The unit had its origins in a signal squadron of the Royal Engineers (RE) formed at Aldershot in 1912 for the Cavalry Division of the planned British Expeditionary Force (BEF).

These had each been provided with an RE signal Troop since 1907, which were now brought together:[2][3][4][5] The BEF and its Cavalry Division were duly mobilised on the outbreak of the First World War, on 4 August 1914, and proceeded to France, taking part in the Battle of Mons and the subsequent retreat.

It fought under French command south of the River Somme, suffering heavy casualties, and the remnants were evacuated through Cherbourg on 16 June in Operation Aerial.

It went into the line under Eighth Army in late December during Operation Crusader, but once again was employed piecemeal, and suffered badly during the fighting and retreat of January 1942 and the Battle of Gazala in May.

The division was recognised as a weak element in the plan: Divisional HQ had not commanded in action for over a year, and its subordinate brigades had been assembled piecemeal.

The division's axis of advance was up bad mountain tracks and the German defence was strong: the attack on 4 September was a failure, and progress the following day was slow.

Divisional HQ was used to command an ad hoc group of units to screen the assembly of II Polish Corps at the front by 28 October.