2025 Winter issue

Welcome to the Journal of the Royal Corps of Signals Online

For nearly a century, the Journal has been the voice of the Royal Signals community - sharing knowledge, driving innovation, and fostering professional dialogue across the Corps, the wider Army, Defence, and Industry. The Journal website is an abridged version – the headlines - it offers concise highlights with links to full articles, making it easier than ever to stay informed. But this is more than a publication - it’s a forum for ideas.

We invite you to join the conversation: share your insights, challenge assumptions, and help shape the future of military information services, cyber and electromagnetic capability.

Why engage?

Your experience matters. Whether you’re leading operational change, exploring emerging technologies, reflecting on exercises, or developing doctrine, your perspective can spark debate and influence progress.

Ways to contribute:

Write an article: Submit well-researched, thought-provoking pieces on topics relevant to the Corps and beyond.
Send a letter: Short on time? Share your views or reflections on recent Journal content or current events.

Editorial guidance is available, and the latest edition is here for inspiration. We’re now gathering material for the Summer 2026 Edition — If you have something to say, tell the Journal of the Royal Corps of Signals.

📧 Submit contributions or enquiries to: journal@royalsignals.org

Joe Cooper
Editor

RSI Matters and Lead Articles

In this Edition ... Winter 2025

This Winter edition of the Journal of the Royal Signals arrives at a time of profound transformation across Defence, where digital innovation, strategic reform, and operational commitments converge to shape the future battlespace. The Journal reflects this dynamic landscape, offering a rich tapestry of thought leadership, technical insight, and historical reflection. We begin with a message from the newly appointed Master of Signals, Lieutenant General Paul Griffiths, whose v

RSI Chair’s Report Winter 2025

Brigadier Rich Byfield MBE I am pleased to report that I have taken over as Chair of the Royal Signals Institution (RSI). Having served for 31 years in the Royal Signals, accepting this position is both an honour and a valuable opportunity to further contribute to the professionalisation of the Corps. The role aligns closely with my position as Head of Army Digital & Data at Army Headquarters in Andover, and I look forward to maximising this synergy to benefit the organisat

Master of Signals Vision for the Royal Corps of Signals

From August 2023 Lt Gen Paul Griffiths was the Assistant Chief of the General Staff where he played a leading role in guiding the Army through the Strategic Defence Review. In June 2025 he was appointed as the Master of Signals and in September 2025, he promoted to Lieutenant General, assuming the role of Commander Standing Joint Command. He as wasted no time in providing his vision for the Royal Corps of Signals. “Secure and Connect the Integrated Force to Fight and Win in E

Letters to the Editor

Turing and AI lecture. Sir, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Royal Signals Institution for hosting the recent online lecture by Colin Williams on 'Turing Amongst the Robots'. As a retired officer of the Royal Corps of Signals, I found the talk both intellectually stimulating and deeply relevant to the challenges and opportunities facing the Corps today. What made the lecture so compelling was its grounding in historical context while remaining sharply focused o

ROYAL SIGNALS INSTITUTION SPRING 2025 SEMINAR

BACKGROUND The Royal Signals Corps Executive Board (CEB) tasked the Royal Signals Institution (RSI) with delivering a session on ‘how to think’, rather than ‘what to think’. The re-emergence of major conflict in Europe reveals the character of modern conflict and illuminates lessons both new and old. Whilst there is much change to the character of war, a constant is that the capacity to learn and adapt to new circumstances continues to be a hallmark of successful military org

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Royal Signals Apprenticeships - equipping our soldiers with nationally recognised qualifications and strengthening relationships with industry. In an era where technical excellence and professional development are paramount to Defence capability, the Royal Corps of Signals continues to lead by example through its robust apprenticeship programme. This article, Royal Signals Apprenticeships – equipping our soldiers with nationally recognised qualifications and strengthening re

General Interest

The Deane - Drummond Prize

The Deane-Drummond Prize. Maj Gen A J Deane-Drummond CB DSO MC & Bar was an officer of the Corps whose career was mostly spent with airborne forces, commando forces and special forces; he commanded 22 SAS in Malaya and Oman and a division in the British Army of the Rhine. Previously awarded for essay writing by junior officers on topics set by the Corps Col, in 2022 the Deane-Drummond Prize was updated and integrated into the new Corps HQ officer development programme. Its pu

Reflections on Project ASGARD Digital Networks

The Good, The Bad and the Ugly By Col PJ Brunton Project ASGARD was the British Army’s intervention in support of the NATO Forward Land Force commitment for Estonia, in line with CGS’ direction to triple lethality across the force by 2030. The digital network element of ASGARD provided a Dismounted Data System, Range Extension, Power and Interoperability solutions. The digital network element of the ASGARD intervention proved to be an enormous success, with one Commanding Of

Fibre Optic Communications for Deployable HQ

By Dr Andy Sutton Fibre optic technology is reshaping global communications—and its potential for Defence is profound. In this article, Maj Andy Sutton MBE examines how military headquarters can leverage commercial fibre infrastructure to operate with minimal RF signature, enhanced resilience, and high-speed connectivity. Drawing on current deployments and future scenarios, the paper offers a timely perspective on integrating fibre into NATO operations and highlights the Roya

