Handel
Handel usually refers to Georg Friedrich Händel (1685-1759), a German/British Baroque composer.
Handel may also refer to:
- HANDEL, the UK's National Attack Warning System in the Cold War
- 3826 Handel, a small main belt asteroid
- Handel Gothic, a sans-serif typeface
- Handel's Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt, an ice cream parlor franchise
- Handel-C, a programming language
- Sir Handel, a character from Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends.
- Handel Choir of Baltimore
- Handel House Museum
- Handel in the novel Great Expectations is Herbert Pocket's nickname for the central character Pip
Handel (or Händel/Haendel) is the surname of:
- Bill Handel
- Ida Haendel, Polish violinist
Places
- Handel, Saskatchewan
See also
- Handle, Hendel, Hendl
- Handler, Hendler
Source: adapted by the editor from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia; from the article "Handel (disambiguation)". Image Credit.
Extended Definition: Handel
HANDEL
HANDEL was the code-name for the UK's National Attack Warning System in the Cold War. It consisted of a small console consisting of two microphones, lights and gauges. The reason behind this was to provide a back-up if anything failed.
If an enemy air strike was detected, a key on the left hand side of the console would be turned and two lights would come on. Then the operator would press & hold down a red button and give the message:
"ATTACK WARNING RED! ATTACK WARNING RED!
The message would be sent to the police by the telephone lines used for the speaking clock, who would in turn activate the air attack sirens using the local telephone lines. The rationale was to kill two birds with one stone, as it reduced running costs (it would most likely be used only once in its working life, though it was regularly tested) and the telephone lines were under constant test by sharing with a public service. That means a fault could be detected in time to give a warning.
| Message | How it's received | Action to be taken | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attack warning | Warbling note followed by message: "Attack warning RED!" This would be followed by a control signal, activating the powered ones. | Sound warning by activating sirens, the attack warning will be a rising and falling note. | Attack warning will be broadcast on all television and radio stations. |
| Fall out warning | High pitched pip signal followed by a spoken message. For example: "Fallout warning BLACK, London!" | Fire warning maroon (firework) three times. Though in some areas, it can be three gongs or whistles in short succession. | Fall out warning will be broadcast on the radio. |
| All clear | High pitched pip signal followed by a spoken message: "Attack message WHITE!". A steady control tone will activate the powered ones. | Sound siren giving a steady note | Further warnings may be broadcast on radio, along with information on aid for survivors and morale boosting broadcasts (There was also a "confidence tone" that demonstrated the system was working and told you to stand by for a warning at anytime). |
A Handel Warning console can be seen at The Imperial War Museum in London among their cold war exhibits, alongside the warning apparatus used by Kent Police (which was located at Maidstone police station to activate the sirens).
See also
- Four minute warning
External links
- A dramatised example of how this system worked, taken from the BBC Drama, Threads.
- An explanation of how the system worked
- A copy of the instruction card, showing you how to use it
Source: adapted by the editor from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia; from the article "HANDEL". Image Credit.
