[CW] Wireless Communication at Sea

[Chatham Marconi Maritime Center]

Radio Officers on the RMS Queen Mary       Wireless Communication at Sea Radio Officers Share Memories of Life and Work on the Queen Mary What was it like to be a radio officer on one of the great ocean liners in the Golden Age of trans-Atlantic travel? Radio officers Brian Hill Samuel and Ken Mugridge shared their memories of working on the Queen Mary in the late 1950s and early 1960s. During that time, the radio room was staffed 24/7 with two or three radio officers to handle the radio traffic volume. They were all berthed near the radio room, which was located in First Class. The more senior officers had nice-sized cabins with views forward, while junior officers had tiny rooms without portholes. Telegrams were charged at $0.35/word. There was a distinction between actual and paid words. For example, CULTR (see you later) was charged as three words, always an argument with the more frugal passengers. In addition to handling normal communications traffic, radio officers monitored the International Distress and Safety Frequency. Messages included not only SOSs, but could be requests for medical assistance. As the Queen Mary had a large medical staff, it was often called upon to divert in order attend to urgent medical situations. Each day the radio officers copied American press broadcasts that were sent at 0300 Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and ran for two to three hours. Broadcasts were continuous, stopping only for the three-minute silence periods. The Dow Jones closing prices of the stock market were also received by the radio officers. Some passengers would appear at midnight looking for the numbers hot off the wire. The ship’s bridge officers were most interested in weather reports. Both UK and US governments sent out daily weather reports. The US report consisted of about 100 coded groups of figures that were transformed into a weather map. If static interfered with the transmission, radio officers would have to check with other ships to get correct copy. Otherwise, the captain might show up in the radio room demanding a complete set of figures. The radio officer also recorded BBC and Voice of America voice news broadcasts each afternoon. These programs were then broadcast in the main passenger lounge at 6:00 p.m. Most of the radio officers dined in the Cabin (Second) Class dining room. Although not as fancy as First Class, it was still excellent. Since the radio room was in First Class, and the classes were kept very separate, the fastest way to reach the Cabin Class dining room required cutting through the steward’s pantry. There was a lot of turnover in the waitstaff, because if waiters showed any talent, they would be promoted to First Class. A notable disadvantage of serving on the Queen Mary was the perpetual fatigue. With one round trip every two weeks, there were time changes to withstand, usually five hours each way, resulting in sea lag – the equivalent of jet lag. After five round trips, radio officers would have the next trip off, enabling them to catch up on their rest. With the growth of trans-Atlantic air travel, the writing was on the wall. Both men moved on to work as radio officers on other ships until even wireless telegraphy was overtaken by new technology.   New Season Ahead! What's Happening in 2024 After last year's successful launch of The Golden Age of Transatlantic Ocean Liners exhibit, the Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum continues to improve the experience for new and returning visitors in preparation for the coming season.  The “Golden Age” exhibit will expand to include the role of the great ocean liners in the burgeoning European tourism trend among American middle class travelers. By upgrading Second and Third Class travel, major passenger lines offered average Americans a reasonably priced means of exploring Europe. Additional enhancements are in the works, so come back often to see what's happening at the Museum. 2024 Milestone Celebrations 2024 is an important year in many ways, so please join us in saying happy 150th birthday to Guglielmo Marconi and happy 110th anniversary to our Museum and Education buildings!  The Museum will participate in International Marconi Day on April 27. Come see what the gentleman from Bologna, Italy, created in Chatham! The Golden Age of Ocean Liners This popular new exhibit showcases stories and artifacts from the trans-Atlantic voyages of six ships referenced in our Superintendent's Log and shows how Chatham Radio/WCC helped keep passengers connected as they crossed the North Atlantic in style in the early 20th Century. Featured Ocean Liners RMS Carinthia (1925-1940, UK) SS Ile de France (1927-1958, France) RMS Queen Mary (1932-1967, UK) RMS Queen Elizabeth (1946-1972, UK) SS United States (1952-1969, USA) SS Leonardo da Vinci (1960-1978, Italy)   Spring Is Coming! We look forward to welcoming you to the museum for the 2024 season! 2024 Season Begins Thursday, May 16 Until then, remember that special off-season visits may be arranged by calling 508-945-8889. PLAN YOUR VISIT   JOIN OR RENEW GIVE VOLUNTEER     WEBSITE Chatham Marconi Maritime Center is a 501(c)(3) organization that celebrates the rich history of 20th Century maritime radio and explores the innovative advances in science and technology that transform our lives. Chatham Marconi Maritime Center | Post Office Box 421, 831 Orleans Road (Route 28), North Chatham, MA 02650 Unsubscribe n1ea at arrl.net Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by info at chathammarconi.org powered by Try email marketing for free today!
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