| Unit Name: | 4th (Volunteer) Battalion, The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters |
| Native Name: | 4 WFR |
| Dates: | 1988 – 1993 |
| Country: |  United Kingdom |
| Type: | Infantry |
| Size: | Battalion |
| Command Structure: | 143rd (West Midlands) Infantry Brigade |
| Garrison: | Redditch |
| Garrison Label: | Battalion HQ |
The 4th (Volunteer) Battalion, The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters (4 WFR/896 Sig Tp) was a former territorial infantry battalion that existed for a short time towards the end of the Cold War. Following reductions to the Territorial Army (TA) in 1992, the battalion was disbanded with elements helping to form RHQ & HQ Sqn of 37 Signal Regiment, and 96 (City of Coventry) Signal Squadron. This squadron was then reduced to a signal troop in 2009, but continues to exist as part of 48 (City of Birmingham) Signal Squadron.
Between 1986 and 1989 the Territorial Army (TA) was in the midst of a reformation and "generalisation", where territorial regiments were being disbanded and their companies forming new battalions attached to regular regiments. These new battalions would be given roles in support of NATO. One of the regiments that was slated to be disbanded was the Mercian Volunteers which had been formed in 1975, following the disbandment and re-rolling of many of the cadre units following the 1966 Defence White Paper.[1] [2] [3]
On 5 April 1988 the 4th (Volunteer) Battalion, The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters was formed as part of the 1981 Defence White Paper, which reduced the regular army slightly, while expanding the TA. As part of the changes, both battalions of Mercian Volunteers were dissolved and their companies paved the way for new TA battalions; 3rd Staffords, 4th WFR, and 3rd Cheshires.[4] [5]
Because the battalion was not a direct successor to either battalions of the Mercian Volunteers, it had a mixed structure from units of the former 1st and 2nd battalions. After formation, the battalion was assigned to the 143rd (West Midlands) Brigade, which was a home defence brigade overseeing the West Midlands region. If mobilised, the battalion would be assigned to Commander Communications, I (BR) Corps as a communications support unit providing rear defence and security.[6]
Below is the structure of the battalion following its formation, with predecessors;[7]
| Unit Name: | 96 (City of Coventry) Signal Squadron 896 (City of Coventry) Signal Troop |
| Native Name: | 96 Sig Sqn 896 Signal Tp |
| Dates: | 1993 – present |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
| Type: | Military communications |
| Size: | Troop (since 2009) |
| Command Structure: | 37th Signal Regiment |
| Garrison: | Coventry |
| Garrison Label: | Current Location |
| Identification Symbol 2 Label: | Tactical Recognition Flash |
Following the Dissolution of the Soviet Union and subsequent end to the Cold War, a sweeping armed forces reorganisation took place known as the Options for Change. One of the major changes to the army was the reduction or disbandment/conversion of many of the TA battalions which had been formed during the 1980s. As a result, it was decided 4 WFR was to be disbanded and its sub-units distributed to other TA units. After these changes, the following occurred to the battalion (by company);
When the battalion was disbanded, much of the former personnel became part of the new Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron of 37 Signal Regiment. However, personnel also joined the new 96 (City of Coventry) Signal Squadron based in the Coventry, which had just formed. This squadron continued the lineage of the battalion when it joined 37 Signal Regiment in November 1992.[8] [9]
The squadron was later reduced to 896 (City of Coventry) Signal Troop as part of the 2009 review of reserve forces. Today, the squadron forms part of 48 (City of Birmingham) Signal Squadron in 37 Signal Regiment providing command support teams and support to HQ 11th Signal Brigade & HQ West Midlands.
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