Colour Patches of Engineers (cont'd) and Signals AMF & AIF

For details of these patches

For details of these patches

For details of these patches

For details of these patches

For details of these patches

Line of Communications Engineers

• 660. RAE Base and Line of Communication Units, 1941-1943: Ref. AHQ(DOS) Memo No. 88829, 21.11.1941. This is the earliest reference located and concerns the placing of an order with the CCF for the supply of colour patches for the 2/1st Aust. Mechanical Equipment Company, raised in December 1941.
• 661. RAE Line of Communication Units, 1942-1945: Auth. GRO 694/1942, 18.12.1942, 
  although initial approval was LHQ (E-in-C) memo No. 6183 of 3.12.1942. 
  • Units included:
    (a) RAE (Works), comprising: Chief Engineer (Works); Commander Royal Engineers (Works); Deputy Commander Royal Engineers (Works); Army Troops Companies; Army Field Companies; Maintenance Platoons; Workshop and Park Companies; Port Construction Companies; Welding Platoons (formerly Oil Tank Construction Platoons); Base Stores Company; Engineer Store Base Depots; Base Store Platoons; Base Sub Store Platoon; Engineer Store Section (Base); Hospital Maintenance Platoons; Mechanical Equipment Companies; Mechanical Equipment Park Companies; Mechanical Equipment Spare Parts Sections; Meat Works Maintenance Platoon; Boring Platoons.
  • (b) RAE (Bomb Disposal), comprising: HQ Bomb Disposal Companies; Bomb Disposal Platoons; Independent Bomb Disposal Sections.
  • (c) RAE (Camouflage), comprising: Camouflage Training Units, later designated
    Camouflage Units, all of which were disbanded by the end of September 1944.
    (d) HQ LHQ Engineer Training Depot, 1942-1943.
• 662A. Badge, Bomb Disposal Units, 1942-1950: Auth. LHQ (MGO) Memo No. 64721,
  22.6.1942, and GRO 349/1942, 28.8.1942. Although strictly a badge (Sealed Pattern,
  Clothing No. 542) and not a colour patch, it was worn specifically as a means of
  identification by all personnel on the strength of a Bomb Disposal unit RAE, and was
  withdrawn immediately the individual ceased to be posted to such a unit. Issued on the
  scale of ' one per member, to be worn on the cuff of the left sleeve of the jacket, S.D.
  Personnel of 10th Aust. Bomb Disposal Platoon RAE, serving with BCOF, Japan, are
  noted wearing this badge at the sleeve head of the shirt, K.D. Ordnance stocks of this
  badge were listed for disposal with colour patches in January 1947. This design is
  embroidered and is virtually identical to the British badge issued for the same purpose
  in 1940 and which is still in current use with the British Army.
• 662B. Badge, Bomb Disposal Units: NSW manufacture, of compressed felt. J.A. Ryan Collection, AWM.
• 663. RAE, Queensland L of C Area: No information has been located for this colour patch however it does bear a resemblance to a design requested, but not subsequently approved, in July 1942 for the 7th and 8th Aust. Special Pioneer Companies.
• 664. RAE, Victoria L of C Area: CCF manufacture and apparently worn, although no further information has been located.
• 665. RAE (L of C), New Guinea Force: It has not been possible to determine the status of this patch. Of the two examples seen, one is a definite reproduction.
• 666. (a) Aust. Railway Construction and Maintenance Group, 1940-1943: Ref, AHQ (DOS) Memo No. 26731, 9.5.1940. Comprised a Group Headquarters, the 2/1st Aust. Railway Survey Company, and the 2/1st, 2/2nd and 2/3rd Aust. Railway Construction Companies. Group HQ and the survey company were disbanded in 1943, the railway construction companies being reorganized as below;
  • (b) Railway Construction Companies (Mechanical Equipment), 1943-1945:
    Despite the retention of the original title, these units were completely reorganized as
    mechanical plant operating companies.
  • (c) 1st and 2nd Aust. Mechanical Equipment Platoons, 1944-1945: Formed in April 1944 from the 2/3rd Aust. Railway Construction Company for allotment to Aust. Beach Groups. These units continued to wear No. 666 until at least early 1945.
  • (d) 1st and 2nd Aust. Engineer Stores Platoons, 1944-1945: Formed in April 1944 from personnel of the 2/3rd Aust. Railway Construction Company for allotment to Aust. Beach Groups. Redesignated Beach Group Stores Platoons in March 1945. These units continued to wear No. 666 until some point in 1945.
• 667. Aust. Railway Construction and Maintenance Group: Variation, worn.
• 668. (a) Forestry Companies, 1940-1941: 
  • Aust. Forestry Group, 1941-1943: Ref. AHQ(DOS) Memo No. 26731, 9.5.1940.
    •  Comprised of
      • Group HQ and the 
      • 2/1st, 
      • 2/2nd and 
      • 2/3rd Aust. Forestry Companies.
  • (b) RAE (Forestry), 1943-1946: 
    • Comprised of
      • 2/1st CRE (Forestry); 
      • CRE (NG Forests); 
      • Forestry Companies; 
      • Forest Survey Companies.

• 669. (a) (Submarine Mining) Fortress Companies A.E., 1921-1922: Auth. CGS Minute
  of 15.8.1921. These units were disbanded in mid 1922, their role being undertaken by
  the Royal Australian Navy.
  • (b) Fortress Companies, A.E., 1921-1936; 
    • Fortress Companies, RAE(M), 1936-1941: Auth. SO Clothing Pt 111, 1922.
  • (c) Fortress Engineers, Fixed Defences, 1941-1942; 
  • Fortress Companies, RAE, 1942-1943: Formed from the reorganization of CMF and PMF fortress companies in February 1941 and comprised of
    • HQ Fortress Engineers; 
    • Coast Artillery Searchlight Sections; 
    • Shore Defence Sections; 
    • 9.2 inch Gun Sections; 
    • Electrical and Mechanical Sections; 
    • Water Transport Sections; 
    • Works Sections; 
    • Depot Sections. In December 1942 existing units were reorganized into twenty one fortress companies. In May 1943 the CASL role was transferred to the RAA and remaining units were reorganized as;
  • (d) Anti-Aircraft and Fortress Companies, 1943-1945: Comprised of
    • Anti-Aircraft Works Sections; 
    • Fortress Works Sections; 
    • Water Transport Sections; 
    • Water and Power Supply Sections; 
    • Electrical and Mechanical Installation Sections.
• 670. 2/1st Aust. Fortress Company, 1941-1945: Raised for service in Timor with Sparrow Force and was captured in February 1942.
• 671. Anti-Aircraft and Fortress Companies, New Guinea Force: This design was submitted for approval by HQ NG Force in August 1943 but was rejected (see No. 672). Worn miniature examples have been noted.
• 672. (a) Anti-Aircraft Companies, RAE(M), 1938-1941; 
  • Anti-Aircraft Searchlight Units RAE, 1941-1943: Auth. AAO 114/1938, 31.5.1938.
    • Comprised of 
      • HQ AASL Battalions; 
      • HQ AA Companies; 
      • AASL Sections (Type X); 
    • AASL Sections (Type Y). Additional confirmation of use is given by a HQ Newcastle A.A.S.L. Battalion memo, No. 0326 of 3.9.1942, advising that this patch had been allotted to all AASL units of Newcastle AA Group. On 1.5.1943 all AASL units RAE were transferred to the RAA and this patch was superseded by No's 614 and 624.
  • (b) 10th Aust. Anti-Aircraft and Fortress Company, 1943-1945: Auth. LHQ Memo No. 148258, 31.8.1943, in lieu of No. 671 which had first been proposed for this unit. Raised from the former 19th and 20th Aust. Fortress Companies.
  • 9th Aust. Anti-Aircraft and Fortress Company, 1943-1945: Wore No. 646. Ref. "The Sappers Club", Victoria, 1976. Raised from the former 18th Aust. Fortress Company.

