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 IMMINENT! ATTACK IMMINENT!"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.
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.
* http://www.sigtel.com/tel_hist_coldwar.html
