as well as obeying it. Implementing an order with bad grace or with obvious dislike is a sign of poor personal discipline.

1056. Loyalty to your subordinates is based on respect and interest. You must respect the status of soldiers and NCOs and the privacy of the individual. Never reprove a NCO in the hearing of his juniors. This erodes his status and weakens his position of leadership. In showing an interest in each man, his problems, his qualities and his hopes, the paramount need is to keep sacrosanct any personal confidence given to you. Also, do not pry.

1057. Criticism is to many, a form of disloyalty. Loud, foolish or unnecessary criticism of the Army, the Corps or your superiors, particularly in front of civilians, can only do the Army and yourself a disservice. However, as an officer, you must look at all aspects of the Army with a critical eye if you are to form worthwhile opinions on your vocation. If the opinions are critical there are avenues open for you to voice them; eg. officer training periods, articles for the Defence Force Journal, Army Newspaper or private discussions with your superiors.

Excessive Drinking

1058. Excessive drinking is the major cause of, or a contributing factor to, most military and civil offences. Discourage it continually, punish firmly and quickly any offenders; and be sure you set a good example.

Conclusion

1059. The test of discipline comes when things are at their worst.

1060. No finer words have been written than by Field Marshal Lord Slim:

'We found it a great mistake to belittle the importance of smartness in turn out, alertness or carriage, cleanliness of person, saluting or precision of movement I do not believe that troops can have unshakeable discipline without showing these outward and formal signs, which mark the pride men take in themselves and their units and the mutual confidence and respect that exists between them and their officers. It was an experience that the best units in the long run were those who, when they came out Of battle, at once resumed a formal discipline and appearance'.

SALUTING

1061. As to the origin of saluting with the hand there are many theories. Perhaps the correct reason is that the raising of the open hand was a demonstration of mutual trust and respect, exercised by nobility in the days of chivalry. In token of these sentiments, knights on meeting one another placed themselves in an attitude of defencelessness by uncovering their heads or raising their visors.

The Principle of Saluting

1062. Compliments and salutes are reciprocated between all ranks and grades of services and societies up to and including Heads of State. The act of saluting cannot, therefore, be associated with servility but rather with feelings of mutual trust and respect.

Standard of Saluting

1063. There is only one manner of saluting and that is the one set down in the textbook. Officers set the standard of saluting; therefore, avoid fancy quiffs and gestures.

Returning Salutes

1064. Although a subordinate must salute his senior, it is imperative that the senior return the salute and not merely acknowledge it by a casual wave of the hand.

1065. When returning a salute to other ranks, it is customary to pass the time of day in an appropriate manner, ie. 'Good morning SGT Smith'. 'Good Morning SIG King', etc. If you do not know a signalman's name, a friendly 'Good morning' is in order.

1066. Exchange of greetings such as these creates comradely relationships and makes a happy unit.

On Parade

1067. On parade, when you have occasion to address an officer senior to you, say 'Sir', and salute him.

1068. Be careful to return punctiliously salutes paid to you by bodies of troops on dismissal. Face them and stand still until they have broken off. If a senior officer is on the parade ground pay him the compliment of saluting and make the request 'May I dismiss, Sir?'

Off Parade

1069. Field officers, when in uniform or civilian clothes, are always saluted and addressed as 'Sir' by their juniors in uniform. If you are in civilian clothes and you meet a field officer, bring your arms to your sides briefly.

Other Services

1070. Junior officers should also remember to salute Navy and Air Force officers wearing more than two stripes, ie. lieutenant commanders in the Navy and squadron leaders in the Air Force.

1071. When arriving on board or leaving a warship, always salute the Quarter-deck. This is done from the top of the gangway.

Other Compliments

1072. In uniform always salute uncased colours, funerals, and when passing the State War Memorials. When in civilian clothes stand to attention only.

1073. When the National Anthem is played, stand to attention and salute. If wearing civilian clothes, stand to attention only.

1074. Indoors you should only stand to attention, but if you are in uniform and actually wearing your headgear, you salute.

1075. When the Guard turns out for the Commanding Officer or a more senior Inspecting Officer, everyone near by stands to attention but does not salute.

FINANCIAL MATTERS

1076. Your duties will include the handling of accounts and public and regimental moneys. To avoid worry and possible serious trouble be meticulous. Never borrow from these funds.

1077. It is a good idea to learn the elements of bookkeeping and accountancy.

1078. It is appreciated that immediately after being commissioned there are many demands on your income, do don't try to do everything at once. Accounts are easily opened and firms welcome customers in steady Government employment. It is simple to say 'Please charge to my account'; it may not be so simple to pay.

1079. If you decide to purchase a car, wait until you can put down a substantial deposit; better still pay cash. Time payment interest, together with insurance, registration, repairs and running costs could cripple you financially.

1080. Gambling has been the downfall of many an officer. If you gamble on horse racing, restrict your bets to nominal sums.

1081. Never open an account with a book-maker. You should know that in the long run you cannot win.

1082. If you get into debt see your CO at once. Do not go to moneylenders, their rates of interest are extortionate.

1083. The best way to lose your friends is to borrow from them.

1084. Work out a simple budget and stick to it. If you spend judiciously, your pay will allow you to save for the day when your commitments increase.

1085. Never write a cheque for more than you have in the bank. A dishonoured cheque is unacceptable. Never sign an open cheque.

1086. Pay your Mess and Club bills and any subscriptions by the dates they are due.

MESS CUSTOMS

General

1087. Because Mess customs and procedures vary in different Corps and units, one cannot be dogmatic on this subject.

1088. The following advice covers those things which are normally accepted as standard. The procedures laid down will be adopted by all Officers' Messes of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals.

1089. When you arrive at a unit ask for a copy of the local Mess Rules, study them, and carry them out.

Control of the Mess

1090. The control and organisation of a Mess is vested in a Mess Committee elected by the members and approved by the Commanding Officer. The President of the Mess Committee (PMC) is appointed by the Commanding Officer.

1091. In small Messes, eg; a unit Mess, it is customary for the PMC to preside at all formal Mess Dinners and Guest Nights.

1092. In larger Messes, where it is the custom to formally dine frequently or to conduct the evening meal as a formal function, the PMC may appoint other officers, on a roster basis, to act as Dining President. If this occurs, the Dining President is responsible for the conduct of the meal and the observance of Mess customs.

The Senior Subaltern

1093. The senior subaltern is responsible for the behaviour of all subalterns in the Mess. He is your guide and mentor in Mess matters. On joining a unit go to him and ask him for advice.

Behaviour in the Mess

1094. The pleasant blending of the formal and the informal in Mess life can be a little confusing. The former is based on conventions and the latter on the spirit of comradeship.

1095. During your first few weeks in a Mess, tread warily. Participate in all the activities and exuberances of the junior officers but use common sense and do not push yourself too much to the forefront.

1096. In the Mess, conduct comes under closer scrutiny than you think. Remember that the Mess is not only the social centre for unit officers; it is also the home of living-in members. Behave yourself as you would wish others to behave in your own home.

Courtesy to Senior Officers

1097. When the Commanding Officer, or an officer senior to him enters a Mess, officers present will rise. Clicking of heels and parade movements of coming to attention are not necessary. Officers should greet their senior with a cheerful 'Good morning (or Good evening) Sir' on their first meeting each day. Always stand up when spoken to by older members.

