A significant chapter in the history of the R SIGNALS has come to a close at Army Training Centre Pirbright when soldiers, families, veterans and members of the local community gathered last week to celebrate a major Pass Off Parade and the end of more than a century of service by 1 (Fowler) Squadron.
Around 145 recruits marched on parade after successfully completing 13 weeks of Army basic training. Representing a wide range of cap badges including the R SIGNALS, Royal Engineers, Royal Logistic Corps, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Royal Army Medical Service, Adjutant General's Corps Staff and Personnel Support Branch, Adjutant General's Corps Royal Military Police and Royal Corps of Army Music, the recruits reflecting the diversity and talent of the modern British Army. On the day there were around 1,000 family members alongside pupils from South Farnborough Junior School, creating a strong community atmosphere and highlighting the close relationship between the Army and the people it serves.
The parade carried added significance for the R SIGNALS as it was the final Pass Off Parade conducted by 1 (Fowler) Squadron before the sub-unit formally closed. For more than 100 years, Fowler Squadron has maintained a close association with the R SIGNALS and has played a vital role in training generations of soldiers. Following the parade, there was a short ceremony marking the closure of the squadron and the opening of Wilson Company, with Colour Sergeant M Wilson MC in attendance after whom the new company is named.
The historic links between Fowler Squadron and the R SIGNALS were proudly represented by several distinguished veterans of the Corps including Major (Retired) G Mather MM, Captain (Retired) M Townsend DCM and Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) S Clarke GM QGM MBE all having served as R SIGNALS soldiers and officers, they were able to share their experiences and reflect on the squadron's enduring legacy. Colonel E Swift, Corps Colonel R SIGNALS and Inspecting Officer on the day, also spoke about the long standing relationship between Fowler Squadron and the Corps, as well as the crucial role military training continues to play in preparing soldiers for service in an increasingly complex world. Major B Brown, the final Officer Commanding 1 (Fowler) Sqn reflected on the end of an era:
“In the past two years, I’ve seen hundreds of recruits arrive unsure and leave as soldiers - confident, capable, and ready to serve. That is something we will always be proud of, and that is the lasting legacy of 1 (Fowler) Sqn - a changing team that over generations has prepared soldiers for a career of service.”
A wonderful day for all those that attended and for all the instructors who have guided the recruits through their demanding training programme, the parade represented the culmination of months of hard work, commitment and mentorship. For the R SIGNALS though, it marks the end of a proud chapter in its history.
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