Telegraph Railway Codes

1905–1946

This quirky book, drawn from code books published in the UK, America, Australia and the former British Empire, provides a fascinating insight into the running of railways in the first half of the twentieth century.

 

Provide afternoon tea.  Anxil                   

Weather is bad; wait until the storm is over.  Waylay

Baggage was not found.  Bagpiped

There will be no delay.  Dishonest           

In the early days of railway transport, telegrams were an essential means of communication to keep trains running on time, manage passengers, organize freight transport and deal with unexpected events. Prearranged codes enabled railway staff around the world to communicate quickly with station masters, head office and guards. Each company developed its own code book in which these shorthand messages and corresponding descriptive words were published. The codes give a fascinating insight into the running of the railways at this time, such as the favourable weather for the liberation of pigeons, the spread of cholera, the glamour of Pullman dining cars and the involvement of the Pinkerton Detective Agency.

With sections on horses, weather, accidents, livestock, lost property and strikes, among many more, this quirky book, drawn from code books published in the UK, America, Australia and the former British Empire, gives us an intriguing glimpse into a world where communication was rapidly changing and all manner of life could be found on the railways.

 

Contributor: Deborah Susman (Edited by)

UK Delivery:

• Free delivery on all orders of £10 or more.
• £1.49 delivery fee on orders below £10.
• UK orders are shipped via Royal Mail 2nd Class.

International Delivery:

• Flat rate delivery charges vary by country.

Dispatch and Delivery Times:

• All orders are shipped from our warehouse in Northampton, UK within 48 hours of receipt during working hours.
• UK mainland orders typically arrive within 3-5 working days via Royal Mail 2nd Class.
• International estimated delivery times:
• Europe & Channel Islands: 7 to 10 working days
• USA: 7 to 15 working days
• Rest of the World: 9 to 21 working days

View our full delivery infomation here.