Introduction
The Semaphore flag signaling system is an alphabet signalling system based on the waving of a pair of hand-held flags in a particular pattern.
The flags are usually square, red and yellow, divided diagonally with the red portion in the upper hoist.
The flags are held, arms extended, in various positions representing each of the letters of the alphabet.
Semaphore Flags
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| A / 1 | B / 2 | C / 3 | D / 4 |
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| E / 5 | F / 6 | G / 7 | H / 8 |
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| I / 9 | J / letters follow | K / 0 | L |
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| M | N | O | P |
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| Q | R | S | T |
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| U | V | W | X |
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| Y | Z |
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| Annul / Cancel | Error | Numerals Follow | Ready |
Notes on Use
The signals which have alternate numeric meanings, i.e. A-K only have those alternate meanings after a "Numerals Follow" signal has been sent and will continue to have those meanings until a "Letters Follow" (i.e. J) signal is sent, when they revert to being the letters A- K. Ideally, semaphore flags should be approximately 30cm x 30cm (12in x 12in). Generally they are red and yellow for signalling between two ships at sea and blue and white for signalling to and from land.
