Posted: Fri May 23, 2003 9:36 am
As some of you will know, the R.C.N provided the main escort forces for Trans-Atlantic convoys, in WW2. Based in either Halifax or St John's NFLD, the small ships were the only protection against the U-boats, untill long range aircraft were designed, and then built, that had the range to go out to the mid-ocean meeting point.
Communications, at sea, between ships, and eventaully aircraft, were by Aldis Light. The light was the type with a set of shutters that were opened and closed to send Morse Code letters, that when read at the other end, made up a message. This was a more secure method than radio transmissions, which could be read by eavesdroppers, scanning the radio waves. The light could be aimed very accurately, and came in various sizes, from a 6 inch hand light to a 10 inch, or a 20 inch model, on the bridge of a Corvette, or Fairmile. Messages were usually for operational needs, such as a course change, or to order a flanker to "chivvy up" a straggling old tramp steamer, who was falling behing the convoy's speed.
As you might imagine, with the Captains of a escort group all knowing one another, from "runs ashore" in Halibag, or NewfieJohn, the messages sometimes were funny, or vulgar, depending on the needs. The following are accurate copies of WW2 R.C.N. "blinker signals".
Canadian ship to Harbour Commander, Portsmouth, U.K.
I am tied up a wharf number five.
Harbour Commander to Canadian ship.
Shoe laces are tied. Her Majesty's ships are secured.
Harbour Commander, Portmouth to H.M.C.S Sheddiac.
How long will you be, before you leave harbour.
H.M.C.S. Sheddiac
Two hundred and five feet, as usual.
R.C.N Group Commander, to H.M.C.S. Swansea
What in the name of god are you doing?
H.M.C.S. Swansea. Learning a lot, real fast.
Senior Officer to Corvette.
Why did it take you so long to re-join the convoy?
Corvette. It was up hill all the way.
H.M.C.S. Oakville to USAAF aircraft.
Could you please circle in the opposite direction, the Captain is getting dizzy.
R.A.C.F. aircraft, towing a aerial target drouge, for ship's anti-aircaft crews to practice firing at, near Halifax.
For christ's sake, guys, I'm pulling this thing, not pushing it. That was too damm close. one more like that, and I'll forget we are both on the same side.
And finally, as a R.C.N corvette was departing a British port, the gate vessel signaled this................
The last time you were here, you ran into me, are you still sorry.
R.C.N. corvette........Not only am I not sorry, you have me confused with another ship.
Gate vessel.
Well, if you touch me there again, you'll have to marry me, my Dad says.
Hope you liked those. Jim B. Toronto.
CKA Moderator 