Courtesy between Equals and Juniors

1098. The use of Christian names between members of the same rank and by a senior to a junior is normal in Australian Messes and indicates the family spirit which prevails.

Courtesy to Guests

1099. A Mess is judged by the way strangers are received. Guests must be made to feel welcome. If a visitor is unaccompanied, an officer should, without hesitation, greet and entertain the visitor until the arrival of the particular officer visited. It is important also that the visitor's particular host, if not present, be notified of his guest's arrival as soon as practicable. A host should be present before their guest arrives.

10100. If the PMC is not present, the senior officer in the Mess receives the visitor. If the visitor is an official visitor the PMC is to be informed.

10101. Members receive a visitor by standing and asking them to sign the Visitors Book. The visitor is then introduced to the members present, given a seat and offered a drink. When a large number of officers are present do not embarrass the visitor by introducing him to too many at a time. Initially, restrict the introductions to the CO, PMC, and three or four other officers.

10 102. Should guests arrive at a Mess function after the reception of guests has ended, they should be introduced to the CO and PMC immediately after arrival.

10103. Carefully choose any guest you may wish to invite to the Mess. The conduct of a badly behaved guest will rebound to your personal discredit.

Partners/Spouses

10 104. Most Messes run a number of functions each year which are intended to encourage the participation of the partners or spouses of Mess Members in Mess life.

Service Personnel

10105. On only two occasions are Service personnel other than commissioned officers invited to an Officers Mess. These occasions are when the Bandmaster is invited to join the Dining President for a drink on a formal dinner night and when, usually on an annual basis in most units, the Sergeants Mess is entertained.

Hospitality

10107. A private guest is the responsibility of the host. If the visitor is making a call on the Mess or is a member of a visiting team, meals and drinks are normally debited to 'Mess Guests Account'. Don't shirk this duty, but go out of your way to do it. The procedure for such charges should be laid down in the Mess Rules.

Mess Entertainment's

10108. Messes hold functions other than Guest Nights, such as cocktail parties, dances, luncheons, etc. -o give and return hospitality. As they are Mess functions all members are equal hosts; therefore, all Participate and ensure that at no time is a guest neglected. Do not spend the whole occasion with one, party or partner; move about and widen the circle of your acquaintances. Never leave a guest Unattended. At a ball or dance circulate among other parties than your own.

10109. If, for financial reasons, you feel you cannot participate in a particular function go to the CO and explain.

Punctuality

10110. Punctuality at meals is insisted upon. Failure to be punctual causes disorganisation and interferes with the smooth running of the Mess. Some latitude is given in the case of informal meals.

Dress

10111. As orders of dress in different Corps and unit Messes vary, you should study the local Mess Rules and conform to them. If in doubt, consult your Squadron Commander or the PMC. One rule is common to all Messes; don't wear a mixture of uniform and civilian clothes.

10112. The dress for a particular function is generally laid down by the PMC. It is normal to wear Mess Dress or Mess Undress to dinner if it is conducted as a formal meal.

10113. If you have a personal guest for a Guest Night advise them to wear Evening Dress with miniatures, or a Dinner Jacket.

10114. Swords are never drawn in a Mess.

Conversation

10115. Be careful what you say in front of the staff - good or bad, it soon spreads.

Meals

10116. Breakfast, lunch, and usually the evening meal, are informal meals. Officers may enter the dining room within the hours prescribed by the Committee. Officers are permitted to leave the dining room when they are finished. There is no fixed seating plan but some PMCs and C0s prefer a certain seat.

10117. In some Messes dinner is a formal meal and further details are given elsewhere.

10118. If you are late for dinner, make your apology to the Dining President and request his permission to take your seat.

10119. Do not open letters or telegrams at the table without first obtaining approval of your neighbours at informal meals, or of the Dining President at dinner.

Drinking

10120. Do not drink too much, and do not persuade others to do so.

10121. 'Shouting' drinks is not a custom of the Service. Although most Mess Rules prohibit 'shouting' it has been found through experience, that it is a most difficult rule to enforce. Junior officers would be wise to institute among themselves a definite code of 'non-shouting' or limiting the 'shout' to a maximum of three officers. An officer should feel free to buy a drink for himself without feeling that he should ask others to join him.

10122. Getting away to other Messes or to a club, to avoid the scrutiny of your seniors, gets you nowhere. You can drink secretly but you will soon be found out.

10123. There have been officer alcoholics in the Service. Don't become one of them and ruin your career.

Fines

10124. The 'fining' of members for minor irregularities or breaches of Mess etiquette is not done. Fines in money or alcohol are not levied on such occasions as promotion or marriage.

Bets

10125. Bets are not made at the Mess Table.

Complaints

10 126. Do not find fault or make complaints to the Mess staff. If there is anything wrong complain at the proper time to the Mess Secretary or to your representative on the Mess Committee.

Suggestion Book

10127. The Suggestion Book is for suggestions, not complaints. It is for constructive suggestions to assist the Committee. Avoid 'trying to be funny' when you make a suggestion.

'Horse Play'

10128. Avoid 'horse play', noisy behaviour, clinking of glasses, etc, at the Mess Table. Fun and games after dinner are good for all but do not cause wanton damage. Damages are paid for by those causing them.

Tidiness

10129. These days all Messes are short staffed, so do all you can to help the staff to make your home more tidy and comfortable.

10130. Do not remove newspapers, books and periodicals from the ante-room. Return them to their proper place after use.

Animals

10131. Dogs and other pets are not permitted in a Mess.

Closing of Mess

10132. If you are the last officer to leave the Mess at night, see that fires are safe, the bar locked, and radiators and lights switched off.

MESS DINNERS AND GUEST NIGHTS

Attendance

10133. Dinners, Mess Dinners and Guest Nights are held at such times as arranged by the Mess Committee with the concurrence of the CO.

10134. All resident members are expected to attend dinner. All members, resident or non-resident, should attend Mess Dinners and Guest Nights. If you wish to absent yourself, you must seek the approval of the PMC. Only under exceptional circumstances is permission granted.

Guests

10135. Members wishing to invite guests to a Guest Night should first inform the Secretary by the time previously laid down by the Mess Committee. Make certain that a vacancy has been allotted before asking your guest; otherwise embarrassment may arise.

10136. Invitations are sent out in the name of the Mess and are endorsed on the back: 'With the compliments of...............

10137. A specific member is delegated to look after each official guest.

Assembly

10138. Dinners and Mess Dinners. Members assemble in the ante-room half an hour before the time for dinner.

10139. Guest Nights. Members assemble half an hour before the time for dinner.

10140. When entering the ante-room before dinner say 'Good evening, Sir' to the senior officer present. If your CO, or any officer senior to the CO, enters after you, rise and pay the same compliment.

Reception of Guests

10141. On Guest Nights, the President and the Vice President meet the Guest of Honour and any official guests on arrival. The guests are then presented to the senior officer present, provided with refreshments and then introduced to other members.

10142. Introductions. The basic rule for all introductions is that the junior person is introduced to the senior in official status or Service rank irrespective of age. Otherwise, a younger person is introduced to the older.

10143. A gentlemen is introduced to a lady except where there is a marked difference in rank or status. A single woman is introduced to a married woman. Where there is a notable difference in their ages the younger is introduced to the older.

