Celebrating 100 years of the Royal Corps of Signals
As the Royal Signals entered its 100th year of existence, many events were planned to commemorate this historic milestone. Sadly, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent health risks posed, many of our plans were curtailed and either celebrated virtually, cancelled, or postponed for a later date. However, it is important we still acknowledge our proud heritage and the endeavours that went into creating an anniversary befitting of our extraordinary soldiers, both past and present.
Salisbury Cathedral Celebrations - 29th February 2020
Launching the start of the Signals centenary celebrations at the historic and iconic setting of Salisbury Cathedral, this poignant event gave all attendees the opportunity to reflect and remember the sacrifices of our Signals over the last 100 years. Over 300 members of the Royal Corps of Signals, both past and present marched past the famous building, in the presence of their Colonel-in-Chief, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.
The Cathedral’s stunning West Front provided the postcard backdrop for the parade which included serving personnel, veterans and cadets who acknowledged Her Royal Highness with the eyes right salute.
Later on, The Princess along with guests including the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire and Master of Signals, Lieutenant General Sir Nick Pope KCB CBE moved inside the 800 year old Cathedral to take part in a Celebration led by the Dean of Salisbury The Very Reverend Nicholas Papadopulos.
#100for100 Challenge
During the month of June 2020, exactly 100 years on from the formation of the Royal Signals, everyone in the Corps family (that was able) was encouraged to cover 100km through a form of their daily exercise routine - running, walking, cycling, etc. Its main objectives were to reinforce our sense of community, mark the Royal Signals 100 in style, and raise money for the Royal Signals Charity.
Since the #100for100 challenge began at the beginning of June, 13,235 activities were completed and an incredible 108,838 tracked miles covered, two-and-a-half times the Earth’s circumference. We are delighted to announce that this challenge has raised over £65,000 for the Royal Signals Charity and brought the Corps family - Regular, Reserve and Cadet - together at a time we physically could not.
Project 204 - “By the Soldiers, for the Soldiers”
The Corps made the difficult decision to delay the Project 204 festival which had been scheduled to take place in August 2020. Inclusive to anyone who has an affiliation to the Corps including soldiers, officers, regular or reserve, our families and of course our veterans, this 3-day music festival was named after office 204 which is where Sir Winston Churchill is likely to have signed the Royal Warrant to authorise the creation of the Royal Corps of Signals in 1920.
With acts ranging from serving soldier bands to world class artists and everything in-between, this was unquestionably going to be a music spectacle to remember. A decision point has now been set for later this year, at which point a choice will be made to either delay the festival until August 2021, or to cancel the event completely.
Certa Cito 100
This gruelling 6-month adventure was another event that was unable to go ahead due to the threat of COVID-19. Scheduled to commence in January 2020 with 24 separate Units and Corps clubs journeying around the world conducting arduous and demanding adventurous training and sporting expeditions, it is affectionately termed ‘Around the World with Jimmy’ - a nod to our use throughout our 100 year history of the term ‘Jimmy’ as our informal name for Mercury, messenger of the Gods. Pushing their physical and mental capabilities to the edge, up mountains, down rivers, across seas, over tracks and navigating their way through airports, medical plans and unfamiliar terrain, this was set to be a conquest like no other for our courageous Corps.
Embarking in Australasia, track west to South America and returns east to Africa before heading further east to Asia, the adventure continues in North America before a brief visit to the Arctic Circle and onward to Europe before a final channel crossing. The challenge was set to conclude with an endurance run along the south coast to Blandford and finish on the Corps’ Birthday weekend 27/28 June 2020.