The Data Logistics Challenge for the Modern Armoured Brigade

by Maj Andrew Bilton This critical assessment should be read in conjunction with Colonel Pete Brunton’s Reflections on Project ASGARD Digital Networks; The Good, the bad and the Ugly. It provides valuable context and insight into current capability development and acquisition [Editor] Abstract. Modern military effectiveness increasingly depends on the ability to move and manage data across the battlespace. This article examines the Communications and Information Systems (CI

The Military Metaverse: A New Frontier for Communications and Conflict

by David Burden and Andy Fawkes The metaverse, defined as a persistent, social, immersive, 3D digital environment, is rapidly emerging as a domain with direct implications for defence. In military terms the metaverse can be broadly thought of as having two major implications. First, as a transformative platform for collaboration and information sharing in support of the full range of military activities from procurement and training to operational command and control, and ana

PSTN Transformation

by Paul Beaumont In this timely and technically rich article, Paul Beaumont—former Head of Fixed Connectivity at the UK Ministry of Defence—offers a comprehensive overview of the transformation of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) as it approaches its final shift to Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) by January 2027. With a focus on the implications for Defence, Paul traces the historical evolution of telephony infrastructure, outlines the drivers behind the trans

Promoting Enquiry

NFC Technology and e-Passports: A Retrospective*

*Or how your e-Passport actually works! Major Jason Fensome This retrospective by Major Jason Fensome offers a detailed and authoritative account of the evolution, architecture, and operational significance of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology in UK-issued electronic passports (e-Passports). Drawing on his extensive experience in both military and civilian border operations, the author demystifies the inner workings of biometric chips, passive authentication protocols

CARPE DIEM DATA

by Lieutenant Colonel Keith Dunwoody In this timely and thought-provoking article, Lt Col Keith Dunwoody, Chief of Staff to Defence’s Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer, explores the pivotal role of data and digital transformation within Defence. Against the backdrop of the Strategic Defence Review and Defence Reform, he outlines how the reimagined Digital and Data Function is reshaping operational effectiveness across the enterprise. With clarity and conviction,

The AI Enabled Corps

by Dr Martin Crilly In this bold and timely article, Martin Crilly challenges the Royal Signals to move beyond digitalisation and embrace true transformation in the age of Artificial Intelligence. Drawing lessons from Ukraine and the evolving nature of warfare, he argues for a reimagined Corps—one that fuses human ingenuity with AI to deliver faster, smarter, and more connected operations. This piece invites readers to rethink legacy models and consider how the Royal Signals

Ready Player UK? AI in the Ukraine and the UK’s AI Fighting Power

by Lt Col James Corns As artificial intelligence reshapes the character of warfare, this article by Lt Col James Corns offers a timely and incisive analysis of its operational impact in Ukraine and the implications for UK Defence. Drawing on expert insights and the Components of Fighting Power framework, the piece explores how AI is accelerating decision-making, redefining procurement, and challenging cultural norms within the Ministry of Defence. It is a compelling call for

Why identity management has rapidly become the new security perimeter for UK Defence.

by Jo Miller, Microsoft In an era where adversaries no longer need to break in but simply log in, identity has emerged as the new frontline of cyber defence. In this compelling article, Jo Miller of Microsoft explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping the security landscape—both as a threat and a tool for resilience. Drawing on recent threat intelligence and operational insights, Jo makes a powerful case for identity management as the cornerstone of modern enterprise s

On Exploring and Improving the Awkward Relationship Defence has with Startups / SMEs and COTS or Dual-Use Technologies

A Light-Hearted Cautionary Tale and More Serious Analysis and Recommendations by Dr Tim Wilkinson, Babcock Mission Systems In this insightful and engaging contribution, Tim Wilkinson offers a candid exploration of the persistent challenges Defence faces in engaging effectively with startups, SMEs, and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies. Blending a fictional cautionary tale with serious analysis, Wilkinson exposes the structural and cultural barriers that hinder inno

Signallers and Signalling Success

In Memoriam

MAJOR GENERAL DAVID MCDOWALL CBE FIET FBCS FCMI (1954 – 2025) It is with profound sadness the Royal Signals Institution records the passing of Major General David McDowall CBE on 23 April 2025. David McDowall was born in Stranraer, Southwest Scotland, in 1954. He enlisted into the Army as a soldier in 1972, training as a Radio Telegraphist with the Royal Corps of Signals. He spent the following 6 years serving throughout the world, becoming a Class 1 tradesman and achieving t

The History of the Royal Corps of Signals Depicted in its Paintings - Gilbert Holiday.