10144. The correct introduction for most occasions is 'Major Jones, may I introduce Captain Smith'. 'Ms Winsome, may I introduce Major Jones'. The proper reply is 'how do you do (Sir - when appropriate)'.

Seating Plans

10145. Guest Nights. A seating plan is prepared by the PMC and, after approval of the CO, is placed in a convenient place in the ante-room.

10146. The President sits at the head and the Vice President at the foot of the table.

10147. The CO sits halfway down the table on the Presidents left with next senior officer of the unit or formation opposite him.

10148. The Guest of Honour or senior official guest sits on the CO's right, the next senior official guest on his left. The third and fourth senior guests on the right and left of the second in command. A senior officer is placed on the right of the principal guest.

10149. The remaining members and guests are placed alternatively on the right and left of the President.

10150. When the table is in the form of 'U', the Guest of Honour and the next senior official guest sit on the right and left of the President respectively. The CO sits on the right of the senior official guest and the second in command on the left of the next senior official guest. The remaining members are then placed alternatively on the right and left of the President. The Vice President will be last to arrive at his place at the table, and sits at the end of the bottom table, that is farthest from the PMC.

10151. Should the CO assume his right to preside at a Guest Night (and this is rarely done) he and the President change places. The seating plan is otherwise unaltered.

10152. Other Dinner Nights. Except for the reservation of seats for the CO, the President and Vice President, there are no fixed seating arrangements for Dinners and Mess Dinners. Officers move into the Mess room in any order irrespective of rank. Junior officers must not offend, however, by thrusting themselves ahead of their seniors. Seats should be filled outwards from the President and the Vice President.

Announcing of Dinner

10153. At the appointed time, the Mess Sergeant reports to the Dining President, or Vice-President, 'Dinner is served, Sir'.

10154. The President then informs the CO, adding 'Shall we go into dinner Sir?. When the CO is assured that all official guests are ready, he grants his approval.

Note: It is customary for the Vice President to quietly issue a warning that dinner will be served in five minutes.

Moving into Dinner

10155. Guest Nights. The order of entering the Mess room is - the Dining President, the CO (accompanied by the Guest of Honour and any personal guest); the second in command, (accompanied by the next senior guest); members escorting other official guests; then the rest of the members and their guests who should follow in without delay. The Vice President, whose duty it is to see that the entry of members is not delayed, is the last to enter.

10156. Members and guests stand behind their chairs. If a chaplain is present the Dining President says 'Chaplain (or padre) will you please say Grace'. Should no chaplain be present, any officer may be nominated to say Grace. After Grace the President then takes his seat, all present following him.

Vacant Places

10157. If for some unforeseen reason there are any vacant places they are to be removed promptly, preferably before the members enter the Mess room. The Dining Vice-President should ascertain if all diners are present before members enter the Mess room.

Drinks

10158. On Mess and Guest Nights, wine is normally served with the meal, and orders are not taken. On Dinner Nights, orders for drinks may be given individually.

10159. Noisy behaviour, clinking glasses, etc, at the Mess Table is not the conduct expected of an officer.

Clearing of Mess Table

10160. At the conclusion of the last course, the Mess Table is cleared except for the port glasses, table decorations and flowers. Only the stewards required to assist in passing the port remain in the Mess.

10161. If you do not wish to partake of port, you may order water or non-alcoholic drinks for the toasts.

Passing the Port

10162. Port decanters are placed in front of the Dining President and Dining Vice-President. If there are large numbers at dinner, extra decanters are provided.

10163. Taking the time from the President, the stoppers are removed from the decanters and placed on the table. Those members with decanters in front of them pour a little port into their glass and pass the decanter to the person on their left. Each officer taking port fills his glass and passes the decanter on.

10164. When a decanter returns to an original pourer of the port, that person completes filling their glass.

10165. There are many variations in the method of passing the port but in RA Sigs Messes the decanters may be passed along the tables or from hand to hand.

The Loyal Toast

10166. When the port has been passed around, the Dining President gives a knock, and in a clear voice says 'Dining Vice-President'. The Vice-President rises (all others remain seated - if you have a guest, warn them of this and the fact that decanters are not passed between toasts) and says 'Gentlemen' or 'Ladies and Gentlemen'. Glasses should remain on the table. When all have risen and everybody is quiet the Dining Vice-President then proposes the Loyal Toast 'The Queen'. If the band is in attendance the first four bars and the last four bars of the National Anthem are then played. At its conclusion, or in response to the Dining Vice-President if there is no band in attendance, all present will repeat 'The Queen', raise their glasses from the table, drink to the toast and resume their seats.

Toast to Our Colonel-in-Chief

10167. Refer to Corps Memorandum No 11.

Other Toasts

10168. Refer to Corps Memorandum No 11.

Smoking

10169. Smoking is not permitted in Corps Messes.

Bandmaster

10170. At the conclusion of the toasts, if there is a band in attendance, the Bandmaster may be invited into the Mess to accept its hospitality. He is given a seat between the Commanding Officer and the Guest of Honour or the senior official guest, and offered a drink. After, at most, two drinks he withdraws and the extra chair is removed.

Port

10171. Further rounds of port are at the discretion of the Dining President. When he replaces the decanter stopper, the stoppers are replaced in all decanters.

Leaving the Table

10172. Should a member or guest have occasion to leave the table before the Loyal Toast, they must first obtain the President's permission.

10173. On Guest Nights, members do not leave until after the official guests. In a large Mess, eg; a Command Mess, when the GOC and his guests stand up, all present do likewise, but, if they so desire, may resume their seats when the official party leaves the Mess room. In regimental Messes, the Dining President will normally indicate the departure time by knocking, and calling 'Dining Vice-President'. The Dining Vice-President then moves to and occupies the Dining President's chair and assumes the duty of host as the Dining President stands and moves out with their guest.

10174. On Dinner and Mess Dinner Nights no one leaves the table until after the Loyal Toast. It is not customary to await the departure of the senior officer before leaving the table.

After Dinner Entertainment

10175. If speeches are made after dinner, give the speaker a courteous hearing - even if he fails to be interesting or witty or is inaudible from where you are sitting.

10176. 'Fun and games' after dinner is a tradition, however they may cause damage to Mess property. In these instances the tradition extends to the recovery of the costs of repairs/replacement from those members involved.

10177. On Guest Nights don't leave the Mess until all Mess Guests have departed or, after obtaining permission from the senior officer present, until you are sure that late stayers are being properly looked after.

CORRESPONDENCE

Official Correspondence

10178. Official correspondence can be divided into:

a. official letters;

b. demi-official (DO) letters;

c. memoranda; and

d. minutes.

10179. Instructions on the style and layout of official correspondence is found in JSP (AS) 102 Service Writing.

10180. The booklet Customs of the Army gives good guidance on social and semi-formal correspondence.

Addressing Envelopes

10181. When writing to an officer of the Corps, add 'RA Sigs' after his name and decorations. 10182. Be sure you spell his name correctly and that his initials and decorations are correct.

Legibility

10183. Write legibly. It annoys a senior officer if he cannot read a letter or report because of careless writing. Remember, on active service, illegible writing may have very serious implications.

Signing Blind

10184. Never sign any official paper until you understand its contents and are satisfied that the statements are correct.

