Sorry for the word game. The point I was wanting to make is that even in the early 1860's folks like Albert Myer were looking to put definable labels on principles and methods of communication. He came up with the designations of aerial communication to refer to visual flag signals and wire communication to designate electric signals, hence aerial telegraphy and wire telegraphy. Both aerial and wire telegraphy were employed from the basket to the ground.

I suppose that re-enactors are the only ones who would want to split hairs that fine anymore. Most who study signal operations of the early 1860's have no problem using the term 'wig-wag'. On the other hand, those who are serious about emulating the pioneers, never use such terms, once they know better.

Hope this explains the reference a bit better.

73,
Walt

• RE: USMT Wire Ops Aloft - Joe Martin 05/08/2013 02:13:13 EDT (1)