• 673. Water Transport Units, RAE, 1942-1945: Auth. GRO 663/1942, 11.12.1942. The
  initial order for the supply of this patch was placed with Braeside Pty Ltd for woven
  examples. All other manufacturers used compressed felt. 
  • Units included, 1942-1944:
    • Water Transport Groups (Small Craft); 
    • Water Transport Operating Companies (Landing Craft); 
    • Water Transport Operating Companies (Small Craft); 
    • Water Transport Companies (Port Operating); 
    • Sea Ambulance Transport Companies (Small Craft);
    • Water Transport Maintenance Companies (Small Craft). 
  • 1944-1945: 
    • HQ Water Transport Groups; 
    • Landing Craft Companies; 
    • Small Ships Companies; 
    • Port Craft Companies; 
    • Water Ambulance Convoys; 
    • Refrigeration Lighter Sections; 
    • Water Transport (Small Craft) Holding Companies. 
  • In July 1945 all RAE (Water Transport) units were transferred to the Aust. Army Transportation Corps.
  • Note: (a) Water transport sections existed as an integral part of fortress companies, and anti-aircraft and fortress companies. These sections wore the patch of their respective unit and not No. 673.
    (b) In June 1943 the MGRA was advised that RAA personnel serving on HMA Transport Duntroon in a DEMS role were wearing No. 673. 
    • As it seems unlikely that any self respecting gunner would wear anything other than red and blue, it is possible that these personnel were actually wearing an unofficial colour patch similar to that of the Maritime Royal Artillery, which incorporated a fouled anchor.
  • 2/1st Aust. Tug and Lighterage Company, 1942: Formed in Palestine in November
    1941 as the Aust. Tug and Lighter Company for duties in Tobruk. It was apparently
    redesignated on return to Australia in July 1942. To New Guinea in August 1942 and
    was absorbed by 1st Aust. Water Transport Group in October 1942. No colour patch is
    known at this stage to have been issued to this unit.
  • Headquarters B.C.O.F. Transportation Regiment, RAE, 1948-1949: Wore No.1641, having been raised after the transfer of the AA Transportation Corps back to the
    RAE. This regiment comprised the 1st Water Transport Squadron RAE and the 43rd
    Port Operating Squadron RAE.
• 674. Docks Units, RAE, 1943-1945: Auth. GRO 672/1943, 17.9.1943. The first authority
  was LHQ (DMGO) Memo No. 20129,11.8.1943. 
  • Units included: 
    • HQ Docks Groups; 
    • Port Maintenance Companies; 
    • Docks Operating Companies; 
    • Docks Operating Detachment. In July 1945 they were redesignated Port Operating units and transferred to the Aust. Army Transportation Corps. Docks units were originally raised as part of the 2nd AIF and until the introduction of this colour patch were issued No. 660, later replaced by No. 646. (The Royal Australian Engineers 1919-1945: Teeth and Tail, Maj-Gen. R.R. McNicoll, p.301-2.)
• 675. AIF (Middle East) Detachment, Docks Operating Company, 1942: Auth. HQ
  AIF(ME) Memo No. 3216, 22.2.1942. Absorbed by the 2/2nd Aust. Docks Operating
  Company on return to Australia.
  • Docks Directorate, LHQ, 1943-1946: Ordered to wear No. 401 by LHQ(DMGO) Memo No. 20129,11.8.1943.
• 676. Landing Ship Detachments, RAE, 1943-1945: Auth. GRO 672/1943, 17.9.1943, and
  LHQ(DMGO) Memo No. 20129, 11.8.1943. Originally raised as Combined Operations Ships Detachments, being redesignated in July 1943. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd Aust. Landing Ship Detachments were allotted respectively to the Landing Ships, Infantry, HMAS's Manoora, Westralia, and Kanimbla. Transferred to the Aust. Army Transportation Corps in July 1945.

• 677. Chemical Warfare Units, RAE, 1943-1945: Auth. GRO 165/1943, 19.2.1943. These
  units had originally requested authority to wear the RAE LHQ colour patch in late 1942. This colour patch was designed by Captain J.C. McAllester, based on the benzine ring familiar to organic chemists. 
  • Worn by : 
    • 1st Aust. Chemical Warfare Company; 
    • 2/1st Aust. Mobile Anti-Gas Laboratory; 
    • 1st Aust. Field Trials Company.
• 1st Aust. Dog Platoon, RAE, 1945: Raised in January 1945, disbanded in August.
  No. 1641 would have been allotted to this unit. A War Dogs Reception and Training
  Depot was established in NSW in December 1942 and was disbanded in August 1943.
  No colour patch is known to have been approved for the personnel of this unit.
• 678. Field Survey Units, RAE(M), 1940-1942; 
  • RAE (Field Survey), 1942-1943: Auth. AHQ Memo No's 20644 and 46148 of 10.4.1940 and 1.6.1940 respectively, and AAO 28/1941, 28.2.1941. Absorbed by the Aust. Survey Corps in June 1943.
• 679. Field Survey Companies (Army and Corps Troops) RAE, 1943: Audi. GRO 165/1943, 19.2.1943. Transferred to the Aust. Survey Corps in June 1943.
• 680. 2/1st Aust. Army Topographical Survey Company, RAE, 1943: Auth. GRO 165/1943, 19.2.1943. Formerly 2/1st Aust. Corps Field Survey Company which had worn No. 632. Transferred to the Aust. Survey Corps in June 1943.
• 681. 6th Aust. Army Topographical Survey Company, RAE, 1943: Auth. GRO 310/1943, 16.4.1943. Formerly 2nd Aust. Topographical Survey Company, transferred to the Aust. Survey Corps in June 1943.
• 682. 2nd Aust. Field Survey Depot, RAE; 
  • 12th Aust. Field Survey Depot, RAE, 1943: Auth. GRO 165/1943, 19.2.1943. It was not worn by the unit under its former title, redesignation to 12th Aust. Field Survey Depot having occurred in January 1943. The change of title was acknowledged by an amendment to GRO 165/1943 promulgated in GRO 310/1943, 16.4.1943. Transferred to the Aust. Survey Corps in June 1943.
• 683. 13th Aust. Field Survey Depot, RAE, 1943: Auth. GRO 310/1943, 16.4.1943.
  Formerly the 3rd Aust. Field Survey Depot. Transferred to the Aust. Survey Corps in
  June 1943.
• 684. Unidentified:
• 685. Unidentified:
• 686-688. Reserved.

