100 YEARS OF SIGNALLING (1911-2011)

-SEMAPHORE TO SATELLITE

(Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh, PVSM)

The journey of Corps of Signals through 100 years of its existence has been a
Saga of rich heritage, providing communications often under fire, in hostile climatic and terrain
conditions, in undivided India, after independence and in many corners of the world. The Corps
has excelled in fulfilling its role during war, in insurgency milieu, peace, in aid to civil authority
during man made or natural disasters and for peace keeping under the United Nations in a number
of countries. Its performance has stood up to its motto of Certa Cito, Tez-o-Sahi (after
Independence) and afterwards Teevra Chaukas. Many brave Signallers paid the supreme sacrifice
but kept the communications THROUGH, in the best traditions of the Corps of Signals and the
Indian Army. We pay homage to them.

The means of signal communications available at various times through these 100 years
depended on the technology in vogue, to fulfill the war and peace time requirements of the Indian
Army at different times. Before Independence, the British brought in the technology, ideas and
means of communications from England, for both military and civil communications in India.
After Independence on 15 Aug 1947, the sources of technology and equipment were diversified.
While, the Soviet Union became major supplier for lethal weapons and platforms like aircraft, ships
and tanks, the communication equipment bore the stamp of Western countries. Gradually, local
assembly and manufacturing capacity was set up in India, mostly in the Public Sector. After the
economic and industrial liberalization in 1991, the electronics scene in India changed and it became
possible for the civil sector to start supplying equipment, at times with foreign collaboration. The
contributions of our Defence Scientists and the public and private sector companies has been of
very high standards.

The Corps has excelled in adapting available technology and modernization/updating of

means of communications to meet the changing operational scenarios. Those at the helm in Signals
Directorate showed great vision and organizational skills to keep the Corps contemporary in its
thinking, communication systems, equipment, training and organizations.

The Corps of Signals has also been responsible for introducing new systems like
Computers, electronic warfare, signal intelligence in the Army and training personnel of all arms
and services as also the Navy and the Air Force.

THE EARLY DAYS

At the advent of the 20th Century, near about the time the Corp of Signals came into
being, the means of communications available to the British Indian Army were, Semaphore,
Electric Telegraph, Flag, Lamp Signalling, Heliograph and Telephone. Wireless
telegraphy was introduced in October 1909. As a result of Meerut Manoeuvres of 1908, it was
decided to integrate telegraph, telephones and visual signals as these were complimentary to
each other. The Signallers of those days were nick named SHISHA JHANDI WALLAS
(Those dealing with mirrors ie Heliographs and flags)!!
 Heliograph (Speed 5-12 words per minute)

The British had established two Semaphore routes Bombay-Puna-Hydrabad-Elore-

Cuttack-Calcutta, consisting of 75 stations and another from Bombay along the West Coast, to
Mangalore-Bangalore-Madras and from Madras along the East Coast to Calcutta, having 133
stations (ASCON of those days!!). During the 1857 Mutiny, they also used lines and telegraph
to a limited extent.

The first Telegraph line in India started to be used between Calcutta and Diamond
Harbor from 1851. Construction of 4,000 miles (6,400 km) of telegraph lines connecting
Calcutta and Peshawar along with Agra, Mumbai, and Chinnai, as well as Ootacamund and
Bangalore was started in November 1853. 28 January 1882, is a Red Letter Day in the history
of telephone in India. On this day, telephone exchanges were declared open in Kolkata,
Chennai and Mumbai. Calcutta had 93 subscribers to start with, just six years after
Graham Bell’s first patent of a telephone.

BIRTH OF THE CORPS

Initially, all communication responsibilities were assigned to the Sappers and Miners.
The first two Divisional Signal Companies; 31 and 32 were raised on 15 Feb 1911 at Fategarh,
thus giving birth to the Corps of Signals. Three more Divisional Signal Companies were
raised soon there after. Each company had a divisional section and three brigade sections,
having visual and line detachments, including two visual detachments for the GOC (first
rover detachments!).

While the Army was responsible for communications within divisions, the Post and
Telegraph Department was chartered to provide communications up to the Filed Force
Headquarters.

