BOOK REVIEW. WORK OF R.E. IN THE EUROPEAN WAR 1914-1919

  THE SIGNAL SERVICE (FRANCE).

This is the third of the batch of books I recently purchased from Naval Military Press. This book covers the Signals Service in France and is a reprint of the original written in 1920.

The book is a very comprehensive and highly detailed work, in fact the detail makes the book a primary reference work rather than a general history. The in depth analysis is  amazing and is presented on a year by year basis using the lessons learned from each campaign and includes not only the development of signalling equipment but also the techniques used to maintain communications. Examples include the use of various types of cable, exchanges, protection of cables, organisation of signals units and the merits of the various types of signalling like buzzers, telephones, telegraph, lamps, flags,  dispatch riders, runners and wireless.

I have long sought information on the early use of wireless in the First World War and find now that the British cavalry actually went to France in 1914 with wireless equipped wagons as their primary signalling method. That said the widespread use of wireless did not come about until the final year of the war due mainly to resistance in the top brass who much preferred the telephone. Perhaps even more interesting was to find out that the British army engaged in the experimental use of wireless in the Boer War.

Overall an excellent reference book which otherwise is a bit of a chore to read due to the extraordinary level of detail and analysis, recommended only for the really committed enthusiast of British army signalling in the First World War.