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.

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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:

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"ATTACK IMMINENT! ATTACK IMMINENT!"

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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.

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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.

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UK: REDIRECT United Kingdom...

Cold War: :For the generic term for a high-tension rivalry between countries, see cold war (war)....

The Imperial War Museum: REDIRECT Imperial War Museum...

HANDEL related Images and Photos (experimental)

George Frederic Handel Composer	George Frederic Handel German-English Musician	George Frederic Handel German-English Musician	George Frederick Handel and the Messiah
Monument to Handel 1762	Apotheosis of Handel 1787	Letter written by Handel June 1716	Portrait of Faustina Bordoni Handel's Singer
Letter from George Frederick Handel dated February 24th 1750	Portrait of George Frederick Handel