Many radio officers have performed brave actions since radio was first fitted in ships. When the Volturno was ablaze in an Atlantic storm, her radio officer stuck to his post continuously for twenty six hours, sending the morse letters ‘CQD’ – which was then the distress call. His bravery was responsible for saving the lives of five hundred and twenty passengers and crew.

When the liner Titanic’s side was ripped open by an iceberg, her senior radio officer, John George (Jack) Phillips, continuously sent the letters ‘CQD’ and the newly agreed letters ‘SOS’ until, with other ships, the liner Olympic was racing to help. Bow down, foredeck awash, the Titanic was sinking. Captain Smith told the radio officers to save themselves, but Jack Phillips stayed at his radio until he went down with the ship.

Jack Phillips started the ‘Titanic tradition’ which says that as long as the radio instruments work, the radio officer will stick to his post, even to going down with his ship. Many radio officers, in peace-time and during two wars, have upheld the ‘Titanic tradition’. Hardwick of the P.&O. liner Egypt, and O’Loughlin of the liner Vestris, are only two of many other very brave men.

If you are in Godalming, go to see the beautiful memorial to Radio Officer Jack Phillips of the Titanic. This memorial is close to Godalming parish church.

Stan Casperd, G3XON

I thought I would take a look at Google Images under the heading Wey Valley.

What a surprise. I turned up pictures or logos for all these clubs with a name starting with the words WEY VALLEY.

...Advanced Motorcyclists, ...Swimming Club, ...Cricket League, ...School, ...Disabled Anglers, ...Chess Club, ...Sports College, ...Indoor Bowls Club, ...Society (charitable group), ...Football Club, ...Rifle & Pistol Club, ...Falconry Club, ...Amateur Radio Group (nice picture), ...Radio (Delta Radio ….FM), ...and finally, would you believe it, Wey Valley Cross Dressers!

Brian, G3GJX