The first set of letters we will learn follow a pattern. One flag is always in the
break position. (i.e. pointing straight down). For A, B, C and D we use the
right hand, this avoids crossing our body, and makes the signal clearer. Do not 'mirror' the images above Remember, 'A' is in the 'right hand'
For E, F and G, switch to the left hand, bring the right hand to the break position.
*Tip: You will learn the positions more quickly if you don't always practice making
them in alphabetical order.
Practice the horizontal/vertical - B, D, F and in reverse, F, D and B.
Then the diagonals - A, C, E and G. Reverse them - G, E, C, A
Say the letter out loud as you are getting into position.
U, R and N are easy to remember. They are the three letters where the flag positions are
symmetrical. From top to bottom, they spell the word: 'urn'
The 'U' and the 'N' shapes look a bit like the letters they represent.
This next set of letters also follow a pattern. There is always a flag in the 'A'
position. For H and I, use the left hand in the 'A' position. Then, switch
to the right hand for K, L, and M. If you use the wrong hands, particularly
for 'I' you will have your arm in front of your face. This would make it difficult to
see the person you are signalling to, and you might miss something important.
You can see where the 'N' we learnt in lesson 2 fits right in sequence after the 'M'.
L is easy to remember, since like 'R', the arms make a straight line, like an 'l'
Practice sending 'HILL' or 'MILK' to become familiar with these letters.
Note, there is no 'J' where you might expect it to be.
The next 4 letters always have a flag in the 'B' position. You can see where 'R'
fits into the sequence. Remember, a Q is always followed by a U, and making this
transition is nice and smooth. You only need to raise your right hand. Practice
spelling out 'QUICK'.
To make 'T' and 'Y', keep the right hand in the 'C' position. TY, is an abbreviation for
'Thank You' - practice sending 'TY'.
For 'J' and 'V', keep the right hand in the 'D' position.
The last set of letters are a little awkward, because they involve crossing the body.
The good news, is that they rarely occur in English words, so you will not have to
signal them too often.
For 'W' and 'X', keep the left hand in the 'E' position.
'Z' has the left hand in the 'F' position.
Use Semaphore as a secret code for text messages!
When you can easily recognise the semaphore positions, you will be able to send and decipher
coded text messages from your mobile phone. Just imagine the numbers represent hand positions.
Simply code each letter with two digits. The right-hand position and the left-hand position.
E.g. - N, would be '79', T would be '12'
Use the '8' for for the lower position, so A would be '78'
Use the '0' as a spacer between words.
"A Scout is to be Trusted", would be coded up thus:
78 0 49 18 14 13 12 0 17 49 0 12 14 0 48 38 0 12 46 13 49 12 38 28
To decode a text message on your phone, look down at the number keys, and visualise the hand positions.
Semaphore has been around for over 200 years. It is a simple method for sending messages
between ships, or across the battlefield. Baden Powell dedicated a 'Yarn' to signalling in
'Scouting For Boys' - you can read the chapter here.
Semaphore is still used today, in modern Navies all over the world.
It's a useful skill to recognise the different signs. You can send messages to your patrol
over distances, or silently. Use it during a wide game, or when scouting ahead on a hike. It's
particularly useful in mountainous terrain, where you might not get a signal on your mobile
phone. Learn the signal for 'SOS' off by heart. You never know, it might save your life!
