History Overview - 103 Signal Squadron

See Pronto in South Vietnam 1962-1972, Chapter 4

103 Sig Sqn - Task Force Signals

The squadron was raised at Ingleburn on the 5 August 1965 from elements of 1 Signal Regiment, became operational on the 6 December 1965 and toured South Vietnam in 1966/67.  On arrival in Vietnam, the squadron was at Back Beach, Vung Tau, but after a few weeks the Task Force and 103 Signal Squadron moved to Nui Dat in Phuoc Tuy Province in early June 1966.

The squadron comprised:

Admin Troop
Comcen Troop
Radio Troop (673 Sig Tp ?)

Relieved by 104 Signal Squadron in late April 1967, the unit moved to Ingleburn briefly, and then to Townsville in 1969, as the signal squadron of 3 Task Force.   In 1980, the Government announced the formation of an Operation Deployment Force (ODF).   With the formation of the ODF, 103 Signal Squadron was reorganised as a Task Force Signal Squadron (Light), and designated ODF Signal Squadron. Emphasis was on air portability. Squadron members saw service in Rhodesia in 1980, and also visited Malaysia, New Zealand, USA and UK that year.  103 Signal Squadron later became part of 3 Command Support Regiment supporting 3 Brigade in Townsville.

The unit emblem during the 1980's was a Sigalot, which was adopted by the unit following a competition for a design.  

103 Sig Sqn - Sir Sigalot Badge

Unit patch: White over blue square with vertical purple oval superimposed.


103 Sig Sqn Patch

103 Signal Squadron is now an operational squadron of the 3rd Combat Signal Regiment (3CSR), which is located in Townsville. 

3rd Combat Signal Regiment Colour Patch

The 3CSR provides Command and Control (C2) networks and C2 support (unit-level combat service support) to the Headquarters 3rd Brigade in order to enable the C2 of forces assigned to the Commander 3rd Brigade (Comd 3 Bde). 3 CSR is based at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville.

Structurally, 3CSR comprises three squadrons: two Signal Squadrons (102 and 103 Signal Squadron) and an Operational Support Squadron, in addition to the Regimental Headquarters.

See 103 Signal Squadron South Vietnam photos:

Album 1  |  Album 2  |  Album 3  |  Album 4  |  Album 5  |  Album 6  |  Album 7  |  Album 8  |
Album 9  |  Album 10  |  Album 11  |  Album 12  |   Album 13  |  Album 14  |  Album  15  |
Album 16  |  Album 17  |  Album 18  |  Album 19  |   Album 20  |   Album 21  |   Album 22  |
Album 23  |   Album 24  |  Album 25  |  Album 26

See 103 Signal Squadron South Vietnam OC Monthy Reports: (PDF)

|   May 66  |   Jun 66   |   Jul 66   |   Aug 66   |  Sep 66 and SO Sigs  |  Oct 66   |   Nov 66   |
|   Dec 66  |   Jan 67   |   Feb 67   |   Mar 67  |   Proposed Theatre Increment (Dec 66)  |


Click   Task Force Signals  (PDF)
(Overview of Task Force Signals in South Vietnam by Denis Hare - 103 and 104 Signal Squadron)


Story 1   Taking 103 Sig Sqn to War by Duncan Spencer

Story 2    Raising 103 Sig Sqn for War by Cliff King

Story 3   103 Sig Sqn 50th Birthday in Townsville by Chris Brown OAM

Story 4    OR's Vietnam Tour Honour Board (103 Sig Sqn and Attached Units 1966/67, SVN)

Story 5   Use of Signals Intelligence Information to Prevent Casualties during Operation
                 Canberra
 By Robert Hartley AM 

Story 6    Long Tan - A Sigs Perspective By Garry Fizzel


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