British Signals Intelligence in the Trenches

Published on 29 October 2020
Submitted by Dr Jim Beach and Jock Bruce

This presentation, which was delivered 'live' to an online audience by Jim Beach and Jock Bruce is about why, during the First World War, interception of your enemy’s frontline communications was an important intelligence source.

Jim Beach and Jock Bruce explain how it was done and why it matters for our understanding of the fighting. Jim focused upon the BEF’s communications security failure during the Battle of the Somme, and Jock unpacks the eclectic individuals who worked as secret listeners for the British army.

British Signals Intelligence in the Trenches
Key benefits of membership

Becoming a member of The Western Front Association (WFA) offers a wealth of resources and opportunities for those passionate about the history of the First World War. Here's just three of the benefits we offer:

Searchable Magazine Icon
Searchable Magazine Archive

Identify key words or phrases within back issues of our magazines, including Stand To!, Bulletin, Gun Fire, Fire Step and lots of others.

Youtube Channel Icon
Subscribe to the WFA's YouTube channel

The WFA's YouTube channel features hundreds of videos of lectures given by experts on particular aspects of WW1.

Magazine
Historical Magazines

Read post-WW1 era magazines, such as 'Twenty Years After', 'WW1 A Pictured History' and 'I Was There!' plus others.

Other Articles

02 Worcestershire Regiment Officers
13 January 2026

From Birkenhead to Bazentin

Read more
Square 25
11 January 2026

1000 Yards, 1000 Bodies - WW1 In A Single Field

Read more
The Rush To Arms In 1914
5 January 2026

The Rush to Arms in 1914

Read more
Asylum Cemetery Ypres IWM
29 December 2025

The ‘disappeared’ cemeteries

Read more
James Marshall VC
22 December 2025

The Making of a Hero: James Neville Marshall VC

Read more