Created in June 1943 from the Australian Survey Corps (Permanent) and the Royal Australian Engineers (Field Survey). Granted the title 'Royal' in 1948. In 1996 this Corps was absorbed by the Royal Australian Engineers.

• 689A. Aust Survey Corps (AIF Personnel), 1943-1949: Auth. GRO 520/1943, 9.7.1943.
• 689B. Aust. Survey Corps (CMF Personnel), 1943-1949: Auth. GRO 520/1943, 9.7.1943.

Note: LHQ Cartographic Company and 11th Aust. Field Survey Depot were retained as part of the postwar Regular Army, becoming AHQ Survey Regiment and AHQ Field Survey Depot respectively.

Formed as a Corps of the Citizen Military Forces on January 1st, 1925, from the Signal Service, Australian Engineers. (AAO 71/1925,14.2.1925.) The title 'Royal' was granted on 10. 11. 1948. The expansion of the Corps in late 1941, and two subsequent major reorganizations, led to considerable changes in the colour patch scheme for non-divisional Signals units. After the final reorganization in mid to late 1943 the Corps comprised numerous Headquarters, Signals, to which various types of individual sections were attached as operational circumstances dictated (see Appendix X). 

This resulted in sections moving frequently between the various signals headquarters, necessitating a change of colour patch with every move. As a result the SO-in-C proposed a universal patch for the Corps which was introduced in November 1944, forming the basis of a new colour patch system which was gradually introduced for every Corps and Service from early 1945. It should be noted however that many of the following colour patches persisted until the end of the war despite the introduction of No. 1642.

Notes: (a) The non-divisional signals colour patch scheme, 1941-1942:

It has not been possible to locate a surviving example of the colour chart distributed to Commands with AHQ (SO-in-C) Memo No. 82688 of 31.10.1941 which depicts the system of colour patches approved for non-divisional signals units by the SO-in-C. He advised that arrangements for supply had been made with the CCF and Ordnance, but as there would be quite some delay before supplies were available, permission was granted for units and personnel to obtain colour patches under their own arrangements and at their own expense. Therefore patches shown for Command and Military District, Area, L of C (PMG) and Fortress Signals of this period are those for which an example has been located and may not, for this reason, conform in colour shade or size to the original approval. For this reason also, a number of reserved numbers have been retained for those patches which would logically have been approved, but no example has yet been sighted.

(b) The Corps colour scheme:

In August 1921 the CGS directed that signal units of the Aust. Engineers were to be allotted identical patches to field engineer units of the formation to which they belonged, with a central white over blue inset superimposed. Although not documented, the choice of inset colouring was probably based on the white over blue armlet worn from 1915 by personnel of the Aust. Engineers (Signal Service), AIF, while on duty. This scheme was retained on the formation of the Corps in 1925, the blue of the inset being dark blue as portrayed in the various Standing Orders relating to dress and clothing. The shape of this inset varied between a square and an oblong, and at times its size far exceeded the dimensions approved for them in Standing Orders. In 1939, with the formation of signal units of the 2nd AIF, this scheme was changed to delete the purple from newly approved patches, while the blue was changed to a Royal Blue.

Following confusion between the patches of Corps Signals and Corps AASC, AHQ advised in January 1940 that a lighter shade of blue, either Cambridge Blue or Turquoise Blue, was being obtained for use in signals colour patches. (AHQ (DOS) Memo No. 6808, 6.2.1940. AA(Vic): MP 508/1, item 36/756/63.)  The first patch actually supplied in light blue was that approved for non-divisional signal units of the CMF at the end of February 1940. Although the various authorities are not always specific when referring to the blue insets for Signals colour patches, the following pattern has been noted;

(a) all Signals colour patches supplied from early 1940 in facing cloth by the CCF have sky blue insets, most 1942 and 1943 GRO's actually stipulating this colour;

(b) Signals colour patches supplied in compressed felt, by either the CCF or private contractors, are generally mid blue, ranging in shade.

At the same time as a change of colour shade was being undertaken, a request was made by 6th Division Signals to reinstate the purple background. This move was resisted by AHQ who stated that purple was the colour of the RAE, with which the Corps of Signals was no longer associated, therefore there was no intention of allowing it to be retained. (It should noted that purple had been a Signals colour since the formation of the Australian Corps of Signallers in 1906, and had been retained by them on reversion to the Signal Service, Aust. Engineers, in 1912. The facing colour of the Aust. Engineers was in fact dark blue, and it was due only to an unfortunate choice of colours in 1914 that led to the Aust. Engineers (AIF) inheriting purple.) At the instigation of the GOC 2nd AIF this ruling was reviewed and the purple background colour was reinstated at the end of February 1940.(AA(Vic): MP 508/1, item 36/756/63.)  

With the increasing complexity of colour patches during 1942 the use of the purple background was restricted to brigade, divisional and corps signals, and a handful of specialist signal units. Signal units belonging to higher formations and L of C areas were identified by the white over sky blue oblong inset superimposed on the colours of the formation to which they were allotted.

• 690. Signals, Land Headquarters, 1942-1944: Auth. GRO 694/1942, 18.12.1942. First
  issued in September 1942, 
  • Units wearing this patch included: 
    • LHQ Signals;
    • Advanced LHQ Signals; 
    • LHQ Heavy Wireless Group; 
    • 1st Aust. Line Construction Group; 
    • LHQ Cipher Production Section. 
  • LHQ Signals was retained as part of the post war Regular Army, forming AHQ Signal Regiment and AHQ Cipher Distribution and Research Section in 1947. Until the mid 1990's these two units existed as 6 Signal Regiment and 700 Signal Troop respectively.
• 691. LHQ Heavy Wireless Group: Ref. AWM colour patch file card register. This is the only reference located to this colour patch, neither the various Signals Associations or the Corps museum being able to throw any further light on the matter. A CCF manufactured variation does exist and appears on Plate 66 as No. 691A. The group was raised in 1942, comprising initially the 18th to 21st, and 33rd to 38th Aust. Wireless Sections (Heavy), and the 10th and 11th Aust. Technical Maintenance Sections. It wore No. 690 and was absorbed by AHQ Signals in May 1946.
• 692. LHQ Heavy Wireless Group: Believed to have been manufactured in error for No.691. Left and right arm examples exist in compressed felt however there is no indication that it was ever issued or worn.
• 693. Aust. Special Wireless Group, 1942-1944: Ref AHQ(DOS) Memo No. 71041,
  1.7.1942. This memo advised of the placing of MGO Order No. 2597 with the CCF for
  the initial supply of 2,500 pairs of patches. This group comprised a headquarters and the 51st to 56th Aust. Wireless Sections (Type B) and formed the signals intelligence component of Central Bureau. Although reduced to one section by the end of March 1945 it was retained as part of the post war Regular Army, being redesignated 101 Wireless Regiment in 1947. It currently exists as 7 Signal Regiment.
• 694. 1st Aust. Independent Signals Group, 1942-1944: Auth. GRO 663/1942, 11.12.1942.
  • Units included 
    • Line Sections; 
    • Beach Signal Sections; 
    • LHQ Cipher Replacement Section.
• 695. 1st Aust. Independent Signals Group: A manufacturing error which appears in both full size and miniature versions.
• 696. Aust. Air Support Controls, 1943: Auth. GRO 165/1943, 19.2.1943. The first unit of
  this type was raised in the Middle East in September 1941 and comprised two components: HQ 1st Aust. Air Support Control (Army Staff), which wore No. 404, and 1st Aust. Close Bomber Support Control Signals, (Redesignated 1st Aust. Air Support Control Signals in November 1941 vide AIF Order (ME) No. 707, 25.10.1941.)  which wore No. 716 as its personnel had been drawn from Signals, 1st Aust. Corps. During 1942 the separate components of each of the four such units then raised were merged to form a single establishment as Air Support Controls. (These units did not initially belong to Aust. Corps of Signals although 80% of their establishment was drawn from the Corps. It was not until August 1942 that they became wholly staffed by Signals personnel and transferred to the control of the SO-in-C.)  A total of seven units were eventually raised but all were disbanded by the end of 1943.
• 697. Aust. Air Support Controls: A NSW supplied manufacturing error, Victoria Barracks collection.

