Flag Semaphore, Methods of Communication

By Yash Machhiana
Computers Studies 11, Ms. McKay
Period 2
Timeline of the Invention:
Before we begin to learn how the flag semaphore method of communication is/was used and works/worked, it is important
to learn the history of how it came to be. This includes who created it, where it was invented, how it came to be, what is really is,
and why it was initially created in the first place.

Semaphore Flag, Brief History:

● 1792, Claude Chappe developed the first visual messaging system in France
● 1805, the Battle of Trafalgar. British Royal Navy have a confrontation against the Spanish and French during the times of
Napoleonic Wars. Flag semaphore is used to communicate where ships should move during combat. Flag semaphore
was a success, as the British took home the victory against other troops.
● 1850s, flag semaphore had become popular among miltries, especially naval armies. Due to its immense popularity, it was
no longer reliable, as enemies had observed and learned the communication method.
● 1866-present, adopted as a handheld version of the optical telegraph system. It was made to have two bright triangles
(red and yellow) on the flag. Every fixed position represented a number and a letter in the English alphabet. It is now used
all across the world, in different cities, countries, and regions of Earth. To this day, remains a popular method of
communication among people.
Comparing Purposes, Then VS. Now
During the 1800’s era:

It was extremely effective, as it quickly became one of the most used ways to communicate from ground to sea, among allies. This was a result of the flags
being enormous, bright, and visually quite easy to comprehend and read. From afar, It was said to have been able to be seen about 8.0-32.2 km away, which is
impressive. The purpose of these flags was to mainly help the navy during operations, on the sea.

Before this revolutionary invention, naval ships were stationed around strategically before the battle began, and as the battle progressed, operators would
blindly move to random places, not knowing where the best place is to go. This was a major disadvantage, however, after the invention, this issue was partially
resolved. Now allies on board ships could send distress signals using the flags, and call for help. This greatly helped during combat, and the flag semaphore proved
its ability to be effective in combat. A prime example of this would be when the British won against the Spanish, using the method of communication. They were also
used to signal ships before the invention of the telegraph, from high towers.

In addition to the help it provided for the navy, it was also utilized sailors, transporting goods overseas. In the early 1800’s, countries such as, what is know
known to be Canada, had not yet entered confederation. This meant there were different colonies, that were not united, and not connected together. Trains were
predominantly used to move goods in and out of these colonies, however, ships poredd to be more effective, since the Canadian railay did not connect the colonies
to other countries. Without ships, trading was difficult, and as a result, sailor ships became very popular. With demand for products growing by the day, ships were
needed to carry out consignments. With all these ships on sea, came dangers and hazardous. Resulting in sailors also having to learn the flag semaphore language,
because there were no telegraphic communication systems back them.

The Battle of Trafalgar, Britain's Victory

Comparing Purposes, Then VS. Now, Continued
During the 2000’s Era:

Versions of the current flag semaphore, emerged from earlier times in the historic past. They now tend to be much
smaller as technology has allowed us to come up with communication items such as walkie talkies, radios,
telecommunication machines (etc). These flags are still used to this day, but only in cases of electrical failure on board
ships. These signals are still taught to ship operators in case of an emergency, meaning they’re still a big part of
communication, meaning it is still widely utilized.

Infact, airplane ground crew use a version of the semaphore flags, however, they use two reflective orange sticks
that do not stand for letters, but full words. For sailors, these flags tend to be red and yellow, but can vary in color, possibly
depending on who it was manufactured by or where it was built. Airplane ground crew on the other hand have different
flags, but similar a strikingly similar style of party-to-party communication.
Signal Meanings
How it is Used
As I previously mentioned, the English alphabet, along with numbers ranging from 0-9 are assigned to a specific signal. These
must be learned by sailors who operate machinery on water. It is crucial to learn these, as emergencies may require sailors to
understand what they are being instructed to do.

EX.
“A” and 1 is assigned to the flag holder, holding one flag Signals and their Assigned Letter /Number
directly downwards by his side, and the flag s his right
arm pointing downwards also, but at a 22.5 degree angle.

“R” is represented by the flag holder, holding his/her arms

outwards , with the red part of the flag pointing out and
the yellow side pointing inwards.

“P” is represented by the fag holder, holding the flag in his

left hand pointing upwards, above his head. The flag in his
right hand is pointing outwards toward to the right. The
two flags make a right angle.

As you can see, very specific flag positions represent

various characters, and this how flag semaphore is used.
Study the Signs
 Flag Semaphore Signals Assignment:

What word does the following signal represent?

1.)

Use for Reference Only

Hint: it is an emergency signal

 Quiz Time! 😭
Part 01 Questions, Written Answers:

1.) What year was the first visual messaging system developed?
2.) What side used the flag semaphore method of communication during the Battle of Trafalgar? British or the Spanish?
3.) What was flag semaphore mainly used for during the 1800’s era?
4.) What colours do flags typically consist of?
5.) In what event is the flag semaphore used in now?

Part 02 Questions, True/False:

1.) The flag semaphore signals must be learned by sailors to this day. True or False?
2.) With a telescope, sailors were able to see the flag 8.0-32.2km away. True or False?
3.) The telegraph is predominantly used now over the flag semaphore method of communication. True or False?
4.) The flag semaphore is no longer used. True or False?
5.) A version of the flag semaphore is used by airplane ground crew. True or False?

*use the flags provided to answer yes or no for true or false component (it’s fun that way)*
Additional Signs
Flag Semaphore Video

Alphabet and Distress Signals Videos

 Flag Semaphore Activity

Requirements:

- two people needed

- partner one needs to research a distress signal
- parther 1 must mimic the signal using the flags (provided by me)
- second person must try to find out the word
- second person can use a flag semaphore chart (if he/she are stuck)
Citation:
Website Links/Youtube Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_semaphore

http://www.anbg.gov.au/flags/semaphore.html

http://www.semaphorify.info

https://flagpolesetc.com/blog/semaphore-flag-history

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlRJQd5vmX0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGxWPZ36kFc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAwC9xW78DY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5yvloNbBMA