WORLD WAR I

When the First World War broke out on 4 Aug 1914, Indian Army comprised of nine
divisions and eight cavalry brigades. However, the Signals comprised only of four divisional
companies and one wireless company, as raised in 1911. New units had to be therefore raised.

This War was characterised by Trench Warfare and heavy artillery barrages. The lines laid
were torn to shreds in no time by artillery shells. But the brave Signallers continued to lay and repair
lines and many paid the supreme sacrifice. The Indian Signals forming part of various Expeditionary
Forces conducted themselves very creditably. In France they were augmented by a British Cable
Section and additional detachment of Punjabi Muslmans. The Corps also operated in East Africa,
Palestine and Persia.
 BETWEEN THE TWO WORLD WARS

After the end of the First World War, the Army and the Corps were mostly engaged
with the Third Afghan War of 1919. Later considerable part of the Army was stationed in the
North West Portion of India, bordering Afghanistan for dealing with the Tribals. Telephone,
telegraph, wireless, lines (Field Cables and Permanent Lines), visual signals and some times
pigeons were used in the operations against the Tribals. Use of airplanes was also made on
occasions to drop messages. Wireless Sets Half KW Spark and “C” were in use.

In 1925 the class composition of the personnel in the Corps was firmed up to Punjabi
Muslmans, Dogras, Sikhs and Mixed Madrasis. Other classes recruited during the First World
War were shed. From 1926, a system of posting of individuals to units as against relief of units
was adopted and continues to be in vogue even now.

WORLD WAR II

The concept of warfare was revolutionised during Second World War, with increased
mechanisation, more and more use of tanks and close air support, as also amphibious and air
borne operations. Accordingly, the development of signal communications in the Second World
War II was affected by the need for increased mobility, large dispersion and long distances
between headquarters. The importance of communications for concentration of artillery and
logistics was also realised. Special communications support was organised for airborne and
amphibious operations. Special resources were catered for Monitoring of enemy’s communications
and accorded high priority. New types of signal units i.e. Air Formation, Air Support, Monitoring,
Intelligence, Amphibious came into being.

The Corps experienced tremendous expansion as new formations and units were raised to
meet the onslaughts of the Germans, Italians and Japanese. Women’s Auxiliary Corps (WAC) was
introduced and the Corps utilised them as switchboard, teleprinter, radio and cipher operators as
also clerks.

Indian Signals provided very reliable and responsive communications in all theaters of
war; North Africa, Italy, Burma. Middle East, SE Asia. Each Theater had peculiar terrain
and operational requirements.

Visual signals petered out and in their place improved radio sets and line communication
equipment were introduced. VHF and HF radio sets, for short and long distances respectively, for
static and mobile role were inducted, some of which remained in use in our Corps till 1960s and 70s.
Wireless set 19 was perhaps the most versatile of all. It comprised of three sets; ‘A’ (HF), ‘B’ (VHF)
and Intercom. It. was tailor made for tanks but was also used for other communications. Wireless
Set 62 was another very widely used equipment at division, brigade and in units of other arms. Wireless
Set 76 Sender was specially designed for Morse communications for special operations in Burma.
 Wireless Set 19

Wireless Set 62

SWAB series of High and

Medium Power sets, ET 4331, HS 1 as also SCR 399 and RS 53, both
Medium Power sets were the back bone of long distance radio communication. Large aerial parks
spread over scores of acres were established at static headquarters for this purpose. STRAN
(Strategic Radio Network) was set up linking static headquarters, important military stations and
Category ‘A’ establishments.

Channeling and VFT equipment was introduced i.e. ACT 1 + 1, ACT 1+4, S+DX. A small but
useful equipment called BBFU (Balance and Bypass Filter Unit) which could drop audio and enabled
strapping thru of the Carrier channel proved very useful. Earth return circuits were used on many
occasions in forward areas. Fullerphone was the main means of clearing traffic on lines at brigade
and higher levels, till Teleprinters took over. Switch board F&F and Magneto telephones in the field
and CB Exchanges for static formations were in use. Even some terminals of American Radio Relay
AN-TRC were in the kitty for bridging gaps where line communications could not be provided.

It can be said that radio communications of various types came in their own during the
Second World War.

