Flag is flying in Shropshire for new Army brigade

The 11 Signal and West Midlands Brigade, based at Venning Barracks, Donnington, underwent its formation ceremony on Saturday, watched by about 300 invited guests, including senior military representatives and councillors.

The brigade - described by the military as new face of the Army in the West Midlands - has been formed by a merger of the Telford-based 11 Signal Brigade and 143 (West Midlands) Brigade, which was based at Copthorne Barracks in Shrewsbury.

It will oversee 6,865 regular and reserve soldiers and 5,400 cadets.

Saturday's ceremony included a display by the Royal Signals White Helmets motorcycle display team and performances by The Royal Signals Band, the Royal Signals Pipes and Drums and Cadet bands.

The new Brigade Commander, Brigadier Greg Wilson, late of the Royal Signals, said it was an "exciting time".

"The Brigade has direct command of seven regular regiments and four reserve regiments comprising approximately 7,000 soldiers. It is also responsible for the provision of administrative support to some further 8,000 Army personnel across the region," he said.

"This includes support to all Army Reserve units in the West Midlands, including recruitment and engagement with employers and oversight of the four regional Army Cadet forces.

"Importantly, the brigade is also charged with supporting and commanding national and regional military contributions to resilience operations such as the flood relief efforts last winter."

The new brigade is the result of the Government's Strategic Defence Review, which saw the closure of Copthorne Barracks in Shrewsbury.

Colonel Rich Maybery, Late Royal Logistics Corps, Deputy Commander of 11th Signal and West Midlands Brigade said: "The formation ceremony is a significant milestone for the Brigade as we step into our new role; however, our association with the West Midlands has been established for a few years and we are delighted with the support our soldiers and families have received in the region and are keen to provide assistance and support to the local communities and authorities where we can in the future."

11th Signal and West Midlands Brigade's role will include responsibility for the delivery of modern digital communications to the British Army in the UK and overseas on both operations and training, and administrative support to approximately 8,000 Army personnel and their families across Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Staffordshire and Birmingham.