Title:THE SIGNALS SERVICE - THE COMMONWEALTH AIR FORCES TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK [Main Title]
Film Number:AMY 281
Other titles:
Summary: Air Ministry information film focusing on the Commonwealth Air Forces telecommunications network.
Description: Reel one: “The Telecommunications badge has its origins in the early days before the Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Flying Corps merged to form the RAF in 1918. In those days manual morse was the primary means of radio communication, rather the exception as it is today, and the badge was worn only by wireless operators. -SPEED! ACCURACY! SECURITY!” Ground signalling trade groups role and networks described. Layout of the world wide routing indicator plan communicationss system. Dramatised explanation of the system working – aircraft en route from UK to RAF Eastleigh (Kenya) via Malta and Cyprus.
Reel two: Dramatised explanation of the signals system working (continued) routing of signal from originator through Central Registry to Signal Centre. Central Signal Centre receives signal and processes it. Handling of message in centre.
Reel three: Following signal as it goes through various stages of the sending process. Traffic handling process described.
Reel four: Explanation of how the signal is transmitted by SSB transmitter. RAF Siggiewi in Malta and the arrival of the message in Malta then onto RAF Luqa by teleprinter. Aircraft are released for onward journey. RAF Kahawa Receiving Station (Eastleigh). Process of changing frequency due to failing channel.
Reel five: Message converted to page form in “Page Reproduction” then on to addressee. Other types of 'modern' equipment described. Facsimile sending of weather charts and messages.
Reel six: Role of radio communications in controlling and directing aircraft in operational roles. Wireless telegraphy used in communicating with aircraft over long ranges. Radio telephony used by ATC to communicate with aircraft operating from airfield. UK Flight Information Regions explained. Movements and Liaison Section of ATC Centre explained. Control Room role explained. Met Centre's role at Dunstable described.
Reel seven: Procedure for passing Met information to aircraft to divert due to weather. Example of bad weather info being passed to aircraft. Returning aircraft pilot requesting airfield info – process described.
Reel eight:Mayday procedure and network described. Dealing with aircraft mayday and also ship sending out distress signal. Communications with Coastal Command and maritime patrols. Transport Command flight plan routing. “Speed. Accuracy. Security.”
Alternative Title:
Colour:B&W
Digitised:
Object_Number:AMY 281
Sound:Sound
Access Conditions:
Featured Period:
Production Date:1955
Production Country: GB
Production Details: AIR MINISTRY (Production sponsor)
Gee Films (Production company)
