Landships II

kieffer · Commander in Chief

Phonetic alphabet

James H · Legend

For some reason I've always remembered that the British alphabet began: Ack, Beer, Charlie, Don. I think my dad might have told me. Hence Ack-Ack for Anti-aircraft. In WWII the American version was adopted: Able, Baker, Charlie, Dog, etc.

However, such limited knowledge enabled me to google up this: http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/MilitaryAlphabet It seems the practice originated at the time of The Somme, and the British Army and Royal Navy used different systems. The US introduced its own at about the same time. I suppose the idea must have arisen when the use of radio became widespread. Not much point before that.

Dad was a Territorial (Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry) just before WWII, so he would have learnt the 1927 version, I expect.

Rectalgia · Legend

There is another set of lists at http://www.milism.net/abc.htm though possibly not thoroughly researched (I'm sure British and Commonwealth airforces and civil air conrollers everywhere would have some argument with the USN's claims to the "Pre-1954 U.S. Navy Radio Alphabet").

There tends to be a fair degree of "slang" usage of variant words in informal communications (that is, amongst people who know each other). Instances of such things as CORK for CHARLIE (RMC Duntroon) and KATIE for KING (as it was at the time - James Bond) are sometimes recorded but even more frequently used.

James H · Legend

Fancy that. From today's Guardian crossword:

Trench mortar, signalled, came to 1,000 odd (3,4)

Rectalgia · Legend

Unbelievable ... now if only Kieffer can give us tomorrow's Lotto numbers.

kieffer · Commander in Chief

Hi Steve, I wish I could help you there but no, I can't foresee the Lotto numbers.
And may be that's better too as a man has to work for his living, ploughing the field all day and feeding the cattle.

Calvinistic regards, Kieffer

Rectalgia · Legend

Calvinism? Was it John Knox who defined it:

"You're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't,
You're damned if you will and you're damned if you won't."

I would rather you prognosticated the Lotto numbers Kieffer, if that's okay (the cows will thank you). Perhaps Pastor Knox was just having a little jest at the expense of his old mentor but I prefer not to chance it.

P.S. Anyway, Lotto numbers are safer then crossword answers, as Mr Leonard Dawe would tell you - http://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/England-History/Crossword.htm

-- Edited by Rectalgia on Sunday 31st of October 2010 07:04:28 PM

kieffer · Commander in Chief

Hi Steve,

I would define it a bit otherwise:
"you're damned if you play cards and you're damned if you play the piano"
Well, play cards (or Lotto), that's obvious but playing the piano, guess why that's very wrong my friend...

Regards, Kieffer

Rectalgia · Legend

Ah, wowsers.� They probably live longer than the rest of us.� Or if not, it must seem like it.� I must not laugh, it might tear the sutures.

Anyway, you have your lists, take your pick.� "Emma" was presumably just an emphasised version of the uncoded M - "em".� I wonder if it is for emphasis that "numeral nine" is pronounced "niner"?� Or whether it just anticipates the tendency in some European languages to voice the final vowel?� Or something else?

Rob · Legend

Kieffer, are there any specific WW1 Motorcycle photos you are looking for? I've got a large selection

kieffer · Commander in Chief

Hi Rob, that's very kind! I wasn't looking for a special make, but I'll keep your posting on my mind!

best wishes, Kieffer