The Signal Corps is a military branch, usually subordinate to a country's army. Many countries have a Signal Corps, whose main function is usually communication (in modern times, usually radio or telephone communication on the battlefield). The word corps is used in the British sense (meaning a branch of military service, such as Corps of Engineers), rather than the American sense (meaning an organizational unit below army and above division). Subordinate units include signal regiments, battalions, etc.
The Union SignalCorps was extremely active in gathering information and transmitting orders, and for perhaps the first time in military history the commanding general of a large army was kept in communication during active operations with his corps and division commanders.
The most dramatic use of the SignalCorps was connected with the successful defense of Allatoona, Sherman's reserve depot in which were stored three millions of rations, practically undefended, as it was a distance in the rear of the army.
Signaling, telegraphy, and secret-service work were all done by the corps, which proved to be a potent f actor in the efficient operations of the various armies.
A signal system using flags and torches was invented by a U.S. Army surgeon, Major Albert Meyer, in the 1850's and adopted by the U.S. Army in 1860.
Signal parties used different combinations of flag size, color, and staff length to increase the readability of the signal.
Meyer's Manual of Signals stated that with a 12-foot staff and 4-foot flag, signals "are easily read at a distance of 8 miles at all times, except in cases of fog or rain.
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