• 698. Non-Divisional Signal Units, 1940-1942: Auth. AAO 28/1941, 28.2.1941. Allotted for use by all CMF signal units other than Divisional and Corps signals. The earliest authority noted is AHQ(DOS) Memo No. 11754, dated 28.2.1940, allotting this patch to Southern Command Signals, Port Phillip Fortress Signal Section, and other details attached to Southern Command Signals. Other authorities include AHQ(DAQMG) Memo No. 10346,4.3.1940, to 6th Military District and AHQ(DOS) Memo No. 36232, 14.6.1940, for Eastern Command Signals. This patch was superseded by a complete range of patches for non-divisional signal units in October 1941 but continued in use with some units until late 1942. It will be noted with a grey background, and NSW manufactured variations appear in mid blue. It is believed that this patch may have
  been officially worn from late 1942 until at least late 1943 by some anti-aircraft regiment signal sections.
• 699. Signals, General Headquarters (Australia), 1942; 
  • Signals, Land Headquarters, 1942: Auth. AHQ(SO-in-C) Memo No. 82688, 31.10.1941. Initially allotted to Army Headquarters Signals in 1941, but was not issued until April 1942 following redesignation of the unit as GHQ Signals. Superseded by No. 690 in September 1942.
• 700. Northern Command Signals, 1942: Auth. AHQ(SO-in-C) Memo No. 82688, 31.10.1941. Examples exist however it seems unlikely to have replaced No. 727 to any great extent. Reorganized as Signals, 5th Aust. Division, in April 1942. (See Plate 66)
• 701. Eastern Command Signals, 1941-1942: Auth. AHQ(SO-in-C) Memo No. 82688, 31.10.1941. All examples noted to date are of NSW manufacture. Reorganized as Signals, 2nd Aust. Corps, in April 1942.
• 702. Southern Command Signals, 1941-1942: Auth. AHQ(SO-in-C) Memo No. 82688, 31.10.1941. Supplied in facing cloth by the CCF. Reorganized as Signals, 3rd Aust. Corps, in April 1942.
• 703. 4th Military District Signals, 1942: Unconfirmed, of CCF manufacture. Plate 66
• 704. Western Command Signals, 1942: Auth. AHQ(SO-in-C) Memo No. 82688, 31.10.1941. MGO Order No. 2269 for the supply of 1,385 pairs of this patch was placed with the CCF on 2.4.1942, however all worn examples noted have been of WA manufacture. Issue of this patch is believed to have been limited due to the dispersal of the unit from April 1942, and in July 1942 the remaining element was redesignated as Signals, 'C' Force, subsequently forming the nucleus of Signals, 11th Aust. Division, in December 1942.
• 705. 6th Military District Signals, 1942; 
  • Signals, Tasmania Force, 1942-1943: Auth. AHQ(SO-in-C) Memo No. 82688, 31.10.1941. First issued in mid 1942 and was superseded by No. 736 in February 1943.
• 706. 7th Military District Signals, 1942; 
  • Northern Territory Line of Communication Signals, 1942-1943; 
  • 17th Aust. Line of Communication Signals, 1943-1944: Auth. AHQ(SO-in-C) Memo No. 82688, 31-10.194 1. Although the example portrayed is that most commonly sighted, examples also exist in the same size format without a grey background as No. 705. CCF and NSW manufacture.
• 707. Reserved.
• HQ AEF Wireless Section, 1942: Ref. AHQ(DOS) Memo No. 44260, 1.5.1942. An
  order for 200 pairs was placed with the CCF vide this memo however it has not yet
  been possible to determine the design of this patch. The unit was raised in late 1941
  and was disbanded in May 1942 so it is likely that whatever was approved (possibly
  No. 709) remained unworn.
• 708. Reserved.
• 709. AIF (Middle East) Base Area Signals, 1941-1942; 
  • Headquarters, Signals AIF (Middle East), 1942-1943: Auth. AIF Order(ME) No. 185, 24.1.1941. The majority of this unit returned to Australia after reorganization in January 1942 and subsequently formed the nucleus of Signals, First Aust. Army. This colour patch was also worn by the staffs of the AIF(ME) School of Signals, and the Signal Training Battalion AIF(ME). The version supplied to this unit generally has a square inset the compressed felt variations with rectangular inset are probably of later manufacture for First Aust. Army Signals as below.