Menin Gate - Gilbert Holiday, c. 1924 This is a study of a despatch rider passing the Menin Gate during an artillery bombardment. Gilbert Holiday served mainly in the Ypres Salient and so would have had first-hand knowledge of the scene depicted here. On its formation the Royal Signals inherited from its parent unit, the Royal Engineer Signal Service, four major works of art, Through by F P Martin, and three paintings by Gilbert Holiday, which depicted the work of signallers

Reflections - Historical Articles

Wireless On the Move: the HF versus VHF saga in WW2.

by Dr Brian Austin In this thought-provoking article, Dr Brian Austin revisits the British Army’s wartime communications strategy, challenging long-held assumptions about the dominance of HF over VHF. Drawing on historical records and technical analysis, he argues that institutional bias and flawed scientific advice—most notably from Sir Edward Appleton—led to costly operational shortcomings, particularly at Arnhem. Through the lens of figures like Walter Gill and the overloo

Conversations Over the Airwaves … and the deception transmissions that hoodwinked the enemy

The extraordinary life of Major Rowland ‘Rowley’ Shears, BEM, TD, G8KW by Richard Shears Major Rowland ‘Rowley’ Shears was no ordinary signaller. From clandestine deception operations in wartime Cairo to pioneering amateur radio equipment, his life story—told with care by his son Richard—deserves far more than a brief review. This remarkable biography offers a rare glimpse into the ingenuity, courage, and technical brilliance of a Royal Signals legend whose contributions span

CYBER SQUADRON – A Formal History of the Land Information Assurance Group 1999-2024

by Noel Hannan The Land Information Assurance Group (LIAG) has played a pivotal role in shaping Defence cyber operations for over two decades. From Kosovo to Kabul, and from digital forensics to NATO cyber doctrine, its impact has been profound. This feature article rightly goes beyond a brief book review to explore the unit’s extraordinary journey, its operational legacy, and the enduring relevance of its unique structure and expertise. LIAG’s story is one of innovation, res

BLETCHLEY PARK

- The Secret Weapon that helped win World War II by Tony Talbot During the Second World War, one of Britain’s most crucial contributions to the Allied victory did not come from the battlefield, but from a quiet countryside estate tucked away in Buckinghamshire. Bletchley Park, once a Victorian mansion and estate, became the epicentre of British code-breaking efforts - and played a role in shortening the war, saving lives, and shaping the outcome of history. A Hidden Nerve Cen

Book Reviews

A History of the World in 47 Borders

by John Elledge I suspect that I may not be alone amongst the readership of the RSI Journal in having a fascination with both maps and geo-political history. I got the bug for maps from spending the formative years of my military career studying them intensely to understand the geographical and man-made features across the terrain in which I was about to deploy on exercise or operations. This in turn fed my quest to understand the nature of my surrounds in terms of society,

AI, Automation and War

by Anthony King Anthony King's AI, Automation, and War: The Rise of a Military-Tech Complex showcases how war is changing and being adapted with the advancement of new technologies in the case of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Having served in the Military, King draws on his knowledge and experience of this area and provides a detailed overview of autonomous weapons and robotic combat. Initially, King starts the book referencing the movie Terminator, which was an iconic movie

Blood & Treasure: The Economics of Conflict from the Vikings to Ukraine

by Duncan Weldon Duncan Weldon’s Blood & Treasure offers a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the intricate relationship between economics and warfare throughout history. Structured in a clear chronological format, the book examines how nations (and their ‘ violence specialists’ ) have harnessed economic power to wage war, and conversely, how the demands of conflict have driven innovation, adaptation, and, in more recent times, economic collapse. Weldon’s work of

Redefining Hacking – A Comprehensive Guide To Red Teaming And Bug Bounty Hunting In An AI-Driven World

by Omar Santos, Savannah Lazzara and Wesley Thurner Redefining Hacking is a thorough break-down of red-teaming, the tools, techniques and procedures hackers use in the virtual and physical world. Think of it as a shopping list of exploits which a Cyber security consultant should be aware of, with the contents distilled down so anyone could understand it. If you are interested in learning about hacking then don’t be put off by the thought of this being too technical for you, t

Reweaving the Web

by Richard Whitt This book is a manifesto for the reform of the World Wide Web. Its goal is the restoration of individual users’ confidence that they can trust and only benefit from their interactions with corporations and governments over the Web. The book exposes how we have become increasingly entangled in the aptly named Web: huge data-gathering companies have adopted business models premised on online surveillance, the extraction of personal data and biased algorithms. I

The Dark Path: The Structure of War and the Rise of the West

by Williamson Murray The Dark Path examines the last five hundred years of conflict and war, primarily in Europe and The West, though also offering insight elsewhere when required. Williamson Murray proposes that fundamentally, the nature of war is unchanging, however it is the intense competition for power and instability unique to Europe over the last few centuries which have constantly and unequivocally changed the character of war through the adaptation of new technology

World on the Brink: How America Can Beat China in the Race for the 21st Century.

by Dmitri Alperovitch and Garrett Graff Backed by decades of experience in politics and state-on-state cyber warfare research, Alperovitch and Graff’s World on the Brink offers a strategic lens on the intensifying competition between the United States and China, making it a valuable read for 21 st century politicos. Opening with a hypothetical but sobering scenario where China has successfully invaded Taiwan, the book examines the birth and complex nature of this East-West

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