53rd Welsh Division Signal Company, Royal Engineers

[lauraemily]

Hi everyone,

I wondered if somebody has access to or information on the war diary for this regiment? I am keen to find out more about my great grandfather, Oliver Dunn who served with them.

I know that they served in the Middle East, Gallipoli, Egypt and Palestine but any more information would be greatly received!

Thanks in anticipation,

Laura

[clive_hughes]

Hi,

The official war diary for the 53rd (Welsh) Divisional Signal Company is held at the National Archives, Kew under reference WO 95 / 4622. it covers the unit's operations from 1 January 1916 to 31 May 1919. At the moment it cannot be downloaded online, though the NA are busy digitizing this collection at present.

For an overview of the Division's war try obtaining a copy of C.H.Dudley Ward, History of the 53rd (Welsh) Division (TF) 1914-1918. Modern hardback and paperback editions are published by the Naval & Military Press.

The Divisional Signal Company was formerly an element of the Severn Divisional Electrical Engineers, Royal Engineers (Volunteers) before 1907. On the formation of the Territorial Force in 1907, a Welsh Division Telegraph Company RE (TF) was created, with its Headquarters and No.1 Section in Cardiff. The Sections each provided signals facilities for one of the Division's Infantry Brigades, so No.2 served the Cheshire Brigade; No.3 the North Wales Brigade; and No.4 the Welsh Border Brigade. The RE Signals were specialist troops, attracting Postal workers in particular since the Post Office was a major user and employer of telegraphy.

The Division changed title on the outbreak of war in 1914, becoming the 53rd (Welsh), and the Telegraph Company became its Signal Company. The Division was first engaged in the landings at Suvla Bay, Gallipoli from August 1915; though the Signals HQ and No.1 Section were lent to 54th Division at Suvla 10-23 Aug. before rejoining the 53rd. The same HQ & No.1 Sect. was also sent to the Salonika Theatre (Greece and Macedonia) on 15 December 1915, coming under XII Corps, before re-embarking 16 January 1916 and rejoining the 53rd Divn. at Wardan, Egypt on 22 Jan.

The Division being withdrawn from Gallipoli in December 1915 moved to Egypt, where it played a part in combatting the Senussi rising in the Western Desert the same month. It stood largely on the defensive during 1916, excepting the action at Rumani in August. From early 1917 it was part of the British offensive against the Turks in Palestine, including the First Battle of Gaza March 1917; Second Gaza April 1917. Under Gen. Allenby, it then fought at the Third Battle of Gaza Oct-Nov 1917 (including the capture of Beersheba and action at Tell el Khuweilfeh); was involved in the capture and defence of Jerusalem December 1917; and in the advance northwards into Syria including actions of Tell' Asur March 1918, and Nablus (Battle of Megiddo) September 1918. It began to return to the UK in 1919.

Your relative has a Medal Index Card as Sapper 826 RE (T) which indicated that he first served in a Theatre of War during 1916, not earlier. In December 1916 all Territorial units were allocated distinctive number blocks. The Welsh Div, Signals were given a block commencing 452001. Your relative was renumbered no.452429 at that point. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Hope this helps.

Clive

[Scalyback]

Now 53rd signal Squadron(V) based in Cardiff only.

Contact them and ask very nicely, as there are photos of them marching off in 1914.

" a Welsh Division Telegraph Company RE (TF) was created, with its Headquarters and No.1 Section in Cardiff". HQ was park street barracks, this survived in in diffrent forms up until 1998. The Millenium stadium is now built over where it was.

EDIT to add V as 53rd are still a V unit. Only unit to carry the 53rd div number on.