• - Signals, First Aust. Army, 1942-1944: Continued to wear No. 709. Raised in April
  1942 from a nucleus of AEF(ME) Base Area Signals and 1st Aust. Corps Signals. In
  December 1944 it was redesignated 25th Aust. Line of Communication Signals.
• 710. Signals, First Aust. Army: Although both genuine examples and reproductions of this
  colour patch have been noted there is no evidence that it was actually approved or issued, and no stocks of patches specifically for the unit were held in post war ordnance stocks. No. 709 was retained by this unit.
• 711. Signals, Second Aust. Army, 1942-1943: Auth. LHQ (AG) Memo No. 108034 of 17.9.1942, and GRO 468/1943, 18.6.1943. Raised in March 1942 as Signals, Home Forces, and was redesignated in April 1942. Disbanded in December 1943.
• 712. (a) Signals, 1st Corps, 1928-1940: Auth. AAO 483/1928, 27.10.1928. Redesignated Signals, 2nd Corps, in 1938 but is thought to have retained this colour patch until redesignation as Eastern Command Signals in 1940. Stocks of No. 713 were sent to NSW following redesignation in 1938 but were still held in 5 Base Ordnance Depot at the end of 1946.
• (b) 1st Medium Artillery Brigade Signal Section, 1928-1930: Auth. As 712(a). Absorbed by No. 2 Company, 1st Corps Signals, as T (Medium Brigade) Section in 1930.
• 713. (a) Signals, 2nd Corps, 1928-1940: Auth. AAO 483/1928, 27.10.1928. Redesignated Signals, 1st Corps, in 1938 but is believed to have retained this patch until it was reorganized as Southern Command Signals and part of 4th Military District Signals in 1940.
  • (b) 2nd Medium Artillery Brigade Signal Section, 1928-1930: Auth. As 713(a). Absorbed by No. 2 Company, 2nd Corps Signals, in 1930 as T (Medium Brigade) Section.
• 714. Australian Corps Signals, 1939-1940: No authority has been located, the first reference being HQ 6th Aust. Div. memo No. 1481, dated 31.1.1940, which requested a change due to confusion with the Corps AASC colour patch. Superseded by No. 715 February 1940 but continued to be worn for an extended period, both in Australia and the United Kingdom.
• 715. Australian Corps Signals, 1940; 
  • Signals, 1st Aust. Corps, 1940: Auth. AHQ(DOS) Memo No. 6808, 6.2.1940. Superseded by No. 716 in July 1940.
• 716. Signals, 1st Aust. Corps, 1940-1943; 
  • 'A' Aust. Corps Signals, 1943-1945: Auth. AHQ(DOS) Memo No. 41838, 2.7.1940. The initial order for these patches was not placed until 1.8.1940.
• 717. 4th Aust. Special Wireless Section, 1941-1942: Ref. On Ultra Active Service: Ballard, p.51. The unit was raised in mid 1940 and was initially issued No. 716. This colour patch was apparently in use by the time the unit moved to Greece in early 1941, and was also worn by personnel of the Aust. Intelligence Corps attached to the unit. It was absorbed into No. 5 Aust. Wireless Section in April 1942 and formed the nucleus of the Aust. Special Wireless Group in the following month. (The Aust. Special Wireless Group Association confirmed the use of this colour patch during a telephone conversation with the Victorian Branch Secretary, Mr. Steve Mason, on 30.5.1996.)
• 718. Signals, 2nd Aust. Corps: Example, J.A. Ryan Collection, AWM. Examples of this patch are believed to have been produced c. mid 1942 on the basis of previous use by this unit (See No. 712) however there is no evidence that they were issued. Formed in April 1942 by redesignation of Eastern Command Signals.
• 719. Signals, 2nd Aust. Corps, 1942-1943; 
  • 'B' Aust. Corps Signals, 1943-1945: Auth. GRO 206/1942, 17.7.1942.
• 720. Signals, 3rd Aust. Corps, 1942-1943; 
  • 'C' Aust. Corps Signals, 1943-1944: Auth. GRO 206/1942, 17.7.1942. Formed by redesignation of Southern Command Signals in April 1942.

1. Signals, Northern Territory Force, 1942; 
2. Signals, 12th Aust. Division, 19421945: Formed from 7th Military District Signals in October 1942. No colour patch was approved for this unit, the various sections wearing the patches of the previous formation to which they had been attached. From October 1943 HQ Signals 12th Aust. Division, and some sections, wore No. 723 following a partial unit exchange in which elements of Signals, 1st Aust. Division, became Signals, 12th Aust. Division, and vice versa.

• 721. 1st Cavalry Divisional Signals, 1921-1942; 
  • Signals, 1st Aust. Motor Division, 1942: Auth. SO Clothing Pt 111, 1922. Reorganized as part of Signals, 3rd Aust. Armoured Division, in October 1942.
• 722. 2nd Cavalry Divisional Signals, 1921-1942; 
  • Signals, 2nd Aust. Motor Division, 1942. Auth. SO Clothing Pt III, 1922. Superseded by No. 738 in August 1942.
    • Note: As part of a reorganization of the Militia in 1938, 'E' and 'G' Troops, (1st Cavalry Brigade, Queensland, and 16th LH(MG) Regiment, NSW, respectively) 1st Cavalry Divisional Signals, were transferred to 2nd Cavalry Divisional Signals, while 'E' Troop ( 6th Cavalry Brigade, Adelaide S.A.) of 2nd Cavalry Divisional Signals was re-allotted to 1st Cavalry Divisional Signals. These units remained attached to their original formations for training and there is no evidence that any change of colour patch was undertaken.
• 723. 1st Divisional Signals, 1921-1942; 
  • Signals, 1st Aust. Division, 1942-1944-Auth. SO Clothing Pt 111, 1922.
• 724. 2nd Divisional Signals, 1921-1942; 
  • Signals, 2nd Aust. Division, 1942-1945: Auth. SO Clothing Pt 111, 1922.
• 725. 3rd Divisional Signals, 1921-1942; 
  • Signals, 3rd Aust. Division, 1942-1945: Auth. SO Clothing Pt 111, 1922.
• 726. (a) 4th Divisional Signals, 1921-1942; 
  • Signals 4th Aust. Division, 1942-1945: Auth. SO Clothing Pt 111, 1922.
  • (b) 4th Military District Signals, 1940-1942:
• 727. (a) HQ Signals, Queensland, and 
  • 11th Mixed Brigade Signals, 1921-1940;
  • Northern Command Signals, 1940-1942; 
  • Signals, 5th Aust. Division, 1942-1945:
  • (b) 13th Mixed Brigade Signals, 1921-1942: It has been stated that this colour
    patch ceased to be worn by this unit following its redesignation as Signals, Field
    Troops, 5th Military District, in August 1927, and was not taken into use again
    until 1941.
  • (c) 12th Mixed Brigade Signals, 1921-1940; 
    • 6th Military District Signals, 1940-1942: Superseded by No. 705 after July 1942. Auth. SO Clothing Pt III, 1922.
• 728. (a) Signals, 6th Aust. Division, 1939-1940: Authority unknown, the first reference located being Sigs 6th Aust. Div. memo No. 106/40 dated 22.1.1940, although this patch is known to have been issued as early as 10. 1. 1940. It was worn with white to the front, although the original intention was for the blue to be worn to the front (Ref. AHQ [DOS] memo No. 8262, 13.2.1940). Superseded by No. 729 in February 1940 but continued to be worn at least as late as February 1941, often in conjunction with No. 729 by members of the same unit. In some cases individuals have been noted wearing this patch on the Jacket, S.D., and No. 729 on the hat band.
  • (b) Australforce Signals, 1940-1941: Formed from elements of Signals, 6th Aust.
    Division, diverted to the United Kingdom in June 1940, and was reorganized as part of
    Signals 9th Aust. Division in October 1940. Also known as Force Signals, AIF in UK.
• 729. Signals, 6th Aust. Division, 1940-1945: Auth. AHQ(DOS) Memo No. 11151, 26.2.1940. There was considerable opposition from AHQ to the adoption of this design, both from the manufacturing point of view, with additional cost and time in sewing the inset, and the retention of purple by Signal units, which was considered unnecessary now that the Corps had separated from the Royal Australian Engineers. It took a strongly worded memo from the GOC 2nd AIF on 19.2.1940 to ensure reconsideration and eventual approval for the design.
• 730. Signals, 7th Aust. Division, 1940-1945: Ref. MGO Branch Line Drawings, p.7. The
  initial order for supply was AIF Demand No. MGO 358, submitted on 30th May 1940.
• 731. Signals, 8th Aust. Division, 1940-1945: Ref. MGO Branch Line Drawings, p.7. The
  initial order is believed to have been placed on 1.8.1940 and issue had occurred by the
  end of September 1940. Redesignated Signals, AIF Malaya, in late 1941 after the addition of a No. 4 Company formed from elements of Signals, 1st Aust. Corps. Captured on Singapore in February 1942.
• 732. Signals, 8th Aust. Division: All examples of this patch noted to date are of WA
  manufacture and are unworn. The only remaining elements of this unit after February 1942 were V Section and part of 'K' Section, attached to the 2/14th Field Regiment and HQ 23rd Infantry Brigade respectively, and it has not been possible to confirm that this patch was worn by any members of these units.
• 733. Signals, 9th Aust. Division, 1940-1942: Ref. To Benghazi: Long, Appendix 4. Raised
  from Australforce Signals and elements of Signals, 8th Aust. Division and 1st Aust. Corps. Superseded by No. 734 in December 1942.
• 734. Signals, 9th Aust. Division, 1942-1945: Auth. GRO 225/1943, 12.3.1943. First
  issued on 17.12.1942.
• - Signals, 10th Aust. Division: Raised in September 1941 as Newcastle Covering Force
  Signals, predominantly from units of 1st Divisional Signals. Redesignated in April 1942 and was disbanded in September 1942. No colour patch is known to have been specifically approved for or issued to this unit. One example has been noted of an upright purple oval with a signals inset, this has been identified as a fake.
• 735. Signals, 11th Aust. Division, 1943-1944: Auth. GRO 468/1943, 18.6.1943. Raised in
  July 1942 as Signals 'C' Force from a nucleus of Western Command Signals. Redesignated Milne Force Signals in September 1942 and Signals, 11th Aust. Division, on 26.12.1942.
  • 13th Aust. Independent Division Signals: Raised in January 1944 and RO's Part II exist for the unit until August 1944. No colour patch is known to have been approved for or issued to this unit.
• 736. Signals, Tasmania Force, 1943-1944: No authority has been located for this colour
  patch although as all examples noted to date were supplied by the CCF it is to be assumed that some form of approval was given. First issued in February 1943 to replace No's 705, 755 and 765 which were then in use by elements of this unit. Disbanded in July 1943 but the various sections raised from No's I and 2 Companies, such as 24th Aust. Line Section, 6th Aust. Field Regiment Signal Section and 12th Aust. Infantry Brigade Signal Section, continued to wear this patch on transfer to other formations. It was still in use in Tasmania as late as February 1944, probably by 87th Aust. Cipher Section (Formerly Tasmania Force Cipher Section, then briefly 60th Aust. Cipher Section.) and was also worn until at least November 1943 by some personnel of l6th Aust. L of C Signals, which had been formed from the former headquarters and No's 3 and 4 Companies of Signals, Tasmania Force.

