In 1908 the Royal Engineer Signal Service was formed and provided communications during World War 1.  At this time the Dispatch Rider (DR) came into prominence and wireless 'sets' were introduced into service.  Wireless communications were provided in France and Flanders and also in the campaigns in Salonika, Palestine and Mesopotamia.

The first official agreement to form a separate Signal Corps was made in 1918 before the end of World War 1, but due to various policy delays the formation of the 'Corps' was delayed until 1920.  A Royal Warrant was signed by the Secretary of State for War, the Right Honourable Winston S Churchill, who gave the sovereign's approval for the formation on the 28^th June 1920 of a 'Corps of Signals'.  Six weeks later His Majesty the King conferred the title 'Royal Corps of Signals'.