Information about Handel
This article is about UK's National Attack Warning System code name. For the German/British Baroque composer, see Handel.
HANDEL was the code-name for the UK's National Attack Warning System in the Cold War. It consisted of a small console consisting of two microphones, lights and gauges. The reason behind this was to provide a back-up if anything failed.
If an enemy air strike was detected, a key on the left hand side of the console would be turned and two lights would come on. Then the operator would press & hold down a red button and give the message:
"ATTACK WARNING RED! ATTACK WARNING RED!
The message would be sent to the police by the telephone lines used for the speaking clock, who would in turn activate the air attack sirens using the local telephone lines. The rationale was to kill two birds with one stone, as it reduced running costs (it would most likely be used only once in its working life) and the telephone lines were under constant test by sharing with a public service. That means a fault could be detected in time to give a warning.
| Message | How it's received | Action to be taken | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attack warning | Warbling note followed by message: "Attack warning RED!" This would be followed by a control signal, activating the powered ones. | Sound warning by activating sirens, the attack warning will be a rising and falling note. | Attack warning will be broadcast on all television and radio stations. |
| Fall out warning | High pitched pip signal followed by a spoken message. For example: "Fallout warning BLACK, London!" | Fire warning maroon (firework) three times. Though in some areas, it can be three gongs or whistles in short succession. | Fall out warning will be broadcast on the radio. |
| All clear | High pitched pip signal followed by a spoken message: "Attack message WHITE!". A steady control tone will activate the powered ones. | Sound siren giving a steady note | Further warnings may be broadcast on radio, along with information on aid for survivors and morale boosting broadcasts (There was also a "confidence tone" that demonstrated the system was working and told you to stand by for a warning at anytime). |
A Handel Warning console can be seen at The Imperial War Museum in London among their cold war exhibits, along side the warning apparatus used by Kent Police (which was located at Maidstone police station to activate the sirens.
See also
External links
- A dramatised example of how this system worked, taken from the BBC Drama, Threads.
- An explanation of how the system worked
- A copy of the instruction card, showing you how to use it
Motto
"Dieu et mon droit" [2] (French)
"God and my right"
Anthem
"God Save the Queen" [3]
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"Dieu et mon droit" [2] (French)
"God and my right"
Anthem
"God Save the Queen" [3]
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The Cold War was the period of conflict, tension and competition between the United States and the Soviet Union and their respective allies from the mid-1940s until the early 1990s.
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A speaking clock service is used for people who wish to know the correct and accurate time. Speaking clock services are most commonly accessed by telephone.
The format of the service is somewhat similar to those in radio time signal services.
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The format of the service is somewhat similar to those in radio time signal services.
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GONG is an IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) channel, accessible throughout Europe and North America, entirely dedicated to Anime[1].
GONG sets out to show, via Web, mobile telephony, Video on demand, and streaming media, productions from Japanese studios.
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GONG sets out to show, via Web, mobile telephony, Video on demand, and streaming media, productions from Japanese studios.
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A simple whistle is a woodwind instrument which produces sound from a stream of forced air.
Many types exist, from small police and sports whistles (also called pea whistles), to much larger train whistles, which are steam whistles specifically designed for use on
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Many types exist, from small police and sports whistles (also called pea whistles), to much larger train whistles, which are steam whistles specifically designed for use on
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All Clear is a term used by civil defense or military authorities to inform others that an imminent physical danger has passed. This typically will end an alert or warning status that was previously issued.
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Imperial War Museum
Established 1917
Location Lambeth Road, London SE1
Visitor figures 712,000 (2006) [1]
Director Sir Robert Crawford
Nearest tube station(s) Lambeth North, Waterloo, Southwark, Elephant & Castle
Website www.iwm.org.
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Established 1917
Location Lambeth Road, London SE1
Visitor figures 712,000 (2006) [1]
Director Sir Robert Crawford
Nearest tube station(s) Lambeth North, Waterloo, Southwark, Elephant & Castle
Website www.iwm.org.
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London
Canary Wharf is the centre of London's modern office towers
London shown within England
Coordinates:
Sovereign state United Kingdom
Constituent country England
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Canary Wharf is the centre of London's modern office towers
London shown within England
Coordinates:
Sovereign state United Kingdom
Constituent country England
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The Cold War was the period of conflict, tension and competition between the United States and the Soviet Union and their respective allies from the mid-1940s until the early 1990s.
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Kent
Geography
Status Ceremonial & (smaller) Non-metropolitan county
Region South East England
Area
- Total
- Admin. council
- Admin.
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Geography
Status Ceremonial & (smaller) Non-metropolitan county
Region South East England
Area
- Total
- Admin. council
- Admin.
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prevew not available
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The four minute warning was a public alert system conceived by the British Government during the Cold War. The name derived from the approximate length of time from the point at which a Soviet nuclear missile attack against the United Kingdom could be confirmed and the impact of
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