Allied Naval Signal book ACP 175

Publisher Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty

Date1951

Object number00050685

NameSignal book

MediumCardboard, Ink on paper

DimensionsOverall (Closed): 284 x 235 x 65 mm
Overall (Open): 284 x 460 mm

ClassificationsBooks and journals

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Graham Cooper

Terms

DescriptionAllied Naval Signal Book, ACP 175 series, published 1951. This is an example of the international naval signal code adopted by allied navies after the formation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in 1949. Prior to this each navy had its own unique signal code which resulted in difficulties in communication between allied navies during World War II. This Allied Communications Publication would have been carried on the bridge and probably the radio office as well.HistoryWith the formation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in 1949, an international naval signal code was adopted by allied navies. During World War II each navy had its own signal code and operational manual which resulted in significant difficulties in communications between allied navies. The publication and use of a shared signal code simplified communications between allied navies on joint operations. This copy of the Allied Naval Signal Book is a restricted, non-registered publication issued by the Admiralty and dated 7 April 1951, soon after the international naval signal code was introduced. On introductory pages it states the book contains information affecting the mutual defence of the nation and of their allies. It has no cryptographic security and could be used for any system of signalling between naval ships of all types. It contains manoeuvring signals, other signals of a standard form likely to be used in naval operations, and common administrative signals. It may be from HMAS KANGAROO. On the Record of Changes page there are seven out of nine entries which list KANGAROO as the name of command of the officer making the changes. This is handwritten. The other two entries do not list the name of their command. HMAS KANGAROO was a Boom Defence Vessel laid down on 15 November 1939, launched 4 May 1940 and commissioned 27 September 1940. The vessel served on boom defence duty in Darwin from 13 January 1941. During the first air attack on Darwin on 19 February 1942 the vessel sustained some damage and one fatality. Following repairs it returned to duty in Darwin, returning to Sydney in September 1946 for a refit. In 1948 it served in operations with the 20th Minesweeping Flotilla in New Guinea and the Solomons. HMAS KANGAROO continued to perform various duties in Australia and New Guinea until December 1955 when it was paid off at Sydney and later classified as a Net Laying Ship in reserve, serving as accommodation for Base staff. On 28 August 1967 HMAS KANGAROO was sold and broken up for scrap. International commercial and general signals and seamanship books are available through the ANMM Vaughan Evans Library.SignificanceAn Australian example of the newly developed international naval signal code following the formation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in 1949. The ACP 175 series allowed ships from allied navies to communicate during joint operations.