Written by Graeme Rothwell
Royal Signals Museum Volunteer
From the early 20th century to the 1990s, thousands of young men passed through the ranks of the Royal Signals as boy soldiers, junior leaders, and apprentices - each generation shaped by a rigorous training system that evolved over time.
Catterick Origins
Training for Royal Signals boy soldiers began at Catterick in 1920. These early years laid the foundation for a tradition of discipline, skill-building, and camaraderie that would shape the Corps' future leaders.
A New Era at Harrogate
The Army Apprentices School was established in Harrogate in 1947 and later became a College. In 1948, over 400 Royal Signals boys transferred from Catterick, marking a significant shift in training focus.
Expansion and Evolution
The 6th (Boys) Training Regiment was formed at Beverley and relocated to Denbury Camp, Newton Abbot in 1956, becoming the Junior Leaders Regiment Royal Signals. This regiment continued to train young soldiers through a period of immense social and technological change.
Return to Catterick and Later Developments
In 1975, all Royal Signals junior leaders returned to Catterick as 3 Squadron, 11th Signal Regiment. This later evolved into the Junior (26th) Signal Regiment at Ouston. The regiment was disbanded in 1985, with training moving back to Harrogate until its final closure in 1993.
End of an Era, New Beginnings
The Army Apprentices College closed in 1990, after which Royal Signals apprentices were trained at Arborfield.
Today, the Royal Corps of Signals has around 1500 apprentices enrolled across 5 different courses. From Catterick to Harrogate, Beverley to Denbury, and to Arborfield, the journey of Royal Signals youth training reflects both the changing face of the British Army and the enduring values of the Corps: communication, leadership, and service.
