history

alphabet

usage

Semaphore is still used commonly as a form of visual communication in the military, particularly in the navy. They have the advantage of being much quicker than flaghoists, and even flashing lights using Morse code.

The flags used in semaphore signalling are usually square in shape, divided diagonally into red and yellow sections. The red section goes in the upper hoist.

Someone signalling using semaphore holds the flags with their arms extended in various positions to indicate different letters of the alphabet. The positions of the arms resemble the hands of a clock, and the possible positions are: UP (12 o'clock); DOWN (6 o'clock); OUT (3 or 9 o'clock); HIGH (between 10 & 11 o'clock); and LOW (between 7 & 8 o'clock).

See if you can figure out what the signalman is trying to tell you!