Dating Letters, etc

10185. Date, in your own handwriting, everything you sign or initial.

Invitations

10186. Formal Invitations. The following form covers invitations for most military occasions:
 

10187. Envelopes containing invitations to married persons should be addressed to the wife; all invitations should be sent to the private address.

10188. Invitations should never be addressed to 'CAPT A. B. Smith and Lady, or Partner'. If the name of the partner is not known or cannot be ascertained, then two cards should be sent - one addressed to CAPT A.B. Smith and the other blank so that CAPT Smith can include the name of their friend or partner. If an invitation is required for admission purposes the second card should be filled in'Guest of CAPT A.B. Smith'.

10189. The decorations of an officer issuing invitations should not be included on the invitation but those of the guest may be shown. For example, Major D.E. Eff, AM, MC, and Mrs Eff.

10190. When sending invitations to dinner it is helpful to include two times, eg; 6.30 pm for 7 pm.

Replies to Invitations.

10191. Invitations should be answered without delay and the acceptance or refusal should be in sin-filar form to the invitation. A reply is always handwritten and should be on double fold white paper (A4 folded in half).

10192. Acceptance.

Major and Mrs D. E. Eff have much pleasure in accepting the invitation of Lieutenant Colonel A.B. Cee and officers of ...................Signal Regiment Officers'Mess
at ………....on ………..at ………..
.....(function) .......... (date)................ (time)

10193. Non-acceptance.

Major and Mrs D.E. Eff wish to thank Lieutenant Colonel A.B. Cee and officers of ................................. Signal Regiment Officers'Mess for their kind invitation for (function) on (date) but regret that because of absence from town ('a previous engagement') they are unable to accept.

10194. Viceregal Invitations.

a. Acceptance.

Captain I.J. Kay has the honour to accept the invitation of His Excellency the Governor
and Lady ………………to…………… on …………..at……………….
.......................................................................(function) ................(date) .....................(time)
Melbourne
(date)

b. Is Unable to Attend.

Captain I.J. Kay has the honour to accept the invitation of His Excellency the Governor
and Lady ………. to (function) on (date) at (time) but regrets that owing to absence interstate he will be unable to be present.

Alternatively, the invitation may be accepted formally and the ADC-in-waiting informed of the circumstances by telephone.

Sealing Envelopes.

10195. When sending a private letter or letter of introduction by the hand of a friend, the envelope should be left unsealed and the flap turned in.

Letters of Thanks.

10196. After attending a function, a short letter of thanks should be sent to the host conveying your appreciation of their hospitality. This note is always handwritten and concludes 'Yours sincerely'. When a married officer has been accompanied by his wife and there is a hostess, the letter should be from the wife to the hostess. If the invitation was a spoken one, a telephone call of thanks is all that is required.

CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 11

CORPS TOASTS

General

1101. At all Corps Dining nights it is customary for the following toasts to be proposed:

a. The Loyal Toast,

b. Toast to our Colonel-in-Chief, and

c. Other toasts as appropriate.

The Loyal Toast

1102. When the port has been passed the Dining President calls the table to order by saying, "Dining Vice-President". The Dining Vice-President will rise and say "Gentlemen" or "Ladies and Gentlemen". This indicates to the assembly that they should also rise. Glasses should remain on the table.

1103. When all have risen and everybody is silent, the Dining Vice-President then proposes the Loyal Toast "The Queen". If the band is in attendance the first four Bars and the last four Bars of the National Anthem are then played. At its conclusion, or in response to the Dining Vice-President if there is no band in attendance, all present will repeat "The Queen" raise their glasses from the table, drink to the toast and resume their seats.

Toast to our Colonel-in-Chief

1104. Directly after officers have resumed their seats after the Loyal Toast the Dining President will call "Dining Vice-President". The Dining Vice-President will rise and say "Gentlemen" or "Ladies and Gentlemen". When all have risen and everybody is silent, the Dining Vice-President then proposes the toast "Our Colonel-in-Chief, The Princess Royal", all present will repeat "Our Colonel-in-Chief, The Princess Royal" raise their glasses from the table, drink to the toast and resume their seats.

Other Toasts

1105. On special occasions other toasts may be drunk (see Customs of the Army 1984). At annual Corps Dinners a toast may be proposed to "The Royal Australian Corps of Signals". This should be followed by a toast to "The Signal Corps of the Commonwealth and the United States of America" (see Corps Memorandum No 4 para 405 and 406). These toasts follow the Loyal Toast and the toast to our Colonel-in-Chief. Traditionally at Corps Dinners the toast to the Corps is proposed by a guest RAE officer. This marks the close bond between the two Corps.

CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 12

RA SIGS COURSE AWARDS

Corps Awards

1201. The following awards have been established for excellent achievement on RA Sigs Corps courses:

a. The Lionel Matthews Merit Award (Annex A),

b. The J. I. Williamson Memorial Award (Annex B),

c. The A.D. Molloy Award (Annex C), and

d. The Australian Defence Force Journal Award (ADFJA) (Annex D).

1202. The awards are established for presentation to members of the Corps to:

a. maintain and enhance Corps traditions,

b. commemorate all members, and ex-members of RA Sigs, in particular the members honoured by the names of the awards, and

c. provide an incentive and a recognition of the merits of the best all-round students on courses conducted at the School of Signals.

Industry Awards

1203. The following awards have been donated by civilian companies for achievement on RA Sigs Corps sponsored courses:

a. The Siemens Ltd Award (Annex E),

b. The Rockwell International Pty Ltd Award (Annex F),

C. The AWA Award (Annex G), and

d. The Siemens-Plessey Electronic Systems Award (Annex H).

ANNEX A TO
CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 12

THE LIONEL MATTHEWS MERIT AWARD

Aim

1. The Lionel Matthews Merit Award was established on 1 January 1966 for presentation to other ranks of the Corps for achievement on School of Signals' courses, in honour of Captain Lionel Matthews GC, MC.

Background

2. After pre-war service in the RANVR and Militia CAPT Lionel Colin Matthews joined 8th Division Signals at Bathurst in 1940 where he raised E Section of that unit. He served with great distinction in the AIF during the Malayan Campaign throughout 1941 and until the fall of Singapore in February 1942.

3. He was awarded the Military Cross for his courage and determination to maintain cable communications under attack at Gemas and in operations on Singapore Island.

4. CAPT Matthews was held as a prisoner of war at Sandakan, Borneo between August 1942 and March 1944. During this period in captivity and at great peril to himself at all times, he personally directed an underground intelligence and escape organisation; arranged for the delivery of medical supplies, food and money for fellow prisoners; was instrumental in arranging a radio link to the outside world and the provision of a cache of weapons for future use by a resistance and insurrection movement. His great gallantry whilst in the gravest danger; his leadership, conduct and optimism were an inspiration to his fellow prisoners and members of the resistance organisation. After arrest by the secret police, he refused to divulge names or to implicate others despite brutal torture, beatings and starvation. He was executed by the Japanese on 2 March 1944. His brave and courageous conduct at all times upheld the highest tradition of an Australian Officer.

5. In 1947 he was posthumously awarded the George Cross, which was the highest decoration
awarded to a member of the Australian Signal Corps during World War II.

6. His memory is perpetuated by the Lionel Matthews Merit Award, the display of his decorations and medals in the foyer of the School of Signals, a portrait which was unveiled on the fiftieth anniversary of his death and is on display in the foyer of the School of Signals, and by the naming of Matthews Close, Gowrie, ACT.