SCR 399 Radio Station

Lines continued to play a very important role and pigeons were still in use at a few places. Modem
cipher systems of the time, like Typex machines and book cipher were current cipher systems. There was
only one speech secrecy device of very low grade secrecy ie Ultaphone available. Signal Despatch
Service was another means of communications which was the responsibility of the Corps. Till the
raising of EME in Feb 1943, all maintenance and repair of communication equipment was undertaken by
Corps of Signals.

Typex Cipher Machine

ROMANCE OF MORSE

Till about 1965 War with Pakistan, the main means of clearing signal message traffic
at Field Force level was use of Morse on radio and lines. Morse code was created in early
1840s by Samuel F.B Morse’s for electric telegraph. It uses a standardised sequence of
short and long elements to represent letters, numerals, punctuations and special characters.
The short and long elements can be formed by sounds, marks or pulses which are commonly
known as "dots" and "dashes" or "dits" and "dahs".
 Morse key

Establishing communications on CW/MCW radio link through heavy interference was not an
easy task. The operators at times indulged in impromptu speed competitions and tried to excel
over the operators on the other end. Some could send Morse using either hand and a few even
with their feet!! There was a kind of romance and music in sending and receiving messages using Morse,
particularly on radio links. Fullerphone was a very robust and reliable instrument for sending
and receiving messages using Morse, on line circuits. Often the operators could recognise each
other by the style and peculiarities in sending messages.

Fullerphone

THE INDEPENDENCE- 15 AUG 1947

When India gained independence on 15 Aug 47, the British all ranks left the country.
Before Independence, hardly any Indian personnel were inducted in ciphers and mechanic
trades. Therefore, there was urgent need to train personnel in these categories. Courses were
started at School of Signals and STC and selected personnel were sent to UK for training. A few
technical British officers and OR were retained in India for 2-3 years. In addition, both the
manpower and equipment had to be shared with Pakistan in the ratio of 2:1.

Most of the signal equipment was of British origin which was used in the Second
World War. Some American equipment was also available in depots and was gainfully made
use of. For a number of years after independence, the Corps continued to source equipment
from England. However, there was a need to modernise the equipment and have indigenous
manufacture. Accordingly, Bharat Electronics was set up by Brigadier (later Man Gen)
BD Kaptur, the then CCR&D, a Signals Officer of very high standing.

INDEPENDENT INDIA

The J and K Operations (Oct 1947-Dec 1948) and deployment along the Cease Fire
Line since then, Operation Polo (liberation of Hyderabad Sep1948)), Operation Vijay
(liberation of Goa-1961) as also Nag and Mize insurgencies in the North East, blooded the
Corps and many lessons were learnt as regards organizations, means of communications and
equipment.

But the Sino- Indian conflict of 1962 and increased threat from the North, resulted in
new raisings, development of roads in the Himalayas and side by side construction of PL
(Permanent Lines) routes in a big way. A number of Line Construction Units were raised.
United States of America gave equipment for three Mountain Divisions. This included
American radio sets, field cables, exchanges and radio relay equipment. Mountain
Divisional Signal regiments came into being along with raising of mountain divisions/
conversion of some infantry divisions to mountain role.

More and more use of radio relay followed due to its inherent advantages, and gradually
it became the main stay of field communications, starting with RS C 41-R222, which lasted
the Corps till late 1970s or so. New field cables were introduced. A tape relay system was set up
to speed up the clearance of messages at Army Headquarters and major static locations. This
was a cumbersome system entailing handling of thousands of tapes. It was followed by
computer based AMSS (Automatic Message Switching System) and the signal center staff
breathed a sigh of relief.

1965 WAR WITH PAKISTAN

The Corps acquitted itself very creditably in the 1965 War with Pakistan even though most
of the equipment and communication concepts were of almost World War II vintage. Some new
radio sets like AN/GRC-9, AN/PRC-10, a few Radio Relay terminals (Radio Set C 41/R22 and field
cables (WD-1, Carrier Quad with couplers) had been introduced in Mountain Divisions raised after
1962 War with China. But the formations in the plains where most of the fighting took place were
still using old type equipment. Very limited Radio relay terminals were made available to 1, 11
and 15 Corps. The communications at brigade and below level as also air support communications
experienced break downs in some cases. Corps linemen in particular stood out with their brave
actions in face of enemy, including infiltrators in J&K.

