4th Division Signals Company
From Our Contribution
 1st Div Signals HQ at Vaulx May 1917 AWM E0067 | |
Brief History
The Division Signals Company was tasked with providing communications from the Divisional Headquarters to those of subordinate formations. It was formed in Egypt during the expansion of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) infantry brigades in February 1916. The 4th Division subsequently gained the experienced 4th Brigade, and two newly raised brigades – the 12th and 13th – which were formed from cadres from the 4th and 3rd Brigades respectively. the 4th Division undertook defensive duties along the Suez Canal, around Serapeum, to defend against a possible Ottoman attack. As it was necessary for elements of the division to take over as soon as possible, the 16th Battalion was sent ahead by train, while the rest of the division completed the move on foot, marching through the desert from Tel el Kebir to take up their positions, arriving in late March. At Serapeum, the division absorbed a batch of reinforcements that had been left behind by the departed 1st and 2nd Divisions, consisting of men with poor conduct records, who were deemed to need further training prior to employment in combat
From Egypt the division was sent to France, where it took part in the fighting on the Western Front during 1916–1918. After the war ended, the AIF was demobilised and the division was dissolved. Thirty one men lost their life while posted to this unit.
Unit Personnel
- Joseph Sowden Kidd MM 18 Mar 1916 - 21 Mar 1919
Individual Honours
- 1 x Distinguished Service order
- 8 x Military Cross
- 2 x Bar to Military Cross
- 7 x Distinguished Conduct Medal
- 70 x Military Medals
- 2 x Bar to Military Medal
- 1 x 2nd Bar to Military Medal
- 7 x Meritorious Service Medal
- 18 x Mentioned in Despatches
- 3 x Belgium Croix de Guerre
- 1 x French Croix de Guerre
Notes