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Allied Signal Manual 1918

Allied Signal Book

1918

Repository Document ID
Pages
Dimensions
Plates
   
111 including index

15cm x 24cm
4

 

This is a lightweight paperbacked manual outlining how Allied men of war were to communicate with Allied and neutral merchant shipping.  My copy is falling from its binding, and belonged to a "G L Hewitt, S.S. Wheatley Hall, R.N.T. 1020", though it is possible I have the initials in the name wrong.

The manual is black and white, apart from its 3 color plates.  It is simple and, unlike most documents listed on the site, largely self-contained.  This was certainly to help the largest possible variety of signalmen competently interact with naval ships to meet the demands of maneuver and convoy operation.

Its ease of use stands out for the time.  Right on the cover, it addresses the two most common tasks by providing convenient entry points by the notice:

  1. If you want to make a signal or find an instruction, refer to the Index at the end of the book.
  2. If you want to find out the meaning of any signal that is made, turn to page 46, where you will find a Table showing you on what page to look in order to find all the signals of the same type as the one you are seeking.

INTRODUCTION

The Allied Signal Manual provides instructions and signals for Visual communication between

a) Allied Men-of-War and Allied or Neutral Merchant Vessels

b) Allied or Neutral Merchant Vessels

c) British Merchant Vessels and certain Signal Stations.

2,  It is divided into two parts, viz.:

Part 1 : Instructions

Part 2: Signals

3.  Both parts have been drawn up with a view to meeting the requirements of Convoys, as well as those of ordinary inter-ship communication.

4.  Signals have also been provided to enable Merchant Vessels to exercise Signals, either with Men-of-War, or with other Merchant Vessels.  No Opportunity of carrying out such an exercise should be neglected.

5.  The Allied Signal Manual has been printed in the following languages:

  Danish Italian
  English Japanese
  French Portuguese
  Greek Spanish

6.  The Articles in all translations are numbered identically so that references and corrections can easily be made.

7.  No Local significations are to be inserted without first obtaining Admiralty approval.  If concurred in, the signification will be promulgated by the Admiralty.

 

CONTENTS

PART I.

     
PAGE
Plate I.
  Flags used in the Allied Signal Manual
v
Plate II.
  Merchant Ensigns of Allied and Neutral Countries
vi
Plate III.
  Pilot Jacks of Allied and Neutral Countries
vii
Chapter I.   Definitions
1
Chapter II.   Methods of Signalling
2
Chapter III.   Instructions for the use of Distinguishing Signals
3
Chapter IV.   Instructions for Signalling by Semaphore
6
Plate IV.
  Semaphore Signs and Significations
9
Chapter V.   Instructions for Signalling by Flags
10
    Communicating with Shore Signal Stations
13
Chapter VI.   Instructions for the use of Morse Signs
15
Table I .
  Morse Signs
18
Chapter VII.   Instructions for Signalling by Lights
19
Chapter VIII.   Instructions for Signalling by Sound
24
Chapter IX.   Instructions for Signalling by Flag Waving
26
Chapter X.   Instructions for the Conduct of a Convoy
29
Chapter XI.   Instructions for the Conduct of a Convoy at Night
36
Chapter XII.   Instructions for the Conduct of a Convoy in a Fog
39
Chapter XIII.   Instructions for Altering Course
41
Chapter XIV.   Identification Signals
43

PART II.

  How to look out Signals
46
  
  Instructions for the use of the Ball, Cone and Flag Table
47
  
Table II.
   Ball, Cone and Flag Table
47
  
  Instructions for the use of the Men-of-War Sighting Table
48
  
Table III.
  Men-of-War Sighting Table
49
  
Table IV.
  True Compass Table in Degrees
50
  
Table V.
  Numeral Table
55
  
Table VI.
  Single Flags
56
  
  Instructions for the use of the Table of Danger Signals
58
  
Table VII.
  Danger Signals
58
  
  Mine Signals
61
  
  Manoeuvring Signals
62
  
  Position, Course and Speed Signals
64
  
  Instructions for the use of the Alter Course Table
66
  
Table XI.
  Alter Course Signals
67
  
Table XII.
  Alter Course Signals
69
  
Table XIII.
  Distinguishing Signals
70
  
  Action
72
  
  Altering Course
67 & 69
 
  Anchors and Cables
72
  
  Bearing and Distance
72
  
  Closing and Concentrating
73
  
  Communications
74
  
  Convoy
76
  
  Course and Speed
64
  
  Damage and Defects
77
  
  Danger
58
  
  Detaching
77
  
  Enemy -- General Reports
78
  
    Enemy Submarines
79
  
  Entering and Leaving Harbor
80
  
  Exercise
81
  
  Heaving To
81
  
  Manoeuvring
62
  
  Mines
61
  
  Miscellaneous
81
  
  Navigation, Lights and Buoys
82
  
  Organisation
83
  
  Phrases
83
  
  Position
64
  
  Rendezvous
84
  
  Sailing and other Orders
84
  
  Sighting Men of War
49
  
  Smoke Screens
85
  
  Speed
64
  
  Torpedoes and Explosive Charges
85
  
  Collective Distinguishing Signals
86
  
  Spare Groups
87
  
  Index
89
  

 

NOTES