INTERVAL: The third position is made by swinging the flag down directly in front and returning to Position.
In order to keep the flag from "fouling" when making these motions, make a sort of figure 8 with the point of the stick. A slight turn of the wrist accomplishes this result and becomes very easy after a little practice. Beginners should master the three motions of the flag, exaggerating the figure 8 motion before they attempt to make letters. It is also best to learn the code before attempting to wig wag it, so that the mind will be free to concentrate upon the technique or correct managing of the flag.
THE GENERAL SERVICE CODE
(The International Morse or Continental)
Uses: Commercial wireless, submarine cables, Army and Navy. Methods: flags by day, torches, lanterns, flashlight, searchlight, by night; whistle, drum, bugle, tapping.
| A . — | M — | Y — . — |
| B — . . . | N — . | Z — . . |
| C — . — . | O — — | 1 . — — |
| D — . . | P . — . | 2 . . — — |
| E . | Q — . — | 3 . . . — |
| F . . — . | R . — . | 4 . . . . — |
| G — — . | S . . . | 5 . . . . . |
| H . . . . | T — | 6 — . . . . |
| I . . | U . . — | 7 — . . . |
| J . — — | V . . . — | 8 — — . . |
| K — . — | W . — | 9 — — . |
| L . — . . | X — . . — | 0 — — — |
| Period . . . . . . | Colon — — . . . |
| Comma . — . — . — | Semicolon — . — . — . |
| Quotation Marks . — . . — . | Interrogation . . — . . |
A convenient form for learning the letters is as follows:
| DOTS | DASHES |
| E . | T — |
| I . . | M — |
| S . . . | O — — |
| H . . . . |
OPPOSITES