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 30^th 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the Task Force Signal Squadron in April 1967 and remained until November 1971, when the 1^st Australian Task Force was withdrawn.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 1^st Brigade (Renamed 1^st 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 1^st 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 10^th 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 60^th birthday of our old Squadron plus the 100^th 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

After we retired to the Abraham Club to enjoy the company of the 1CSR Signallers. 

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

60^th 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, 29^th 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 1^st 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 (100^th anniversary of the forming of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals).  The Commander of the 1^st Brigade, Colonel Judd Finger CSC, also spoke.   The OC 104 Sig Sqn, Maj Jonathon Ladewig and the Squadron youngest soldier cut the 60^th 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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