In 1914 most international communications went by telegraph cable. These were largely secure but without them, Governments were unable to communicate with their embassies in other countries. One of the first actions listed in the British ‘War Book’ was to order the cutting of German cables to force the enemy to use other less secure methods of communicating. The use of radio was in its infancy and could be overheard. Even telegraph messages could be intercepted at switching stations. The use of codes was crucial in keeping plans for military and naval movements secret, but codes can be broken.
Who would have thought that the bunch of, crossword-solving, academics mainly linguists and classical scholars, brought together in a couple of rooms at the Admiralty in 1914 would have a huge impact on the course of the First World War?
David Carter is a retired teacher, and author of two books. He is a volunteer researcher for the Royal Fusiliers Museum, at the Tower of London, and he lives in Cumbria. His book titled; ‘The Stockbrokers' Battalion in the Great War’ was published in 2013.
The meeting will take place at our usual venue, The Allotment Social Club, West Allotments, and will commence at 7.45 pm for an 8.00 pm start.
Please note: Entrance to the meeting is by donation of £5, there will be a raffle, and we no longer provide a buffet.