Methodology
The technique of signaling with flags and torches was perfected before the war by Albert J. Myer during the Western Indian Wars. It was a two element system in which a flag, waived to the left or right of the sender, represents a "1" or a "2" respectively. Various combinations of 1s or 2s represent specific letters according to a code sheet. A third motion of the flag to the sender's front, represents a "3", which provides punctuation between words and sentences. Using a combination of 1s, 2s and 3s, messages were easily spelled out. Messages were not only sent in plain text (common English), but also encoded. Naturally, it was each sides mission to capture or break their opponents code.
Equipment
Flags came in a variety of sizes and colors, and were chosen based on which would be most visible. At night a torch replaced the flag, with a second stationary torch placed at the feet of the signalmen as a point of reference for the distant viewer. Visibility was very important and signalmen were quite creative in their quest to see and be seen. Rooftops, steeples, trees, scaffolds, towers and mountains were all used.. Assisted by telescopes, and marine glasses, the signalist had a extended range of sight of up to five miles. Because of their visibility, signalist were prime targets for sharp shooters and casualty rates were high. |
