Territorial Army Volunteer Reserve 1967
When the Territorial Army Volunteer Reserve was formed in 1967 the Middlesex Yeomanry retained its title, but like so many other yeomanry' regiments was reduced to squadron establishment and became 47 (Middlesex Yeomanry) Signal Squadron., 31st (Greater London) Signal Regiment TAVR.
In accordance with historical precedence all Yeomanry and Militia units, including the Honourable Artillery Company, do not adopt the suffix (Volunteers) as Yeomanry and Militia can and have only ever been volunteer units/formations. This is reflected in policy of the Royal Armoured Corps, who retain responsibility for the continued use of Yeomanry titles, and within the Signal Officer in Chief's Policy Directive.
Following the 1967 reorganisation the Squadron was permitted to continue the ancient custom of NCO's wearing a crown above their stripes, and the SQMS wearing four stripes and a crown, and Middlesex Yeomanry collar badges continued to be worn on regulation uniform, but the Middlesex Yeomanry cap badge was replaced for the Royal Signals 'Mercury' cap badge which is worn on all headress less side hat.
The coloured side hat of scarlet, piped with gold, and rifle green flaps piped with gold with scarlet tipped peak and two buttons, worn by officers and soldiers off duty, was retained and continues to be listed in the Army's Dress Regulations. Officers caps have an embroidered cap badge, in gold on rifle green cloth, of an oval strap bearing the motto Pro Aris et Focis, in the centre the cypher MYC, and the whole ensigned by St Edward's crown.
On Service and No.2 Dress members of the Squadron wear a metal Middlesex Yeomanry collar badge and the khaki/green woven lanyard representing the rigging line of an army parachute commemorating the previous airborne role rather than the standard blue of the Royal Signals. The Squadron's webbing stable belt comprises crimson over, gold, and green with black edging, fastened by two nickel plated buckles and black leather straps. (Headdress,Badges & Embellishments, of the Royal Corps of Signals by Major A. G. Harfield BEM., Picton Publishing Chippenham).
With recent changes in combat and barrack uniform styles, Squadron dress has also evolved. However all NCOs continue to wear a crown above their stripes, a throwback to the days when they would escort the 'Widow at Windsor'. To distinguish Sgts (three stripes AND a crown remember) from SSgts, the Staffies get to wear FOUR stripes and a crown. Rank slides, for all ranks (including officers) have the abbreviation 'Mx Yeo' below the rank insignia and soldiers who have completed trade training are entitled to wear a slide solely with the Squadron's abbreviated title.
Recent reorganisations within the Territorial Army and TA Royal Signals has seen 47 (Middlesex Yeomanry) Signal Squadron move, in 1995, to come under command of the 39th (Skinners) Signal Regiment (Volunteers). In 2006 47 (Middlesex Yeomanry) Signal Squadron came under the command of 71 (Yeomanry) Signal Regiment. The Sqn took command of 831 Troop based at Southfields on 1 October 2009. At this stage the Sqn become the lead sabre Sqn for 71 (Yeomanry) Signal Regiment because of the number of trained soldiers when compared to the other sarbre Sqn in the Regt.
The Squadron is loosely associated with the USMC due to previous members attending joint exercises on the US/UK exchange and the long standing relationship with the USMC London Embassy detachment quartered in west London.
The Squadron is currently commanded by Major Michael Curtis-Rouse and the Squadron Sergeant Major is Staff Sergeant Claire Goodwin. It holds the Freedom of the London Borough of Hillingdon and it also has an active Regimental Association which is affiliated to the Royal Signals Association.
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