Signal Codes

[Firelock]

Quick question to the floor . . . Pophams code, particularly 'Number 16 (Engage the Enemy More Closely)' . . would the 2 flags be accompanied by a 'preparatory' and 'stop' flags? (sort of 'message ends' flag at the bottom?)

Firelock

[Bosun]

I wouldn't think so, the messages sent would be short and to the point and in the heat and smoke of battle you don't want any unnecessary flags flying.

Brian

[Mad Mö]

The signal book of 1806 has signals for message start (red and white diagonal) and for message finished (blue and yellow diagonal).
Admiral Pophams signal book of 1806.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/14245050/Admiral-Pophams-Telegrap-Signal-Book-1806
Nelsons signal:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/14245076/Nelsons-Signal-at-the-battle-of-Trafalgar

Signal "16" and "39":
The signals were from the Admiralty Book of 1799.
16. Engage the enemy more closely.
1. yellow over red over yellow.
6. diagonal from lower hoist to upper fly, white over blue.

39. Discontinue the action.
3. blue / white / blue.
9. blue over white over red.
Source:
http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/xf~sfh.html#39

[Bosun]

Wow you learn something new every day.