Canadian Expeditionary Force - Signals composition

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The composition of the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) built up during the First World War from the initial forces to encompass not only the Canadian Corps but also railway units, forestry units, medical hospitals and a Canadian Cavalry Brigade. In total, 619,636 Canadians served in the CEF, with 424,529 serving overseas.

CEF Organization, 1918

The "Canadian Signal Service", administered by the Canadian Engineers, was established to manage all communications in the forward area. In the 1918 organization chart, the following units are listed:

1st Army, with, under command, Canadian Corps

• Canadian Corps Signal Company
  • No 1 Motor Airline Section
  • No 2 Motor Airline Section
  • CE, CF, CG and CH Cable Sections
  • Corp Artillery 1st Brigade Signal Sub-Section
  • Corp Artillery 2nd Brigade Signal Sub-Section
  • Corp Artillery 3rd Brigade Signal Sub-Section
  • Corp Artillery 8th Army Brigade Signal Sub-Section
  • 5th Canadian Divisional Artillery Signal Detachment
• Canadian Corps Signal School
• 1st Canadian Divisional Signal Company
• 2nd Canadian Divisional Signal Company
• 3rd Canadian Divisional Signal Company
• 4th Canadian Divisional Signal Company

3rd Army, 3rd Cavalry Division with, under command, Canadian Cavalry Brigade

• Canadian Cavalry Brigade Signal Troop

In addition, the following units existed during the First World War:

• 5th Canadian Divisional Signal Company (only a portion of the unit served at the Front)
• 6th Canadian Divisional Signal Company (saw service with the Canadian Siberian Expeditionary Force (CSEF))