• 737. (a) Signals, 1st Aust. Armoured Division, 1941-1943: Ref. AHQ(DOS) Memo No.
  14520, 7.3.1941. Disbanded and reorganized in September 1943, No. 2 Squadron and 16th Aust. Field Regiment Signal Section remaining with 1st Aust. Armoured Brigade Group, the remaining units transferring to Signals, 2nd Aust. Division, as 3rd Aust. Motor Brigade Group. Signal Squadron, 3rd Aust. Field Regiment Signal Section and 2/11th Aust. Armoured Car Regiment Signal Troop. This colour patch would have been worn without a grey background by a considerable number of personnel from late 1942 following absorption of No. 4 Squadron, 2nd Aust. Motor Division Signals.
  • (b) 1st Aust. Armoured Brigade Group Signal Squadron, 1943-1945:
• 738. Signals, 2nd Aust. Motor Division, 1942-1943: Auth. GRO 301/1942, 7.8.1942.
  Disbanded in May 1943.
• 739. Signals, 3rd Aust. Armoured Division, 1943 -1944: Auth. GRO 165/1943, 19.2.1943.
  Raised in November 1942 from elements of Signals, 1st Aust. Motor Division and Signals, 1st Aust. Armoured Division. Progressively disbanded from mid 1943 and by December 1943 comprised only the 2nd Aust. Armoured Brigade Group Signal Squadron, 12th Aust. Armoured Car Regiment Signal Troop and 21st/22nd Aust. Field Regiment Signal Section. Disbandment of these units was completed in mid 1944.
• 740. (a) Signals, 3rd Aust. Army Tank Brigade, 1943: Auth. GRO 375/1943, 7.5.1943.
  MGO Order No. 3724 was placed with Braeside Pty Ltd on 11.2.1943 for the initial supply of colour patches for this unit. Examples supplied by this company are woven, those supplied in NSW are of compressed felt.
  • (b) 2nd and 3rd Aust. Army Tank Battalion Signal Troops, 1943-1944: Formed as part of their respective tank battalion groups following the disbandment of 3rd Aust. Army Tank Brigade in August 1943.
• 741. Signals, 3rd Aust. Army Tank Brigade: NSW manufactured variation, J.A. Ryan Collection, AWM.
• 742. Signals, 4th Aust. Armoured Brigade, 1943-1945: Auth. GRO 310/1943, 16.4.1943.
  Raised in March 1943 from units of Signals, 1st and 3rd Aust. Armoured Divisions, 2nd Aust. Motor Division and 3rd Aust. Army Tank Brigade.

• 743. (a) Signals, New Guinea Force, 1942-1945: Auth. GRO 370/1942,4.9.1942. Raised
  in April 1942 by redesignation of 8th Military District Fortress Signals. Redesignated 1st Aust. Army L of C Signals in May 1945.
• (b) Anti-Aircraft and Fortress Signals, New Guinea, 1943-1944; 
  • New Guinea Anti-Aircraft and Coast Artillery Signals, 1944-1945: Auth. LHQ(MGO) Memo No. 148258, 31.8.1943. Raised in October 1943 by absorbing Milne Bay and Moresby Fortress Signals, and 2nd Aust. Anti-Aircraft Brigade Signals. Included 1st and 2nd Aust. Fortress Signal Sections.
• 744A. Signals, New Guinea Force: NSW manufacturing error, J.A. Ryan Collection, AWM.

