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[bigfella]

Hi All

I am interested to know what some Navy signals mean? I am under the impression that Destroyers make a sound like whoop, whoop, whoop. Is it just Destroyers? What does it mean? Are there any other interesting signals that other ships make and what do they mean and what is the history behind them?? I ask this because I am not from a Navy background as may Father was in the British Army and has told me of his days and experiences and even he has asked the same question.

Regards David

[RickF]

I am sure there are far more qualified persons amongst our membership whocould answer this, but the following are some of the current signals:

One short blast = “I am altering my course to starboard”
Two short blasts = “I am altering my course to port”
Three short blast = “I am going astern”
Two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast =  “I intend to overtake you on your starboard side”
Two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts =  “I intend to overtake you on your port side”
Five short and rapid blasts =  "I am unsure what you intend", or "we are on a collision course"

Rick

[banjo]

 

A white light accompanied by a loud ringing on a bell.....you are about to be knocked over by a matelot on a bike.
A red light accompanied by a fading ringing on a bell...you have been knocked over by a matelot on a bike.

[tobyker]

From captain of target towing tug to captain of very inaccurate destroyer on gunnery trials.
"We aim to please.
You aim too, please."

[polaris]

Dear David,

I believe the 'whoop' was nearly exclusive to destroyers, but I would like to know what HMS Belfast (& other similar cruisers), would have used between 1939 - 45. I presume a single and very loud compressed air or hp steam siren???

Regards, Bernard

[Roger in France]

One "whoop" = Jack has spotted a good looking girl....

Two "whoops" = Jack thinks he is in with a chance...

Three "whoops" = Jack is in hot pursuit...

One long "whoop", on a descending cadence = Jack has been frustrated yet again.

Roger in France.

[Bryan Young]

Quite happy with the interpretations of the signals. But the whistle itself was a bit different to the usual straight tube thing. We had one on "Norseman" and "Lady Dennison Pender" that we used to use when other ships got a bit close. If you tried to do a sustained blast you would only get a high whistle and a complaint from the clankies that you were wasting steam. Short bursts were perfect. I wish we still had them......but we have no steam.

[bigfella]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I can now go and tell my father, who is in hospital at the moment, all about these signals.

Regards David

[malcolmfrary]

I was told that the changing tone of the whoop was due to the steam changing the temperature of the pipe, and thus the resonance.