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104 Sig Sqn Brassard Coup
This is the patch that 104 Sig Sqn wore that caused a
little stir in the Task Force at Holsworthy in 1975.
We were known then, as the 104th Combat Armoured Task Force Signal Squadron
but this
patch was got to celebrate the Armoured Command Vehicles (ACV) introduction back into the Sqn after
returning from Vietnam service.
 We had just done our first exercise with the ACV's and at its completion the Task Force did a 40km route march. 104 Sig Sqn got right up 5/7 Battalion backside grunting like piggies to keep cadence and for our enjoyment! Just before we took salute from the Task Force Commander, we all took these brassards out of our packs and wore them on the right shoulder. Our OC was with Task Force Commander, as we went by for the salute and it was quite funny to see the look of anguish on our Boss's face when he realised what was happening - he was not in the loop! Earlier the Task Force 2IC had shit canned the idea on formal request by our OC! The 104 Troops took matters into their own hands! PS Same brassard/patch was wore on the "The Kidnap Caper" - Read on.
The Kidnap Caper by Dennis Wynne (2N) with help from 1N 104 Sig Sqn return to Holsworthy from Vietnam, now with ACV's and seasoned Warriors. As you do with your big brother a 'Snatch and Grab' was planned and executed on 1 Signal Regiment Headquarters (RHQ) with guns and smoke grenades, using ACV's to noisily get to RHQ at Ingleburn. The CO and RSM were in the CO's Office and were "invited for a drink". The CO, I remember said to the John Chennoweith, well RSM, an invite is hard to refuse and the rest is history. They had a beer or two at the Squadron before being allow to return to the Regiment (Regt). During drinks the 104 Sig Sqn orderly room clerk came into the bar and said to our OC in front of every one "The Adjutant at 1 Sig Regt wants to know when they can have the CO back". Needless to say the bar broke up with laugher! Anyway the full resources of the Regt went into planning to regain honour for the Regt. The result a return tactical raid on 104 Sig Sqn using pushbikes with cardboard armoured protection panels was mounted. The pushbikes were launched from a mother ship (MK5 Truck) as it was a bit far to ride to Holsworthy from Ingleburn for the Regt shock troops. This also help maintain mission security and was a complete surprise and success! 104 Sig Sqn gave up without a fight - they were all rolling around on the ground pissing themselves with laughter! |