• 744B. Signals, New Guinea Force: Manufacturing error, issued to and worn by members of the unit.
• 745. Signals, New Guinea Force: Examples of this design have only been noted in miniature size at this stage.
• 746. Fortress Signals, New Guinea L of C Area, 1943: Although this design was submitted for approval by HQ NG Force on 16.8.1943 it is understood to have already been in use prior to this date on an unofficial basis. It was not approved by LHQ, who directed that No. 743 was to be worn. Example held in the J.A. Ryan Collection, AWM.
• 747. Fortress Signals, New Guinea L of C Area: Variation of No. 746, also held in the LA. Ryan Collection, AWM.
• - Signals, Torres Strait Force: Formed in 1941 as Signals, Torres Strait Fixed Defences. No colour patch was worn by this unit prior to September 1943 at least, and it appears that the patch of First Aust. Army Signals was worn from some point after this date until the introduction of No. 1642 in late 1944. (Telephone interview with Brigadier K.R. Colwill on 8.8.1994 and 6.11.1994. Brig. Colwill was OC of this unit from June 1942 to September 1943.)
• 748. Fortress Signals: Ref. 'Distinguishing Colour Patches AMF - AIF Units'. There is no evidence that this colour patch existed, or was approved in this format, for fortress signal units despite the existence of a reproduction example held by the Royal Australian Corps of Signals Museum. It possibly appears in error for No. 749.
• 749. 2/1st Aust. Fortress Signals, 1941-1945: Ref, AHQ(DOS) Memo No. 56668, 5.8.1941. This memo advised of the placing of MGO Order No. 1249 with the CCF for the initial supply of this patch. The unit was raised on 1.7.1941 for Sparrow Force, Timor, and was captured in February 1942.
• 750. Fortress Signals, Queensland Fixed Defences, 1942: Auth. AHQ(S6-in-C) Memo No. 82688, 31.10.1941. Introduced c. mid 1942 and was superseded by No. 772 in late 1942. Absorbed by Anti-Aircraft and Fortress Signals, Northern Area, in September 1943.
• 751. Eastern Command Fortress Signals, 1942; 
  • Fortress Signals, NSW L of C Area, 1942-1943: Audi. AHQ(SO-in-C) Memo No. 82688, 31.10.1941. Absorbed by Anti-Aircraft and Fortress Signals, Eastern Area, in September 1943.
• 752. Port Phillip Fortress Signals, 1941-1942: Auth. AHQ(SO-in-C) Memo No. 82688, 31.10.1941. Superseded by No. 774 in late 1942. Subsequently formed 5th Aust. Fortress Signal Section.
• 753. Reserved.
• 754. Signals, Fremantle Fixed Defences, and Albany Fortress Signals: Auth. AHQ(SO-in-C) Memo No. 82688, 31.10.1941. Although approved, and a CCF manufactured example has been seen, this colour patch was not issued to these units. No. 698 was worn until the introduction of No. 776, which in turn was replaced by No. 758 circa mid 1943. Absorbed by Anti-Aircraft and Fortress Signals, Western Australia, in September 1943.
• 755. Hobart Fortress Signals, 1942; 
  • Signals, Tasmania Force, 1942-1943: Auth. AHQ(SO-in-C) Memo No. 82688, 31.10.1941. Introduced in mid 1942 and continued to be worn when Hobart Fortress Signals was reorganized as No. 4 Company, Signals, Tasmania Force, in December 1942. It was progressively replaced by No. 736 from February 1943 but is thought to have still been in use at least as late as July 1943.
• 756. 2nd Aust. Garrison Brigade Signal Section: NSW manufacture, possibly a sample only, as it was not issued or worn. This design is believed to have been submitted by HQ 2nd Aust. Garrison Brigade in late August 1942. Ref. 2nd Aust. Gm Bde HQ memo M.IB/42/1660, dated 24.8.1942. AA(NSW): SP 1008/1, item 415/1/831. Members of the unit wore No. 773.
  • 2/1st Aust. Anti-Aircraft Brigade Signals, 1940-1943: This unit wore No. 716
    throughout its existence, having originally been raised as part of Signals, 1st Aust.
    Corps. This unit also included under command in August 1942 the 103rd Aust. HAA
    Regiment Signal Section and the 108th, 110th and 111th Aust. LAA Regiment Signal
    Sections. These sub-units did not however wear No. 716 but were possibly allotted No.
    773 when that was approved, or No. 698.
  • - 2nd Aust. Anti-Aircraft Brigade Signals, 1942-1943: Raised in December 1942 
    from various AA unit signal sections and sub-sections, and wore No's 716 and 743.
    Disbanded and absorbed by AA and Fortress Signals, New Guinea, in October 1943.
• 757. Signals, First Aust. Army (Anti-Aircraft and Fortress), comprised of
  • (a) Anti-Aircraft and Fortress Signals, Northern Area, 1943-1944; 
    • Queensland Anti-Aircraft and Coast Artillery Signals, 1944-1945: No authority located, however former members of this unit serving both at Brisbane and at Portland Roads have stated that this patch was worn by them until the end of the war. Disbanded on 7.3.1945 and reorganized as HQ Northern Area AA and CA Signals.
  • (b) Anti-Aircraft and Fortress Signals, Eastern Area, 1943-1944; 
  • New South Wales Anti-Aircraft and Coast Artillery Signals, 1944-1945: The unit sought approval to wear this patch on 24.10.1943 and while official approval, if indeed it was granted, has not been located, examples held by the RA Signals Museum are identified as such. Disbanded on 7.3.1945, forming HQ Eastern Area AA and CA Signals.
• 758. Anti-Aircraft and Fortress Signals, Western Area, 1943-1945; 
  • Western Australia Anti-Aircraft and Coast Artillery Signals, 1945: No authority located although it is understood that use commenced with fortress signal, units in Western Australia immediately prior to the formation of AA and Frt Sigs. All examples were manufactured locally.
  • Anti-Aircraft and Fortress Signals, Northern Territory, 1943-1945: Raised in
    November 1943 from Fortress Signals, Darwin, 7th MD Anti-Aircraft Signal Section,
    and various AA regiment signal sections. A request for the allocation of a colour patch
    was sought on 20.12.1943 and it is understood that No. 780 was allotted and worn.

Although these colour patches, with the exception of No. 763, were approved in October 1941 it appears unlikely that the majority were issued until mid 1942. Most are of local manufacture rather than CCF. The majority of these patches were replaced by No's 772 to 781 in late 1942 and early 1943.

• 759. Northern Command Area Signals, 1942; 
  • Area Signals, Queensland L of C Area, 1942: Auth. AHQ(SO-in-C) Memo No. 82688, 31.10.1941. Worn in conjunction with No. 727 until at least June 1942 by members of this unit and was superseded by No. 772 in late 1942. Redesignated 11th Aust. L of C Signals in July 1943 and was absorbed by Advanced LHQ Signals at the end of August 1943.
• 760. Eastern Command Area Signals, 1942; 
  • Area Signals, New South Wales L of C Area, 1942: Auth. AHQ (SO-in-C) Memo No. 82688, 31.10.1941. Superseded by No. 773 in late 1942. Redesignated 12th Aust. L of C Signals in September 1943. HQ 12th Aust. L of C Signals was redesignated HQ Eastern Command Signals in July 1946.
• 761. Southern Command Area Signals, 1942: 
  • Area Signals, Victoria L of C Area, 1942: Auth. AHQ(SO-in-C) Memo No. 82688, 31.10.1941. Superseded by No. 774 at the end of August 1942. Disbanded in July 1943.
• 762. 4th Military District Area Signals, 1942; 
  • Area Signals, South Australia L of C Area, 1942: Auth. AHQ(SO-in-C) Memo No. 82688, 31.10.194 1. Superseded by No. 775 in late 1942. Redesignated 14th Aust. L of C Signals in June 1943.
• 763. 4th Military District Area Signals: There is no evidence that this colour patch was ever approved or issued. It is believed to be simply a design sample, the circular shape being retained because 4th Military District Signals were at that stage still wearing No. 726.
• 764. Western Command Area Signals, 1942: 
  • Area Signals, Western Australia L of C Area, 1942: Auth. AHQ(SO-in-C) Memo No. 82688, 31.10.1941. Superseded by No. 776 in late 1942. Redesignated l5th Aust. L of C Signals in June 1943.
• 765. 6th Military District Area Signals, 1942; 
  • Area Signals, Tasmania L of C Area, 1942; 
  • Signals Tasmania Force, 1942-1943: Auth. AHQ(SO-in-C) Memo No. 82688,
    31.10.1941. Retained upon reorganization as No. 3 Company, Signals, Tasmania Force
    in December 1942. It is believed to have been replaced by No. 779 in February 1943.

