Invention and Development of Wireless Telegraphy
In 1887 it was theorized by Rudolph Hertz that under specific conditions, an electric spark creates an effect which is transmitted into space as an electromagnetic wave[1]. Other scientists started looking into this theory; and between 1894 and 1896, Guglielmo Marconi focused his work on devices which could pick up these waves. In 1899, he transmitted a wireless message between two cruisers during the British naval manoeuvres. On December 12th 1901, he sent a wireless message across the Atlantic from Cornwall to Newfoundland (A distance of approximately 3000 miles)[2]. It was not long before wireless telegraphy would be introduced as a new accessory to war.
Wright Aeroplane Equipped for Wireless Testing
In 1887 it was theorized by Rudolph Hertz that under specific conditions, an electric spark creates an effect which is transmitted into space as an electromagnetic wave[1]. Other scientists started looking into this theory; and between 1894 and 1896, Guglielmo Marconi focused his work on devices which could pick up these waves. In 1899, he transmitted a wireless message between two cruisers during the British naval manoeuvres. On December 12th 1901, he sent a wireless message across the Atlantic from Cornwall to Newfoundland (A distance of approximately 3000 miles)[2]. It was not long before wireless telegraphy would be introduced as a new accessory to war.
Wireless Telegraphy and Aircraft
In 1912, the Royal Flying Corps were conducting many experiments; one of them being how wireless telegraphy could be used by aircraft[3]. By the beginning of world war one, a system was developed which allowed pilots to aid the accuracy of artillery through wireless telegraphy. The aircraft observer would carry a map and wireless set, and then after observing the enemy’s position would send a message such as A5, B4, D6, and so on. Research later continued on how to help home defense during German bombing raids. In 1916 the Royal Flying Corps invented a lightweight aircraft receiver to be used with a Marconi half-kilowatt ground transmitter[4]. This receiver was tuned in advanced and the pilot had to unreel a 150 foot antenna from its drum and flip the ‘on’ switch[5]. After trials were completed in May of 1916, pilots reported that signals could be received clearly up to 10 miles, but were then weakened at further distances. Once a few adjustments were made, the signals could be received over 20 miles clearly. Both pilots and infantry could then be warned ahead of time of an impending threat and neutralize it.
In 1912, the Royal Flying Corps were conducting many experiments; one of them being how wireless telegraphy could be used by aircraft[3]. By the beginning of world war one, a system was developed which allowed pilots to aid the accuracy of artillery through wireless telegraphy. The aircraft observer would carry a map and wireless set, and then after observing the enemy’s position would send a message such as A5, B4, D6, and so on. Research later continued on how to help home defense during German bombing raids. In 1916 the Royal Flying Corps invented a lightweight aircraft receiver to be used with a Marconi half-kilowatt ground transmitter[4]. This receiver was tuned in advanced and the pilot had to unreel a 150 foot antenna from its drum and flip the ‘on’ switch[5]. After trials were completed in May of 1916, pilots reported that signals could be received clearly up to 10 miles, but were then weakened at further distances. Once a few adjustments were made, the signals could be received over 20 miles clearly. Both pilots and infantry could then be warned ahead of time of an impending threat and neutralize it.
A New Dimension to War
Wireless telegraphy added yet another dimension to war; the war of the written word. As J.F.C. Fuller believed, “if not to create psychological warfare, to give world-wide power to propaganda; to dement entire nations by transforming the spoken and written word into a weapon of war…”[6] The use of wireless telegraphy for propaganda was highly used during world war one by all sides to build support and obtain funding.
Wireless telegraphy added yet another dimension to war; the war of the written word. As J.F.C. Fuller believed, “if not to create psychological warfare, to give world-wide power to propaganda; to dement entire nations by transforming the spoken and written word into a weapon of war…”[6] The use of wireless telegraphy for propaganda was highly used during world war one by all sides to build support and obtain funding.
[1] Fuller, J.F.C. The Conduct of War 1789-1961 New Brunswick, New Jersey: Da Capo Press, p 137
[2] A distance of approximately 3000 miles. Fuller, Ibid. p 137
[3] McMillan, Peter. “Wireless Telegraphy” Spartacus Educational http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/FWWairwireless.htm (Accessed June 1, 2013)
[4] McMillan, Ibid. (Accessed June 1, 2013)
[5] McMillan, Ibid. (Accessed June 1, 2013)
[6] Fuller, J.F.C. Ibid. p 138
[2] A distance of approximately 3000 miles. Fuller, Ibid. p 137
[3] McMillan, Peter. “Wireless Telegraphy” Spartacus Educational http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/FWWairwireless.htm (Accessed June 1, 2013)
[4] McMillan, Ibid. (Accessed June 1, 2013)
[5] McMillan, Ibid. (Accessed June 1, 2013)
[6] Fuller, J.F.C. Ibid. p 138