Early days of Radio
 

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

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.

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

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.