Raised by reorganization of the Post Office Volunteer Corps which had been established in 1940. Each unit comprised a full time duty cadre consisting of a unit headquarters and a number of company headquarters, the remainder of its personnel being part time duty Militia drawn from employees of the PMG Department. Mobilization of these units was only to occur in the event of invasion, and was restricted to the sub-unit in the affected area. It has not been possible to confirm the actual period of issue, and in some cases it is possible that these patches were not worn although examples of each exist. They were replaced by No's 772 to 778 during 1942 and 1943. All L of C (PMG) Signals units were disbanded by 5.1.1945.

• 766. 1st Aust. L of C (PMG) Signals, 1942: Auth. AHQ(SO-in-C) Memo No. 82688, 31.10.1941. Superseded by No. 772 in late 1942.
• 767. 2nd Aust. L of C (PMG) Signals, 1942: Auth. AHQ(SO-in-C) Memo No. 82688, 31.10.1941. Superseded by No. 773 in late 1942. Stocks of this patch were still held by 5 Base Ordnance Depot in December 1946.
• 768. 3rd Aust. L of C (PMG) Signals, 1942-1943: Auth. AHQ(SO-in-C) Memo No. 82688, 31.10.1941. Superseded by No. 774 at the end of August 1942 and ceased to be issued, although No. 774 was not taken into use. In May 1943 LHQ was advised that no colour patch was then being worn by this unit, the design proposed by the unit was rejected, and they were directed to wear No. 774 by LHQ(MGO) Memo No. 100373, 18.6.1943.(AA(Vic): MP 742/1, item 61/13/77.)
• 769. 4th Aust. L of C (PMG) Signals, 1942: Auth. AHQ(SO-in-C) Memo No. 82688, 31.10.1941. Superseded by No. 775 in late 1942. This unit was not raised until May 1942 from part of 4th MD Signals and examples appear as I and 1/2 inch squares.

• 770. 5th Aust. L of C (PMG) Signals, 1942: Auth. AHQ(SO-in-C) Memo No. 82688,
  31.10.1941. Superseded by No. 776 in late 1942. There is no evidence at this stage to
  confirm that this colour patch was worn at all. All examples are of local manufacture.
• 771. 6th Aust. L of C (PMG) Signals, 1942: Auth. AHQ(SO-in-C) Memo No. 82688,
  31.10.1941. Superseded by No. 778 at the end of 1942.

Introduced in late 1942 t6 provide for all types of line of communication signal units (see Appendix X), replacing those already worn by Area, PMG, and Fortress Signals. Although promulgated in December 1942, the first authority was issued in August 1942. During mid 1943 a major reorganization of line of communication signal units was undertaken resulting in the formation of HQ Line of Communication Signals, to which various sections were allotted as necessary. It is believed from their dates of formation that HQ's 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th, and 26th Aust. L of C Signals were only ever issued No. 1642.

• 772. Signals, Queensland L of C Area, 1942-1944: Auth. GRO 694/1942,18.12.1942.
• 773. Signals, New South Wales L of C Area, 1942-1944: Auth. GRO 694/1942,
  18.12.1942.
• - 1st Aust. Special Wireless Company, later 1st Mobile Signal Company, 1942: This
  company was a VDC unit on full time duty with an operational role under the command of the CSO NSW L of C Area rather than HQ VDC. In September 1942 it sought approval to adopt the colour patch of the 1st Aust. Wireless Signal Squadron, 1918-1919 (No. 98), due to the similarity in function to that unit, and because the OC and several other personnel had been members of the former 1st Aust. WSS. Correspondence on the matter ceases prior to the end of November 1942, however there is no evidence that this request was granted, the stipulation that all VDC units wear No's 1103 to 1105, regardless of role, being strictly adhered to by LHQ.
• 774. Signals, Victoria L of C Area, 1942-1944: Auth. LHQ Memo No. 98729, 28.8.1942,
  and GRO 694/1942,18.12.1942.
• 775. Signals, South Australia L of C Area, 1942-1944: Auth. GRO 694/1942, 18.12.1942.
• 776. Signals, Western Australia L of C Area, 1942-1944: 
  • L of C Signal Units, Western Command, 1944: Auth. GRO 694/1942, 18.12.1942.
• 777. Signals, Western Australia L of C Area: Manufacturing error, J.A. Ryan Collection,
  AWM.
• 778. Signals, Tasmania L of C Area, 1942-1944: Auth. GRO 694/1942, 18.12.1942. This colour patch does not seem to have been in general use until at least November 1943, and No. 736 was still being worn after this date. From July 1944 signal units in Tasmania comprised only 6th Aust. L of C (PMG) Signals and 2nd Aust. Composite Signal Section.
• 779. Signals, Tasmania Force, 1943; 
  • 16th Aust. L of C Signals, 1943: No authority located. It is believed that this patch was issued in February 1943 to No. 3 Company, Signals, Tasmania Force, and was retained when this sub-unit formed No. I Company, 16th Aust. L of C Signals, in July 1943. Its use ceased after November 1943 when the whole unit, the members of which were wearing No's 736, 755, 778 and 779, was directed to wear No. 778 by LHQ(MGO) Memo No. 191097 of 2.11.1943.
• 780. Northern Territory L of C Signals, 1943-1945: Auth. GRO 694/1942, 18.12.1942. Formed in August 1942 from 7th Military District Signals, becoming 17th Aust. L of C Signals in July 1943. 20th Aust. L of C Signals was raised in addition in January 1944. See No. 706 which appears to have been worn in lieu until late 1943 at least.
• 781. New Guinea L of C Signals, 1943-1945: Auth. GRO 694/1942, 18.12.1942. Raised in March 1943 and reorganized as l8th and 19th Aust. L of C Signals in July 1943. l9th Aust. L of C Signals became 8th Military District Signals in September 1946.
  • - Air Formation Signals, 1945-1946: Raised in January/March 1945 to provide line communication between RAAF Task Forces and supported AMF formations. The 1st and 2nd Aust. Air Formation Signals wore No. 1642.
• 782. New Guinea Air Warning Wireless Company, 1944-1945: 'The Private War of the Spotters': Alex. E. Perrin. An example is also held by the RA Signals Museum which
  was donated by Colonel J.H. Marsh, MBE, MID, a founding member and eventual OC
  of the unit. The only official reference located is an entry in the LHQ correspondence
  register dated 22.7.1944 which refers to the submission of a proposed design of patch
  for the unit by HQ NG Force. (AA(Vic): CRS B 180 1, item 61/13.) No further action was taken on the matter by LHQ and it is thought in any case that this patch was already in use prior to this date. Until September 1943 the unit was known as No. 4 Company, New Guinea Force Signals.
• 783. Unidentified: All examples of this colour patch noted to date are of Western Australian manufacture and are unworn. No. 782 was also supplied by the same manufacturer and it is possible that this patch was made in error for No. 782.

• 784. Unidentified: Possibly a design for Signals, 3rd Aust. Army Tank Brigade.
• 785. Unidentified: NSW manufacture circa mid 1942.
• 786. Unidentified: NSW manufacture.
• 787-790. Reserved.

The material on this section of the site is drawn from "Distinguishing Colour Patches of the Australian Military Forces 1915-1951" by Keith Glyde. ISBN 0-6460-36640-8