Canadian Army Overseas - Signals composition

The composition of the Canadian Army Overseas changed frequently during the Second World War. At the Divisional level, Signals units were relatively static although their internal organization was constantly evolving. As the Canadian forces were built up and Corps and other formations were created, there was a demand for additional units of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals. For formation level Signals organizations higher than Division, the unit establishment was restricted to what was required for the headquarters and other essential unit elements. All other elements were separately authorized units, typically at the section or detachment level and these could be created, disbanded or transferred between formations as the situation dictated. That aspect makes it difficult to understand the detailed composition of these formations.

Canadian Military Headquarters published changes to units, their authorization, establishment, transfer and disbandment, in Administrative Orders throughout the war. The composition of the Canadian Army Overseas was also published in a consolidated fashion in Routine Orders which gives a complete point-in-time view.

Canadian Army Overseas - Signals composition as of 20 May 1942

Canadian Army Overseas - Signals composition as of 16 June 1942

Canadian Army Overseas - Signals composition as of 6 September 1943

Canadian Army Overseas - Signals composition as of 15 January 1944

Canadian Army Overseas - Signals composition as of 15 May 1944

Canadian Army Overseas - Signals composition as of 15 September 1944