As a result of experience gained during this War, Radio Relay was introduced in all
field formations. Also brigade signal sections were upgraded to brigade signal companies
and steps taken to introduce better equipment.

1971 WAR

By the time 1971 War with Pakistan took place, Radio Relay had been introduced in
Field Formations. This speeded up establishing multi channel communications and reduced the
dependence on lines. Introduction of Radio Set AN/PRC 25 a VHF set, improved the radio
communications forward of divisional headquarters and provided VHF back up to HF radio at
field formation level. Also time of 7-8 months that the Indian Army got as a result of it’s Army
Chief Sam Mane Shaw advising the Prime Minister to postpone operations against East
Pakistan (now Bangle Dash) till after the Monsoons, enabled deficiencies to be made up and
enabled development of required static communications infrastructure all around E Pakistan .
This resulted in much improved communications during 1971 War against E Pakistan and on
the Western Front.

The war on the Eastern front was characterized by very fast advances over terrain
interspersed with large rivers. There was no possibility of extending lines in the tactical area.
Thanks to Radio Relay and radio, basic communications were provided for the tactical
operations to proceed unhindered. Operations Room to Operations Room ECL (Equipment
Cipher Line) and speech circuits were also provided and have become a permanent feature.

AFFECT OF TECHNOLOGY

Electronics communication equipment till 1950s and early 1960s was using Valves or
Vacuum Tubes. These were bulky, slow, fault prone, needed lot of power and got heated.

Valves Transistors

As solid state electronics developed to replace Thermion tubes, transistorized radio

and line equipment which was much lighter and easier to operate/align was gradually
introduced. It also became possible to design more and better equipment for very high
frequencies.

The advent of digital communications using micro chips, ICs (Integrated Circuits), VLSI’s,
multi layer PCBs and the like in 1970s-80s was a land mark development. It made possible new
concepts like packet switching and opened vistas for numerous design concepts. The equipment
became even smaller and miniaturized. Digital technology enabled better quality communications
with enhanced security. It became possible to design equipment for still higher frequencies, band
widths and speeds, which made it possible to have larger number of channels and new services
like data communications fax and video. Equipments using such technologies became easy to align/
tune, was very stable, used much less power, incorporated smart diagnostics and thus easy to repair.
 Microchip Integrated circuit board

Coax cables followed by Fiber Optics cables made it possible to have much more number
of channels. From the Indian Signallers point of view, many constraints that he had faced with
older equipment, primarily band width, number of channels and speed and reliability of providing
communications were overcome to a significant extent.

DOT systems and equipment which formed the backbone of static communications also
improved and microwave, coaxial cables as also electronic exchanges were introduced. The quality,
stability and reliability of static communications provided using them enhanced considerably.

However, the main concept of planning and providing communications down the chain
of command and in a linear fashion, still remained.

AREN AND ASCON-REVOLUTION IN SIGNAL COMMUNICATIONS

Visualization of an Area Grid system, Army Radio Engineered Network (AREN) by Lt

Gen RN Bart in the early 1960s and its subsequent fielding in late 1989 onwards, along with Army
Static Communication Network (ASCON), a multi channel state of the art static communication
system masterminded under Lt Gen RP Singh the SO-in-C 1984-87, as also introduction of
satellite, troposcatter and electronic switches, brought about a revolutionary change in signal
communications in our Army in 1990s. Both AREN and ASCON were designed to provide
speech, telegraph, Fax and data communications.

Plan AREN envisaged setting up of mobile Communication Centers in a combat zone

interlinked by Radio Relay based Highways and the Field Formations hooking on to them
with Radio Relay hooks. Electronic switches formed the heart of the system. RTE (Radio Trunk
Extension) was provided for important mobile subscribers and RLE (Radio Local Extensions) for
local communications at brigade, division and corps headquarters. To keep up with advance of
formations, the Grid rolls forward; a few communication centers at a time. The whole system was
designed indigenously by Indian scientists, production agencies like BEL Bangalore, guided by
Corps of Signals officers under PMO (Project Management Organization). It took nearly 25
years from the time Plan AREN was conceptualized to its fielding.

