The Great War years, 1914-1918
At the beginning of 1914, the British Admiralty had 30 shore stations and 435 ships fitted with radio apparatus. It could communicate with, and directly control, its fleet over an immense stretch of sea. Extensive sea trials and fleet manoeuvres in Home waters, and the battle of Tsu Shima between the Russian and Japanese navies when wireless had been used by both sides in the engagement, had established wireless as a tactical and strategic factor of the greatest importance. The Admiralty's well-tested and tried signalling means together with the tireless efforts of Admiral Lord Fisher, when he was First Sea Lord (1904-1910), to modernise and improve the efficiency of the British navy, ensured its ships seemed well-prepared to engage enemy ships. The practice of wireless communications particularly the utilisation of valves was, as has been seen, greatly advanced by the 1914-1918 war. At the end of the conflict components and valves could be purchased easily by radio amateurs. This encouraged a major electrical engineering manufacturing company to cater for their needs. Sound broadcasting was born.
The Great War years, 1914-1918, Page 1 of 2
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