WW2 Phantom Embroidered Cloth White letter ' P ' on Black Rectangle Formation Sign

G.H.Q. Liaison Regiment, as worn by so called " Phantom " units using fast moving armoured signalling vehicles in the forward battle areas to transmit information back to G.H.Q. concerning enemy troop movements and break-throughs. The P no longer as white as it once was, removed from uniform and scarce.

Phantom’s duties included providing Bogus traffic for deception – including in 1941 simulating the traffic of a non-existent Armoured Car Regiment in an attempt to persuade Rommel the forthcoming British Offensive would be in the south rather than the north of the battle area. The Luftwaffe was despatched to look for the ‘regiment’ but failed to locate Phantom’s well-camouflaged vehicles.
At the end of the war Phantom was renamed ‘No3 Independent Signal Squadron’ following disbandment in 1948 its role was taken on by Princess Louise’s Kensington Regiment (PLK) and became Army Phantom Signal Regiment (TA). Today PLK are part of 31 Signal Squadron under the command of 71st City of London (Yeomanry) Signal Regiment.

Famous Phantoms included David Niven, film star Tan Williams, three future professors, two Privy Councillors, a Law Lord, an Ambassador, a Metropolitan Police Commissioner plus sporting and literary celebrities.

A194.11

Code: 57722