7. The Lionel Matthews Merit Award came into being as a result of a decision taken by the Corps Committee at the 1965 meeting. Prior to that date a Lionel Matthews Scholarship valued at $100 was awarded annually to children of serving and ex-members of the Corps. With the increasing number of more valuable scholarships becoming available, the Corps Committee reviewed the situation and decided that the aim would be better satisfied by introducing the Lionel Matthews Merit Award.

Form of Award

8. The award takes the form of a medallion depicting the Corps Badge on the obverse side and Inscribed with the words 'LIONEL MATTHEWS MERIT AWARD'. The reverse side shows a laurel wreath and space for the presentation inscription. The presentation inscription will show the serial -number and abbreviated title of the course, student's regimental number and name. The date, recipient's rank and name shall be placed on an Honour Board, donated by 8th Divisional Signals Association, on display in the foyer of the School of Signals.

9. The award shall only be made to an outstanding student on courses conducted at the School of Signals.

10. Factors taken into account when making the awards are to include:

a. examination results,

b. practical work,

c. conduct, and

d. the general contribution by the student to the course as a whole.

11. The number of medallions awarded in any one year, January to December, will be governed by an expenditure limit of $100.

Administration

12. The Award is to be administered as follows:

a. The Commanding Officer, School of Signals, or an officer delegated by him is to select the recipients of the award. The award is to be restricted to other rank members only.

b. The award will be financed by RA Sigs General Purpose Fund as follows:

(1) The School of Signals is to maintain a stock of award medallions. The medallions are accountable. Replenishment of stock is to be requested by the School as required from the Corps Shop.

(2) Claims for reimbursement of expenses incurred by the School of Signals such as engraving, etc, are to be submitted to the Corps Committee Treasurer by 31 Jan and 31 Jul each year.

(3) A consolidated list of recipients of the award is to be included with the claim.

c. Names of recipients are to be notified to the Director of Signals - Army on the normal Course Report forwarded by the School of Signals at the conclusion of courses.

ANNEX B TO
CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 12

THE J.I. WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL AWARD

Aim

1. The award was established on 1 January 1982 for presentation to officers of the Corps to:

a. commemorate the memory and dedicated service of the late Major General J.1. Williamson, AO, OBE; and

b. provide an incentive and a recognition of the merits of the best all-round student (both ARA and GRES) attending each Regimental Officer Advanced Course conducted at the School of Signals.

Background

2. Major General John Irvine Williamson, AO, OBE graduated from RMC Duntroon in 1946. After service in the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces, Japan, he returned to Australia in 1948 to complete his studies for a Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of Queensland. In 1950 he was promoted Captain and was attached to the Australian Observer Unit, Malaya in 1952. On his return he served as an instructor at the School of Signals prior to attending the Royal Military College of Science in the United Kingdom in 1955. He was promoted Major in 1956, Lieutenant Colonel in 1962, and Colonel in 1969 when he was appointed Director of Signals in Army Headquarters. During this period he graduated from the Australian Staff College and held a number of command and staff appointments including service on the staff of the Australian Military Attache, in Washington DC. In 1972 he was promoted Brigadier and appointed Commander, Puckapunyal Area. This was followed by attendance at the National Defence College in Canada and senior staff appointments in Army Headquarters, Canberra.

3. In 1975 he was promoted to Major General in which rank he held appointments as Chief of
Operations, Deputy Chief of the General Staff and General Officer Commanding Field Force
Command. He was made an officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 1972 and an
Officer of the Order of Australia in 1979. He died at his home at Victoria Barracks, Sydney, on 5th
July, 1980.

4. General Williamson was destined to serve the nation in positions of great responsibility. A well known and greatly respected member of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals he was a man of dedication, loyalty, determination and drive. He was a man as big in spirit as he was tall in stature. His was a very distinguished career in the profession of arms. He rendered outstanding service that reflected great credit upon himself, his Corps and the Australian Army.

Form of Award

5. The award takes the form of a 'Mercury' statuette inscribed with 'J.1. WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL AWARD'. The inscription also shows the serial number and abbreviated title of the course, student's regimental number, rank and name. The date, recipient's rank and name shall be placed on an Honour Board, which was donated by Royal Signals, on display in the foyer of the School of Signals.

6. The award is intended for presentation to the most outstanding student of each Regimental Officer Advanced Course (ROAC) conducted at the School of Signals. When GRES students participate in this course, two awards may be made; one for ARA and one for GRES.

7. Factors taken into account when choosing the recipients of the award are to include:

a. knowledge and understanding of communications technology, tactics and principles.

b. ability to perceive, analyse and resolve problems; in particular communications related problems;

c. planning and management of communication resources to meet operational requirements;

d. oral and written skills;

e. professionalism; and

f. practical application of skill and knowledge.

Administration

8. The Chief Instructor, School of Signals, or an officer designated by him, will select the recipients of the award or decide that no student warrants the award.

9. The awards and inscriptions will be financed from funds allocated by the Corps Committee for
this purpose.

10. The School of Signals is to maintain and account for a small stock of statuettes. Replenishment
of stock is to be arranged by the School of Signals.

11. Claims for reimbursement of expenses incurred by the School of Signals, such as engraving and
the inscription of the names on the Board are to be submitted to the Director of Signals - Army.

12. Prior to the awards being presented, names of recipients are to be notified to the Director of Signals - Army.

ANNEX C TO
CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 12

THE A.D. MOLLOY AWARD

Aim

1. The award was established on 15 August 1983 for presentation to officers of the Corps to:

a. commemorate the memory and dedicated service of the late Brigadier A.D. Molloy; and

b. provide an incentive and recognise the merits of the officer achieving the best results on each Telecommunications System Management (Military Module) course. With the replacement of the Telecommunications Systems Management Course by the Regimental Operations Course (ROC) the A D Molloy Award is now presented to the outstanding trainee on the ROC (Technical) module.

Background

2. Brigadier Archie David Molloy graduated as a LT Aust Staff Corps in 1930. He served as a young officer on the Indian North West Frontier during 1934-35. In October 1939 at the rank of Captain he was employed as a Signals Staff Officer with the Directorate of Mechanisation that was raised as part of the Army Headquarters Ordnance Branch. There was no provision for a Signals Directorate therefore many of those responsibilities rested with Captain Molloy and other Signals officers.

3. In 1941 Operation "Crusader" was launched by the British Eighth Army in an attempt to relieve the beleaguered defenders of Tobruk and to drive the enemy from Cyrenaica. This operation utilised Army Air Support Control for the first time and saw the deployment of 2/1 st Australian Air Support Control under command of the then Major A.D. Molloy.

4. During the course of the Operation MAJ Molloy was captured by General Ravenstien's 21 Panzer Division. He was held captive for 12 days and was interrogated by both Ravenstein and Rommel. 1Es eventual escape was aided by another Signals Officer CAPT A.P. Fleming and a group of New Zealanders. They were reunited with the Eighth Army at the Libya/Egypt border. Soon after saw an enemy withdrawal.