APC mounted Radio Trunk Extension (RTE)

ASCON was designed to provide backbone static communications along our borders using
microwave and fiber optics cables. The System was designed, manufactured and put on the ground
by ITI, Bangalore. ASCON nodes were established 40-50 kms or so apart. Field formations could hook
up with the nodes using Plan AREN or other means. Phase one was to cover the Western Border with
Pakistan including up to Rajouri in J&K. ASCON has now been extended all over India.
 AREN and ASCON are perhaps the biggest achievements of our Corps in the 20th Century
and pride of the Nation. The responsibility for fielding Plan AREN and ASCON fell on the shoulders
of Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh (SO-in-C 1988-91) and his team. These two systems were the trend setters
and changed the thinking of the Corps and manner of planning and providing communications.

AUTOMATION OF SIGNALCENTERS

Work was started for automating various stages and procedures of Signal Centers
at MCTE, Mhow in 1987 under the guidance of Brigadier Rajopadhaya. The programming was
further progressed and refined at 1 Army Headquarter Signal Regiment under the guidance of Col
VK Chatterjee (later Maj Gen) and his successors. Various stages in Signal centers have been
computerised. This has enabled messages to be accepted, registered, routed and clearance
checked using Table Top computers, resulting in speeding up clearance of messages and
reduction in Signal Center staff.

COMPUTERISATION IN THE ARMY

The Corps can be proud of ushering in computer systems in our Army and training large
Number of Defence personnel in information systems and technology. Use of EDPS and computers
for the Indian army was conceived in early 1960’s by the Corps of Signals. In January 1964 the
Army Headquarters EDP Steering Committee was formed with the SO-in-C as the Chairman in and
subsequently he was entrusted with the responsibility of developing EDPS in the Army During
those days only main frame computers were available, which required centralized expensive data
processing facilities called computer centers.

The Army’s integrated EDP Plan (1969-78) was formulated in 1968. It visualized the use
of computers for management information systems (MIS), command and control, fire control
and war gaming. A top down philosophy for automation of management information systems at
various headquarters was adopted. Accordingly, the process of automation was to commence
at Army HQ and then move downwards to commands and lower headquarters. As a result, the
Army HQ EDP Center was raised with effect from 18 September 1969 and ICL 1904 Computer
installed. Lieutenant Colonel V. M. Sundaram, commanded this Center in successive ranks
up to brigadier. He along with his team, deserves the credit for ushering in EDP systems in the
MS, AG and other branches at Army Headquarters.

Initially, some officers were trained in EDPS under the Government of India by
Honeywell. A few officers were also sent to USA for training. Later, in house training facilities
were established at MCTE Mhow and a Computer Wing started in 1971. This has now become
a full fledged Faculty of Computer technology. Work was also started on Field Computer
systems and RPSO (Real time Processing Systems Organisation) came into being with
Headquarter 16 Corps Headquarters in late 1970s.

With the advent of Personal Computers, more and more processing power became
available on Desk Top Computers. This changed the whole thinking about computerization.
Units and establishments could now easily develop own systems using local processing.
After a few years, the control of computer systems was handed over to General Staff.
However, many officers of the Corps continued to be posted in key positions for developing
and manning computer systems in the Army.

ELECTRONIC WARFARE AND SIGNAL INTELLIGENCE

Signal Intelligence which deals with gaining intelligence by monitoring adversary’s

electronic communications and other systems, is manned by Corps of Signals personnel. This
is the main source for military intelligence. A new category ‘Operator Special’ was started to
meet the requirement of Signal Intelligence units. Signal Intelligence units have played
 commendable role in providing bulk of intelligence, both during peace time and war.

Electronic Warfare deals with not only gaining tactical level intelligence but also
disrupting enemy’s communications at desired time, as part of overall operational scenario and
plan. The Corps ushered in the systems in 1970s and since then the capability has grown. This
gives the Corps an offensive capability. Electronic Warfare has become one of the most potent
force multipliers and a technologically challenging field in which the Corps has developed
tremendous expertise. EW has played a stellar role in anti-insurgency and low intensity conflict
operations in J&K, besides the conventional operations conducted earlier in Sri Lanka and
Kargil.

