How British LSD Confused the Germans

[Subdeacon Joe]

An interesting bit of trivia I ran across.  Haven't tried to verify it.

"English money was also used to confuse the Germans in the Second World War.  Used mostly by the Tank radio operators. When transmitting orders to the British tanks reference was made to the British money system.  Half a crown was 30 tanks, shilling was 12 tanks and a tanner, being slang for sixpence was 6 tanks. Etc etc. 

One and sixpence being 18 vehicles. The one was a shilling. It could go on and on."

 

For those of us unfamiliar with the LSD system, this chart makes it perfectly clear.

 

 

 

[Abilene Slim SASS 81783]

Oh. I thought this topic was going to be about another kind of LSD…

[Alpo]

Well that would probably confuse the Germans too.

[watab kid]

ive always thought the use of common things as code made sense , but our use of native american language [code talkers] had to have baffled them beyond anything after the enigma machine 

[Sedalia Dave]

10 hours ago, watab kid said:

ive always thought the use of common things as code made sense , but pour use of native american language [code talkers] had to have baffled them beyond anything after the enigma machine 

 

The Germans and Japanese figured out pretty quickly that we were using several different Native Americans languages for code.  The problem was neither country had anyone on their side that could understand the language well enough to decode messages fast enough to be of use.

 

Both the Germans and Japanese tried multiple times to send spies to the reservations in vain attempts to learn the languages. AFAIK all their attempts failed miserably. It is really ironic that for as badly as the US Government has treated Native Americans they were and still are exceptionally patriotic. 

 

When most people hear about native American code talkers they only think about the Navajo. Sadly there were code talkers from many different tribes with each tribe using their own language as the basis for the code. Even if you could speak the language it was highly unlikely you could decode their messages because they used a significant amount of symbolism to disguise the true meaning of the message. They also memorized the code, so it was never written down in books that could be captured. 

 

Few people are aware that Native Americans were used as code talkers in WWI. Their use was so secretive that it was virtually unknown until long after WWII

[Sedalia Dave]

Just before WWII  the Japanese developed an improved version of the German Enigma machine.

 

How the U.S. Cracked Japan's 'Purple Encryption Machine' at the Dawn of World War II

[watab kid]

4 hours ago, Sedalia Dave said:

 

The Germans and Japanese figured out pretty quickly that we were using several different Native Americans languages for code.  The problem was neither country had anyone on their side that could understand the language well enough to decode messages fast enough to be of use.

 

Both the Germans and Japanese tried multiple times to send spies to the reservations in vain attempts to learn the languages. AFAIK all their attempts failed miserably. It is really ironic that for as badly as the US Government has treated Native Americans they were and still are exceptionally patriotic. 

 

When most people hear about native American code talkers they only think about the Navajo. Sadly there were code talkers from many different tribes with each tribe using their own language as the basis for the code. Even if you could speak the language it was highly unlikely you could decode their messages because they used a significant amount of symbolism to disguise the true meaning of the message. They also memorized the code, so it was never written down in books that could be captured. 

 

Few people are aware that Native Americans were used as code talkers in WWI. Their use was so secretive that it was virtually unknown until long after WWII

yes , i did not know of that use in WWI 

[Sedalia Dave]

14 minutes ago, watab kid said:

yes , i did not know of that use in WWI 

 

WORLD WAR I CODE TALKERS

[watab kid]

9 hours ago, Sedalia Dave said:

 

WORLD WAR I CODE TALKERS

thanks that was very informative , enjoyed the read 

[Forty Rod SASS 3935]

On 2/13/2024 at 7:23 AM, Sedalia Dave said:

 

The Germans and Japanese figured out pretty quickly that we were using several different Native Americans languages for code.  The problem was neither country had anyone on their side that could understand the language well enough to decode messages fast enough to be of use.

 

Both the Germans and Japanese tried multiple times to send spies to the reservations in vain attempts to learn the languages. AFAIK all their attempts failed miserably. It is really ironic that for as badly as the US Government has treated Native Americans they were and still are exceptionally patriotic. 

 

When most people hear about native American code talkers they only think about the Navajo. Sadly there were code talkers from many different tribes with each tribe using their own language as the basis for the code. Even if you could speak the language it was highly unlikely you could decode their messages because they used a significant amount of symbolism to disguise the true meaning of the message. They also memorized the code, so it was never written down in books that could be captured. 

 

Few people are aware that Native Americans were used as code talkers in WWI. Their use was so secretive that it was virtually unknown until long after WWII

The Native American Nations of The United States of America have awarded what is called the Warrior Medal of Valor to active duty or honorably discharged veterans for several years.  I received one five years ago and they are still doing these ceremonies as of last Saturday.  I'm told that they have added an award for spouses now, but haven't been able to confirm that yet.

 

If you are interested contact your local VFW, American Legion, Marine Corps League or other Veteran's group for information.   If you are local to Prescott Valley, AZ or the surrounding area, you can contact me by message right here. I'll get you to the right people.  You don't have to join any of the groups, (but expect to be facing some attempts to recruit you  .  Check them out and make your own decisions), but you do have to show proof of your service.  I used my VA card, but a DD-214, some handicapped documents or some driver's licenses will suffice. (but

 

It's a simple ceremony, probably in some language you don't understand (with some English translations thrown in), some sage smudge burning, some prayers, and a song or two.  It's a fun and somewhat moving service and you'll meet some wonderful people.