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The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

Remembered Today:

TURPS FOR BATTLEFIELD COMMUNICATIONS


alf mcm

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I am reading 'Band of Brigands' by Christy Campbell. In a section on what was carried within a tank he quotes "A bottle of turps was provided, a crucial piece of kit for battlefield communications.". How was turps used for communicating?

Regards,

Alf McM

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Turpentine was the fuel used for visual signals at night during the Civil War in America.

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I have come across another use for turps, also in 'Band of Brigands'. The tank Commander was to wash his oily hands in turps prior tro releasing the messenger pigeon. Apparently the pigeon can't fly with greasy wings.

Regards,

Alf McM

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I'm still getting round the idea that they had a pigeon in the tank with them, I always thought they had enough problems getting the men in!

Barbara..

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