ARMY OWNED NETWORKS

ASCON was evolved to have back bone communications in the border areas and
integrate the telecommunication infrastructure of the hinterland with the tactical
communication networks. It is a digital, fully automated, secure, reliable and survivable
static communication system based on microwave radio, optical fibre cable, satellite and
milli-metric wave communication equipments. Value added services such as Fax, Telex, data
transfer and video are also available to the defence users on this network

ASCON Node

ASCON set the tone for having Army owned networks. It has been extended
Nationwide. Beside ASCON, in the first decade 21st Century a number of other dedicated satellite
and Optical Fiber based networks for the Army were speedily planned, got sanctioned and
implemented.

Project AWAN was conceptualized as a Wide Area Network, to replace the Legacy
Messaging system, AMSS and to provide a standard multilevel secure messaging platform.,
across the Army at the desk top of the user. On 25 Mar 04 the contract for the project was
signed with M/s Tata Infotech and on 24 Feb 06 the project was dedicated to the Nation by
the President of India.

SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS (SATCOM)

Conventional communication systems derived over microwave/coax/fibre optics cannot be

Established, maintained and safeguarded satisfactorily over mountainous and snow-clad areas. Also there
 is a need for an alternate to such systems. Hence the Corps has developed expertise and is exploiting the

latest facilities available via satellite communications, by using different kinds of terminals like

INMARSAT, INSAT, LCTs and ECTs. The satellite networks are having geographically redundant hubs

and are secure. The day is not far when the Defence Services will have dedicated satellites.

A Satellite terminal

CYBER WARFARE

Increasing use of computers in networks and internet has made the computers vulnerable
to cyber crimes and warfare. Our potential adversaries have developed considerable capability in
various facets of cyber warfare. The Corps has taken a lead role in developing capability to detect
cyber attacks and take preventive measures in concert with national level organizations assigned
this role.

CHANGING ROLE OF THE CORPS

The role of the Corps is changing due to establishing networks like ASCON and AREN
which enables the users to dial own calls and pass messages themselves using terminal
equipment like auto telephones and PCs/Lap Tops. The traffic load on the Signal Centers is
decreasing. This is changing the role of the Corps from Operating to Engineering

In addition the Corps has offensive capability in terms of Electronic warfare and cyber
Warfare The vision of Corps of Signals is to attain and maintain “informatics ascendancy” by
developing info-structure to cater for Network Centric Warfare in a digitized battlefield of
tomorrow. The Signallers have also thus become INFORMATION WARRIORS.

THE FUTURE

The Corps of Signals is well poised to exploit the state-of-art modern communication
techniques for meeting the requirements of the Indian Army in the 21st Century. Some of the
areas are the Cellular Radio (both GSM & CDMA), WLL, mobile trunked radio, mobile satellite
systems, OFC and so on as also advanced data transmission techniques. The Corps has also
developed expertise in exploiting Satellite based communications. The increased availability of
software and hardware capabilities with the Indian industry is an important enabling factor.

The Corps is fully geared to face the challenges of Network Centric Warfare and
Information Warfare, including Cyber and Electronic Warfare. The role of the Corps is changing
from operating to engineering and Information warfare.

We can be justly proud of our officers, JCOs and men, who have helped the Corps not
only keep abreast but in cases well ahead of advancements in weapons and warfare capabilities
of our Army, with the result that the Corps is ready and geared to take on the challenges of the
new millennium. It has also created an unenviable niche for itself amongst all arms and services of
the Army and other two Services. The saying is “if any Corps has modernised and advanced, it is
the Corps of Signals”.

The Corps has come a long way from Semaphore to Satellite in 100 years of its existence. It
has embraced new technologies with technical acumen and always geared to face the challenges in
warfare and increased responsibilities of the Defence Services in peace, war and internationally.
This has largely been due to the vision, foresight, dedication, legacies and traditions of the
forefathers and their sacrifices. THEY ALL DESERVE A SALUTE and gratitude. The Future of the
Corps is secure in the hands of the present and future generation of Signallers.

TEEVRA CHAUKAS

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh, PVSM (Retd)

Signal Officer-in-Chief and Senior Colonel Commandant, 1988-91