5. Brigadier Molloy was later to succeed Major General Simpson CBE, MC, VD as SO in C in 1946. This appointment was designated Director of Signals in 1947 and was occupied by him until 1952. During his appointment Brigadier Molloy was instrumental in establishing selection criteria for the Special Wireless Group of operators which later saw the establishment of this group's home at Cabarlah and redesignated as 101 Wireless Regiment.

6. In addition to serving the Corps as Director, Brigadier Molloy served in Washington as the
Military Attache 1952 to 1954, Comd 6 MD 1954 to 1955 and as ADC to RM The Queen in 1959. He also held the appointment of Colonel Commandant for RA Sigs in 3 MD during the period 1972 to 1974.

Form of Award

7. The award takes the form of a suitable publication not exceeding the value of $50, and inscribed 'A.D. MOLLOY lffiMORIAL AWARD'. The inscription is to show the serial number and abbreviated title of the course, the students regimental number, rank and name. The year of the award, the recipient's rank and name are to be entered on to an Honour Board, on display in the foyer of the School of Signals.

8. The award is intended for presentation to the most outstanding student of each Regimental Operations Course (Technical Module), (ROC(T)).

9. The factors to be taken into account when choosing the recipients of the award are to include:

a. academic achievement,

b. application to the course, and

c. superior officer qualities to be demonstrated.

Administration

10. The Chief Instructor, School of Signals, or an officer designated by him is to select the recipients of the award or, if appropriate, decide that no student warrants the award.

11. The award and the inscriptions are to be financed from funds allocated by the Corps Committee for this purpose.

12. The Commanding Officer, School of Signals, or an officer delegated by him is to select the award.

13. Claims for reimbursement of expenses incurred by the School of Signals in purchasing and inscribing the award are to be submitted to the Director of Signals - Army.

14. Prior to the award being presented, the names of recipients are to be notified to the Director of Signals - Army.

ANNEX D TO
CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 12

THE AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE JOURNAL AWARD

General

1 . The Australian Defence Force Journal Award (ADFJA) was established on 28 June 1993. The award is to be presented to the student of merit on the RA SIGS Regimental Operations Course Military Module (ROC - M).

Aim

2. The aim of the ADFJA is to:

a. encourage the pursuit of excellence, and

b. give recognition to the efforts of the student achieving the best standard of operational staff work on the ROC(M).

Form of the Award

3. The ADFJA is in the form of a book prize.

4. The recipient of the ADFJA will be presented with a suitably inscribed copy of a book donated by the Australian Defence Force Journal.

5. The factors taken into account when selecting a recipient for the ADFJA are:

a. examination and assignment results,

b. a demonstrated ability to plan and manage divisional tactical communications systems,

c. the ability to translate an outline plan for a communications system into succinct and comprehensive signals operation order, and

d. the degree to which the student was able to contribute to the smooth and effective running of the 'in-course' operations group.

Administration

6. The Chief Instructor, School of Signals, will decide upon the recipient of the ADFJA award
based on the above criteria.

7. The School of Signals is to arrange for the inscription of the book prize. When the current
supply of book prizes is nearly exhausted, the School of Signals, in conjunction with the ADFJ, shall review the title of the prize (if necessary) and obtain a further quantity of prizes.

8. The Officer Commanding Corps Training Squadron is to act as the custodian of the ADFJA book prizes.

9. Under normal circumstances the Award shall be presented at the completion of each ROC - M by the Chief Instructor, School of Signals.

10. Prior to the award being presented, the Director of Signals - Army is to be notified of the name of the recipient.

ANNEX E TO
CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 12

THE SIEMENS LTD AWARD

Aim

1 The award was established in 1979 for presentation to Technicians Electronic of the Corps to:

a. acknowledge the close association between Siemens Ltd and the Royal Australian Corps of Signals,

b. encourage the pursuit of excellence, and

C. provide recognition of the Technician Electronic student who achieves the highest grade point average while attending the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Associate Diploma of Engineering (Computer Systems and Electronic) Course.

Form of Award

2. The Siemens Ltd Award is in the form of a $200 cash award and an inscribed copy of the
Siemens Engineering Handbook.

3. In addition, the recipients details are inscribed on a Honour Board which is displayed in
Communications and Information Systems Training Squadron

4. The award is made each year to the individual who has achieved the highest overall result at the completion of the RMIT Associate Diploma in Engineering and who has maintained a proper standard of conduct throughout the course.

Administration

5. The Chief Instructor School of Signals, or an officer designated by the Chief Instructor selects the recipient based on course results notified by RMIT and conduct reports. Details concerning the individual are to be advised to Siemens Ltd by 1 March of the year following completion of the course.

6. Siemens Ltd makes arrangements for the provision of the handbook and the cheque, for presentation at an appropriate occasion as determined by the Chief instructor School of Signals in consultation with the Company.

7. The School of Signals is to arrange for the perpetual honour board to be inscribed.

8. Prior to the award being presented, the name of the recipient is to be notified to the Director of Signals - Army.

ANNEX F TO
CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 12

THE ROCKWELL INTERNATIONAL PTY LTD AWARD

Aim

1. The Rockwell International Pty Ltd award was established in 1966 for the outstanding Apprentice in his OJT year. As a result of the OJT year being cancelled, the award was re-established in 1994 for presentation to a potential Supervisor Technical Telecommunications on the RMIT Bridging Course to:

a. acknowledge the close association between then Rockwell International Pty Ltd, and the Royal Australian Corps of Signals;

b. provide an incentive for the pursuit of excellence, and

c. recognise the achievements of an individual on the RMIT Bridging Course each calendar year for commitment and effort.

Form of Award

2. The Rockwell International Pty Ltd Award is a $150 cash award and a plaque. The recipient's name is also inscribed on an Honour Board located in Communications and Information Systems Training Squadron within the School of Signals.

3. Factors taken into consideration when selecting recipients of the Award include:

a. overall grade average for RMIT Bridging Course conducted at the School of Signals; and

b. performance in general soldier skills, duties and conduct during the course.

4. Members completing Bridging subjects external to the School of Signals are not eligible for the award.

Administration

5. The Chief Instructor, School of Signals, or an officer designated by the Chief Instructor, selects the recipient of the award. The recipients details are to be advised to Rockwell International Pty Ltd approximately one week prior to the end of the course.

6. Rockwell International Pty Ltd will make arrangements for the provision of the prize, for presentation at an appropriate occasion as determined by the Chief Instructor or his delegate in consultation with the company. The presentation will normally be during the RMIT Mil Mod Pt I in the following year.

7. Prior to the award being presented, the recipient's details are to be notified to the Director of Signals - Army. The School of Signals is responsible to arrange for the Honour Board to be inscribed.

ANNEX G TO
CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 12

THE AWA AWARD

Aim

1 . The award was established on 1 January 1986 for presentation to officers completing the RA Sigs Regimental Officer Basic Course to:

a. acknowledge the close association between Amalgamated Wireless Australasia Limited and the Royal Australian Corps of Signals,

b. encourage the pursuit of excellence, and

c. recognise the best all-round student (including Overseas Students) attending each Regimental Officer Basic Course at the School of Signals.

Form of Award

2. The AWA Award takes the form of a perpetual trophy on which the rank and name of the recipient and course details are inscribed. Where the recipient is an Overseas Student, the Corps or country of the officer is to be shown. The perpetual trophy is to hang in the foyer of the School of Signals.

