Early days of Radio

[Faxferryman]

Having recently re read the Book "Blackwater" writen by the radio officer (HL Tredree ) of the ship "Normandier," about his voyage in 1917/18 and his subsequent catching black water fever along with all the crew. A very good read, I originally read it on my first trip back in 1977, The Master of my first ship, knew the author, and carried a copy with him.


This got me thinking about communications at that time, what was the arrangements etc for messages, traffic lists, I understand the BBC started the weather forecast on there transmitters in 1926.

I appreciate there will be no first hand experience, but did any of our more senior members meet any of these original R/O's from that time. There could be an interesting tale to tell.
There was little in the book about everyday radio work.

rgds
Kev

[Dave McGouldrick]

Ted Whitehead was Morse Lecturer at Leith Nautical College during the 60s, and I recall him saying his first ship was in the 1920s, and something about sleeping on a mattress in the shack (or is that my befuddled brain recalling some other story ?).
There a few members here who knew Ted better than me - maybe they can recall something.

[BobClay]

I'd believe anything about Ted. He was a bit of a character to say the least. I learned new swear words from Ted.

[King Ratt]

Ref Dave and Bob’s comments on Ted Whitehead. I seem to recall him mentioning the Clan McIver a lot. He certainly was a star turn and introduced me to Bass.