Improved signals and communications

Operation order relating to the use of signals. (DUL ref: Lowe papers, file B3)

Effective communication was crucial if an attack or, indeed, any action was to succeed. Commanders had to know what was going on at the front and front line officers needed clear orders on how to proceed. In the early part of the War communication was a problem but the situation did improve throughout the course of the conflict.

This source is taken from the papers of Lt-Col Lowe. It details the methods of communications to be used in an attack in which 18 DLI would take part. Read it carefully to see what it tells you about the different types of communication being used. A transcript and an enlarged version are available.

1. How many different types of communication methods are being used in this attack? Why would this be useful?

2. Why will the telephones be set up using ‘alternative routes’?

3. What advantage do pigeons have as a method of passing messages? What disadvantages are there?

4. Why would the runners be kept away from the La Motte-Vieux Berquin Road?

5. Which form of communication do you think would be most useful and why?

How useful were the signallers in the First World War? Find out more by looking at an account written by Lt Macfarlane Grieve.