Semaphore Flag Signalling System
The Semaphore flag signaling system is an alphabet signalling system based on
the waving of a pair of hand-held flags in a particular pattern.
The flags are
usually square, red and yellow, divided diagonaly with the red portion in the
upper hoist.
The flags are held, arms extended, in various positions representing each of
the letters of the alphabet. The pattern resembles a clock face divided into
eight positions: up, down, out, high, low, for each of the left and right hands
(LH and RH) six letters require the hand to be brought across the body so that
both flags are on the same side.
Flag positions
in Semaphore
One way to visualize the semaphore alphabet is in terms of circles:
- first circle: A, B, C, D, E, F, G;
- second circle: H, I, K, L, M, N (omitting J);
- third circle: O, P, Q, R, S;
- fourth circle: T, U, Y and 'annul';
- fifth circle: 'numeric', J (or 'alphabetic'), V;
- sixth circle: W, X;
- seventh circle: Z
In ther first circle, the letters A to C are
made with the right arm, and E to G with the left, and D with either as
convenient. In the second circle, the right arm is kept still at the letter A
position and the left arm makes the movements; similarly in the remaining
circles, the right arm remains fixed while the left arm moves. The arms are kept
straight when changing from one position to another.
For another flag communication system, see the international maritime
signal flags.
The Semaphore Alphabet
A and 1 (LH down RH low)
B and 2 (LH down; RH out)
C and 3 (LH down; RH
high)
D and 4 (LH down; RH up -
or LH up; RH down)
E and 5 (LH high; RH
down)
F and 6 (LH out; RH down)
G and 7 (LH low; RH down)
H and 8 (LH across low;
RH out)
I and 9 (LH across low;
RH up)
J and 'alphabetic' (LH
out ; RH up)
K and 0 zero (LH up; RH
low)
L (LH high; RH low)
M (LH out; RH low)
N (LH low; RH low)
O (LH across high; RH
out)
P (LH up; RH out)
Q (LH high; RH out)
R (LH out; RH out)
S (LH low; RH out)
T (LH up; RH high)
U (LH high; RH high)
V (LH low; RH up)
W (LH out; RH across
high)
X (LH low; RH across
high)
Y (LH out; RH high)
Z (LH out; RH across low)
Numerical sign (LH
high; RH up)
Annul sign (LH low;
RH high)
Error (LH and RH
raised and lowered together)
Prepared by Jim Croft (jrc@anbg.gov.au)