During Matt Anderson’s childhood, a slouch hat that belonged to his father hung in the garage. Now, the hat sits in the Australian War Memorial.

Mr Anderson’s father served as a member of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals (the RA Sigs) in the 1950s, before going on to a career as a teacher.

“Dad was of a generation whose father had served in the Second World War … [his service] was just something he had to do,” he said.

“I don’t think dad thought he was any different to anyone else his age. Dad never really spoke about it; it didn’t come up a whole lot.”

After his father passed away, Mr Anderson took the hat with him and began investigating the stories it represented, including his father’s.

While his father would only reveal “tiny little snippets” of his experiences, Mr Anderson said the corps is on his mind as the RA Sigs mark their centenary this Anzac Day.

In contemporary times, the corps comprises a group of highly technical specialists who provide communications, electronic warfare, and cyber capabilities support for Australian Defence Force (ADF) operations worldwide.

However, when it was officially formed in 1925, the corps’ work was centred on a world of physical wires and cables.

“They have advanced from running telephone cable along the beach at Gallipoli up into the trenches [so they] could understand what was happening to today’s Royal Australian Corps of Signals,” he said.

“[Today] it allows a deployed force of whatever shape or variety to communicate with each other, and with home, from anywhere in the world.”

The well-worn khaki hat has a badge representing the RA Sigs pinned to the side. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

Mr Anderson said 2025 is the time the corps’ stories will be put into the spotlight.

“This is a year where we actually pause and give thanks to the many people who have served in Signals, and the way that they’ve done that,” Mr Anderson said.

“They should be very proud. It is one of the oldest corps, and they’re rightfully celebrating their centenary.”

The corps will also lead the RSL ACT Branch’s Veterans March on Anzac Day at the Australian War Memorial.

While his father didn’t speak much about his time in the military, Mr Anderson said it is important all Australians consider the impact of service.

“They become keepers of that flame, to ensure that we as a nation understand the nature of that service and sacrifice,” he said.

“I think about that every day, and I think part of it comes from not knowing about my dad’s service.”

On Anzac Day, the Australian War Memorial’s Dawn Service will be held from 5:30 am and will be followed by commemorations throughout the day.

The RSL ACT Branch’s Veterans March will start at 9:30 am on the Memorial’s Parade Ground.