Story 98 - 104 Sig Sqn 60th Birthday,
the transfer of 105 Sig Sqn and
commemoration of Certa Cito 100
by
Denis Hare OAM BEM
Background
104 Signal Squadron (104 Sig Sqn) was raised on the 30th Nov
1965 at Wacol, Brisbane. It replaced 103 Sig Sqn in South
Vietnam as the Task Force Signal Squadron in April 1967 and remained
until November 1971, when the 1st Australian Task Force
was withdrawn.
On returning to Australia it was located at Ingleburn, Holsworthy
and is now at Palmerston near Darwin and is still supporting the 1st Brigade
(Renamed 1st Australian Task Force). It has
maintained the armoured communications skills that started
development on the battle fields in Vietnam and developed many other
skills since, including supporting airborne operations.
The unit is no longer an independent squadron and now part of the 1st Combat
Signal Regiment (1CSR) which has had involvement with deployments to
Solomon Islands, East Timor, Iraq, Afghanistan and other
locations.
Also, 104 Sig Sqn’s has a sister squadron, 105 Sig Sqn which over many years has shared the combat signal tasks of 1CSR.
Commander Joint Task Force 633 Major General Susan Coyle with Major
Chris Mathieson, left, and Major George Prentice as they transfer
command from 104 to 105. Photo: Petty Officer Yuri Ramsey
However, after another Army re-origination 105 Sig Sqn is being
transferred to the re-raised 10th Brigade
(Long-Range Fires Brigade), which hosts units that will use the High
Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and National Advance
Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS).
A few ex-members of 104 Sig Sqn including a small number of Vietnam
Veterans made the long trip to Darwin to help 1CSR celebrate the 60th birthday
of our old Squadron plus the 100th anniversary
of the forming of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals.
We were treated like royalty by all members of 1CSR, as the Regiment
sees little of its 104 Sig Sqn Vietnam War Veterans, because of the
distance to travel to Darwin and I guess our age plus many are no
longer with us, having moved to the big fire support base above.
Visiting 1CSR (28
Nov 2025)
The first function for the visit, was morning tea with the Officers
and SNCO’s of 1CSR at the Robertson Barracks Officers Mess. The
CO 1CSR, Lt Col Warren Williams, OC 104 Sig Sqn, Maj Jonathon
Ladewig and the RSM, WO1 Steve Lowery, warmly welcome us with junior
officers ensuring the unit hospitality.
Following morning tea, we were taken on a tour of the Regiment and
Squadron’s HQ and viewed many shields, trophies, honour boards and
other memorabilia presented or acquired from the different unit
deployments by 1CSR and its two Combat Signal Squadrons (104 and
105). In addition, the vehicle compound and viewed the
current communications and other equipment’s used by 1CSR.
Some of the memorabilia at 1CSR. Photos supplied by Denis Hare
Not the first time the 104 Sig Sqn Vietnam Veterans have been at the
Abraham Club but it’s been along time between drinks. L-R Mal
Fergusson, Anthony Campbell and Geoff Staunton and unknown barman.
Photo supplied by Denis Hare
60th Birthday
Parade
Before the parade all gathered around our 104 Sig Sqn Vietnam war memorial and the Robertson Barracks Padre said a few words. Following 104 Sig Sqn Vietnam Veterans, Mal Fergusson and Geoff Staunton lay a wealth for our fallen. Present was Traci Adraham, niece of Signalman Dennis Abraham KIA near Blackhorse, 29th Sept 1968 in South Vietnam.
Photo (left): Mal Fergusson (left) and Geoff Staunton laying the
wealth to our fallen.
Photo (Right): L-R Mal Fergusson,
Traci Abraham and partner Gary Belfrage, Anthony Campbell,
Geoff Staunton and Denis Hare. Both photos supplied by Col Chris Robinson
Soldiers and officers marched to the parade ground (in the 5pm Darwin sun) past our old Armoured Command Vehicle Callsign 85C to the parade ground with current communications vehicles (Bushmasters, Satellite Terminals, etc) plus each parade ground corner was protected by a 6-wheel HMT Extenda Vehicles with machine guns manned.
1CSR marching to the parade ground passed 104 Sig Sqn Vietnam
Veteran Armoured Command Vehicle Callsign 85C with one of the four
HMT Extenda Vehicles protecting the parade ground. Photo supplied
by Denis Hare
Parade Photos. Supplied by 1CSR
The Officer, SNCOs and signallers of the 1CSR were magnificent with
their drill and hosting the Princess Anne Banner. Not one
parade member succumbed to the hot Darwin sun – Well done all.
During the parade, 105 Sig Sqn flag was lowered for the last time at
1CSR. Also, the last 104 Sig Sqn pennant that flew at Nui Dat
in South Vietnam, October 1971, was presented to 1CSR by Vietnam
Veterans Anthony Campbell and Geoff Staunton.
The pennant was located when Anthony Campbell was cleaning his mate, David Boyd flat. David sadly was moved to a nursing home. Both ex-linesmen were part of the last members to leave Nui Dat with David grabbing the pennant.
Photo Anthony Campbell and Geoff Staunton handing over the last
pennant to fly over
104 Sig Sqn at Nui Dat, South Vietnam. Photo supplied by Denis Hare
Post Parade Function
The post parade function for the unit was held in the Roberson
Barracks Officers Mess. Unit members with their families,
visitors and veterans enjoyed a BBQ and drinks plus music from the
Band of the 1st Brigade.
A most enjoyable night with a number of speakers including a welcome
by the CO 1CSR, Lt Col Warren Williams, Col Chris Robinson also gave
an overview of Certa Cita 100 celebrations (100th anniversary
of the forming of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals). The
Commander of the 1st Brigade,
Colonel Judd Finger CSC, also spoke. The OC 104 Sig Sqn,
Maj Jonathon Ladewig and the Squadron youngest soldier cut the 60th Birthday
cake. Later a number of members of 1CSR were promoted to the cheers
of their colleagues.
Summary
It was great to see and talk to the Officers, SNCO’s, men and women
of 1CSR. All were very engaging and clearly enjoyed having us
old fellows with them for the day. Many are war veterans also,
so the understanding of each generations service to our nation, was
of great respect. Well done 104 Sig Sqn and 1CSR you did
us proud
Footnote: I guess some old and bold reading the details of the all ranks function using the Officers Mess are a little astonished. The Mess was the only building large enough to accommodate the 1CSR function available, that could serve alcohol at the Barracks. Also, the messes are run by civilian staff, employed by private companies – times change!
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