The semaphore is a quicker means of communication than the wig wag; but the wig wag can be used in a prone position under shelter.
Lanterns can be used at night for semaphoring.
Acetylene lamps can be used at night in place of the wig wag. In this case a short flash represents a dot, a long flash a dash.
A few men in each company should be developed into expert signalers; some men always show aptitude for this sort of thing.
Frequent use should be made of signaling in field work.
Letter Codes.
Infantry.
For use with General Service Code or semaphore hand flags.
| Letter of alphabet | If signaled from the rear to the firing line | If signaled from the firing line to the rear |
| AM | Ammunition going forward. | Ammunition required. |
| CCC | Charge (mandatory at all times). | Am about to charge if no instructions to the contrary. |
| CF | Cease firing | Cease firing. |
| DT | Double time or "rush." | Double time or "rush." |
| F | Commence firing. | |
| FB | Fix bayonets. | |
| FL | Artillery fire is causing us losses. | |
| G | Move forward. | Preparing to move forward. |
| HHH | Halt. | |
| K | Negative. | |
| LT | Left. | |
| O (Ardois and semaphore only). | What is the (R.N., etc.)? Interrogatory. | What is the (R.N., etc.)? Interrogatory. |
| ..--.. (All methods but Ardois and semaphore). | What is the (R.N., etc.)? Interrogatory. | What is the (R.N., etc.)? Interrogatory. |
| P | Affirmative. | Affirmative. |
| RN | Range. | Range. |
| RT | Right. | Right. |
| SSS | Support going forward. | Support needed. |
| SUF | Suspend firing. | Suspend firing. |
| T | Target. | Target |