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Semaphore Flag Signalling System
The Semaphore flag signalling system is an alphabet signalling system
based on the waving of a pair of hand-held flags in a particular
pattern.
The flags are usually square, red and yellow, divided
diagonally with the red portion in the upper hoist.
The flags are held, arms extended, in various positions representing
each of the letters of the alphabet. The pattern resembles a clock face
divided into eight positions: up, down, out, high, low, for each of the
left and right hands (LH and RH) six letters require the hand to be
brought across the body so that both flags are on the same side.
Flag positions in Semaphore
One way to visualize the semaphore alphabet is in terms of circles:
- first circle: A, B, C, D, E, F, G;
- second circle: H, I, K, L, M, N (omitting J);
- third circle: O, P, Q, R, S;
- fourth circle: T, U, Y and 'annul';
- fifth circle: 'numeric', J (or 'alphabetic'), V;
- sixth circle: W, X;
- seventh circle: Z
In the first circle, the letters A to C are made with the right arm,
and E to G with the left, and D with either as convenient. In the
second circle, the right arm is kept still at the letter A position and
the left arm makes the movements; similarly in the remaining circles,
the right arm remains fixed while the left arm moves. The arms are kept
straight when changing from one position to another.
For another flag communication system, see the
international
maritime signal flags.
The Semaphore Alphabet
A and 1 (LH down RH low)
B and 2 (LH down; RH out)
C and 3 (LH down; RH high)
D and 4 (LH down; RH up - or LH up; RH down)
E and 5 (LH high; RH down)
F and 6 (LH out; RH down)
G and 7 (LH low; RH down)
H and 8 (LH across low; RH out)
I and 9 (LH across low; RH up)
J and 'alphabetic' (LH out ; RH up)
K and 0 zero (LH up; RH low)
L (LH high; RH low)
M (LH out; RH low)
N (LH low; RH low)
O (LH across high; RH out)
P (LH up; RH out)
Q (LH high; RH out)
R (LH out; RH out)
S (LH low; RH out)
T (LH up; RH high)
U (LH high; RH high)
V (LH low; RH up)
W (LH out; RH across high)
X (LH low; RH across high)
Y (LH out; RH high)
Z (LH out; RH across low)
Numerical sign (LH high; RH up)
Annul sign (LH low; RH high)
Error (LH and RH raised and lowered together) |
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