3. In addition, each recipient is to receive a personal memento of the Award. This consists of a book prize inscribed with 'AWA AWARD' and the rank and name of the recipient followed by detail,; of the course.

4. Factors taken into consideration when selecting recipients of the Award include..

a. exam results in the academic aspects of the course,

b. demonstrated application of communications and management principles, and

c. the standard of conduct as an officer student on the course.

Administration

5 . The Chief Instructor, School of Signals, or an officer designated by the Chief Instructor
the recipient based on reports received and results achieved during the course.

6. The School of Signals is to arrange for the purchase of the book prize and is to arrange inscriptions to be completed on the perpetual trophy and personal memento. The receipts are forwarded to Amalgamated Wireless Australasia Limited for reimbursement.

7. The award is normally presented at the close of each course by a representative of AWA. The course officer is to confirm arrangements for the presentation at least four weeks before the conclusion of each course.

8. Prior to the award being presented, the names of recipient are to be notified to the Director of Signals - Army

ANNEX H TO
CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 12

SIEMENS-PLESSEY ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS AWARD

Aim

1 . The Siemens-Plessey Electronic Systems Award was established in 1988 as the Plessey Australia Pty Ltd Student of Honour Award for presentation to Technicians Electronic of the Corps to:

a. acknowledge the close association between the then Plessey Australia Pty Ltd, now Siemens-Plessey, and the Royal Australian Corps of Signals;

b. provide an incentive for the pursuit of excellence., and

c. acknowledge outstanding performance in general soldier skills, duties and conduct during the course.

Form of Award

2. The Siemens-Plessey Electronic Systems Award is in the form of a prize, normally a digital multimeter. In addition the recipient's details are inscribed on an honour board which is on display in the Communications and Information Systems Training Squadron of the School of Signals. An award was originally made for each Army Adult Tradesman Technician Electronic Course. Due to the change of course structure and location, it is now made for each Technician Electronic Equipment Course.

3. The recipient of the Award is selected on the following criteria:

a. highest grade average for the course; and

b. performance in general soldier skills, duties and conduct during the course.

Administration

4. The Chief Instructor, School of Signals, or an officer delegated by him selects the recipient of the Award. Details concerning the recipient are to be advised to Siemens-Plessey approximately two weeks prior to the end of the course.

5. Siemens-Plessey will make arrangements for the provision of the prize and for presentation at
an appropriate occasion as determined by the Chief Instructor School of Signals, or his delegate.
Notwithstanding, the presentation is normally the last day of the course.

6. Prior to the Award being presented the recipient's name is to be advised to the Director of Signals - Army. The School of Signals is to arrange for the Honour Board to be inscribed.

CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 13
RA SIGS CORPS BANNER

Background

1301. On 10th September 1980, approval was given by Her Royal Highness the Princess Anne, our Colonel-In-Chief, for the Corps to carry a banner bearing her cipher. The banner is to be known as "The Princess Anne Banner".

1302. The banner was presented at a parade at Simpson Barracks on 29th November 1986, on behalf of Her Royal Highness by His Excellency The Governor General, The Right Honourable Sir Ninian Stephen, AK, GCMG, GCVO, KBE.

The Banner

1303. The banner and its accoutrements consist of the following:

a. Commonwealth Property:

b. Corps Property:

Commonwealth property is to be accounted for in accordance with MEMA, Corps property is to be accounted for in accordance with Corps Memorandum No 5.

Custody

1304. The Chief Instructor School of Signals is the custodian of the banner and is responsible for its security and maintenance. The banner is to be permanently displayed in the School of Signals when not being paraded on ceremonial occasions.

Approval for Use

1305. The Director of Signals - Army is the sole approving authority for use of the banner. Requests for the use of the Corps Banner are to be submitted to the Director of Signals - Army through the Corps RSM.

Appropriate Occasions for Use

1306. As a general principle, approval to use the banner will only be given for parades associated with significant and important Corps events. Such occasions could be significant unit birthdays, freedom of entry parades and Corps day parades involving a number of Corps units. Units could expect to parade the banner about once every three to four years.

1307. The Corps banner may be displayed at Regimental Dinners. It may be used by units out of the Simpson Barracks area for such only if the Banner is already in location for another activity, eg. a parade.

Conditions of Loan

1308. The following conditions apply when approval is given for the loan of the banner to a unit for a ceremonial occasion:

a. The banner and accoutrements are to be transported in the transit case specifically made for the purpose;

b. The banner is to be escorted in transit by a minimum of two personnel;

c. The borrowing unit is responsible for arrangement of the escorts and provision of any travel and subsistence funding associated with the movement of the banner and its escorts; and

d. The borrowing unit is responsible for the care, accounting and security of the banner and accoutrements from the time of its removal from the School of Signals to its subsequent return.

Parade Procedures

1309. Procedures for handling the banner, on parade, are contained in the Drill Manual and the Ceremonial Manual.

CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 14

RA SIGS CORPS AVENUE OF HONOUR

General

1401. ARA Sigs Corps Avenue of Honour is established at Simpson Barracks Macleod, Victoria.

Composition

1402. The avenue comprises trees planted along each side of Simpson Avenue from the Security Gates at No 1 Building eastwards to the corner of Stevens Road, south along Stevens Road to the corner of Blamey Road, and then to the west along Blamey Road to the main entrance of Simpson Barracks.

Tree Planting by Officers

1403. Trees may be pre-planted and may be dedicated as opportunity arises by the following members:

a. all Representative Colonels Commandant,

b. all Colonels Commandant,

c. all Directors of Signals - Army,

d. visiting officers considered appropriate by the Director of Signals - Army on behalf of the Corps Committee, and

e. any other individual specifically approved by the Corps Committee from time to time.

Marking of Trees

1404. The trees are to be marked at each dedication by the placing of a plaque inscribed:

Notes:

1. Rank to be abbreviated;

2. Appointment to be in full and on one line if possible; and

3. Date to be abbreviated, eg; '21 Aug 81'.

Maintenance

1405. The Officer commanding 138 Sig Sqn is responsible for:

a. the maintenance of records showing location of tree, type of tree, name of the person honoured and the date planted;

b. the maintenance of plaques; and

c. the care of dedicated trees.

Should trees become damaged or diseased they are to be replaced by a similar type as soon as possible and the records marked accordingly.

Costs

1406. The provision and maintenance of plaques are authorised from the SO COMMS Southern
Region cash advance. The SO COMMS may claim reimbursement from time to time from the RA Sigs
Corps General Purpose Fund.

CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 15

RA SIGS CORPS MUSEUM

General

1501. The RASigs Corps Museum is established at Simpson Barracks, Macleod, Victoria.

Composition

1502. The Museum contains items of communications equipment, documentation and other items associated with RA Sigs and other Signal Corps throughout the world.

Purpose

1503. The Museum is designed to enable all serving and retired members of RA Sigs, other arms and services and members of the general public to see a display of the vast range of communications equipment and other general Signals items used in the past, during war and peace.

1504.The display serves as a valuable training medium for Signals units located in Southern Region and as a reminder to visitors of the marked advances made in communications over the years. It also acts as an important focus of tradition for personnel newly enlisted in the Corps.

Management

1505. A sub-committee, known as RA Sigs Corps Museum Sub-Committee, is to administer and develop the Museum. The Sub-Committee shall consist of.

a. the Commanding Officer School of Signals as Chairman,

b. one representative from each ARA and GRES RA Sigs unit in the Melbourne metropolitan area,

c. up to three Retired List members nominated by Signals Associations in Southern Region,

d. Museum Curator, and

e. SO COMMS Southern Region.

Sub-Committee Responsibilities

1506. The Sub-Committee is responsible for:

a. the collation, recording, suitable display and safe custody of all items received from time to time for the Museum;

b. seeking ways and means of improving and increasing the range of items for display;

c. the production, annually, of a complete list of items held by the Museum for circulation to the Director of Signals - Army and all Defence Regions;

d. the day to day operation of the Museum.

e. and other tasks as allocated by the Corps Committee.

1507. Colonels Commandant are to nominate a member in each Defence Region to act as the agent for the Museum in that Military Region.

Source of Items

1508. Items for inclusion in the Museum are likely to be available from the following sources:

a. private collectors,

b. Museums and War Memorials,

c. disposal agencies,

d. overseas Signals Corps; and

e. obsolete and unserviceable equipment on issue to the Museum (see MEMA)

1509. The Museum Sub-Committee is authorised to establish and maintain liaison with appropriate sources on behalf of the Corps Committee.

Publicity

1510. The Sub-Committee is to arrange publicity for the Museum through service and civilian sources both within Australia and overseas.

Funds

1511. The Sub-Committee may be required to purchase items for the Museum. For this purpose money is to be provided from the RA Sigs Corps General Purpose Fund, as authorised by the Corps Committee. The responsibility for management of this allocation is vested in the Director of Signals Army, representing the Corps Committee.

CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 16

RA SIGS ASSOCIATION

1601. The following is the list of Associations within the Corps. Membership of these includes serving as well as retired and ex-members of the Corps along with others as approved by each individual Association.

1602. The Associations are as follows:

Queensland

RA Sigs Association (Queensland)
Signals Vietnam Veterans Association (Queensland)
RA Sigs (Officers) Association Queensland

New South Wales

RA Sigs Association (New South Wales)
1 Australian Corps Signals Association
6 Division Signals Association
7 Division Signals Association
8 Division Signals Association
9 Division Signals Association
B Corps Signals Association
New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company Association
Australian Special Wireless Group Association
18 Dispatch Rider Section
Beach Signals Association
Australian Light Horse Signals Association
L of C Signals Association

Australian Capital Territory

RA Sigs Association (Australian Capital Territory)

Victoria

RA Sigs Association (Victoria)
1st AIF Signal Engineers Association Signals 1 Australian Corps Association 3/66 Club
6 Division Signals Association
7 Division Signals Association
8 Division Signals/6 Line Section Association
9 Division Signals Association
New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company Association
Australian Special Wireless Group Association
15 Infantry Brigade Signal Section Association
7, 8 and 9 Operating Sections and 8, 9 and 10 Line Sections Association
7, 8 and 9 Technical Maintenance and 1 and 2 Carrier Maintenance Sections Association
AWAS Signals
Signals Vietnam Veterans Association (Victoria)

South Australia

RA Sigs Association (South Australia)
21 Australian Infantry Brigade Signal Section, 7 Division Signals Association
9 Division Signals Association

Western Australia

RA Sigs Association (Western Australia), incorporating the following organisations:

2 Division Signals
6 Division Signals
7 Division Signals
9 Division Signals
11 Division Signals
Armoured Division Signals
Fortress Signals
Korea Signals Units
South Vietnam Signals Units

Tasmania

RA Signals Association (Tasmania)

Contacting Associations

1603. Names and addresses of Presidents and Secretaries of these Associations may be obtained from
the SO COMMS at the Defence Region concerned.

CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 17

THE PRINCESS ROYAL TROPHY

General

1701. 0n 6April 1940, His Excellency the Governor-General of Australia, Lord Gowrie, presented to the -Australian Corps of Signals a trophy on behalf of Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal, Princess Mary who was our Colonel-in-Chief at that time.

1702. 2nd Cavalry Division, as winners of the annual competition for the year 1938-39, received the trophy on behalf of the Corps from Lord Gowrie.

1703. The trophy is a silver statuette of Mercury (or Hermes) mounted on a wooden base.

1704. The trophy was initially awarded for an annual competition between units of the Australian Corps of Signals. The competition was a practical signalling test of varying skills according to unit role between Signals units of the Citizen Military Forces (CMF) (now Army Reserve) although regular units with a CMF component could also compete.

1705. The competition lapsed after 1967 and the winner in that year was 4 Signal Regiment. In 1984, an unsuccessful attempt was made to resurrect the competition.

1706. The trophy may be re-awarded in the future when a suitable competition, agreed by ARA, -ARES and composite RA Sigs units, is initiated by the Corps Committee.

1707. Currently the trophy is no longer competed for and is displayed in the School of Signals.

CORPS MEMORANDUM NO 18

DATES OF SIGNIFICANCE TO RA SIGS

General

1801. The following dates are considered to be of significance to RA Sigs.

January

1 Jan 65 144 Sig Sqn birthday
6 Jan 75 146 Sig Sqn birthday
12 Jan 06 Australian Corps of Signallers established

February

3 Feb 47 7 Sig Regt (EW) birthday

March

1 Mar 40 School of Signals birthday
18 Mar 67 139 Sig Sqn birthday
24 Mar 21 RNZ Sigs Corps Day

April

Nil

May

14 May 47 6 Sig Regt birthday
20 May 69 140 Sig Sqn birthday
24 May 45 133 Sig Sqn birthday

June

1 Jun 60 1 Sig Regt birthday
2 Jun 64 4 Sig Regt birthday
15 Jun 79 133 Sig Sqn Freedom of the City of Penrith
21 Jun 1860 USA Signal Corps founded
24 Jun 75 4 Sig Regt Freedom of the City of Brisbane
28 Jun 20 "Princess Royal Day" - Royal Corps of Signals Corps Day
30 Jun 75 108 Sig Sqn birthday

July

1 Jul 75 142 Sig Sqn birthday
1 Jul 81 JTUM birthday
5 Jul 80 126 Sig Sqn Freedom of the City of Box Hill
14 Jul 92 1 Sig Regt Freedom of the City of Gympie
31 Jul 75 123 Sig Tp birthday

15 Aug 50 Colonel-in-Chiefs birthday
19 Aug 62 LFSU Freedom of the City of Heidelberg
29 Aug 75 7 Sig Regt (EW) Freedom of the City of Toowoomba

September

4 Sep 64 SASR Unit birthday (1 52 Sig Sqn)
5 Sep 92 LFSU birthday
6 Sep 79 134 Sig Sqn birthday
15 Sep 75 615 Sig Tp birthday
23 Sep 80 6 Sig Regt and Queens Gurkha Signals Bond of Friendship

October

1 Oct 19 US Army DSigs-A established
13 Oct 61 126 Sig Sqn birthday
24 Oct 03 Anniversary of the founding of Signals in Canada-Foundation Day

November

10 Nov 48 RA Sigs Corps Day
12 Nov 66 109 Sig Sqn birthday
15 Nov 52 Royal Malaysian Signal Corps birthday
29 Nov 86 Presentation of the Princess Anne Banner
30 Nov 65 104 Sig Sqn birthday

December

6 Dec 65 103 Sig Sqn birthday