Great Western Railway Telegraphic Codes - Standard Phrases

Standard Phrases

The 1939 Telegraph Message Code book contains in excess of 900 code words (around half of which were standard codes also used by other railways) yet very few were the familiar codes seen painted on the side of goods wagons. By using these codes long and complex sentences could be sent using just a few words. Some examples of the codes representing phrases include:

• Adex – Advertised day excursion.
• Boyne – There is no water at the following station. Instruct drivers.
• Chicory – Cannot trace delivery. Wire full description, marks, and contents, and say who complains.
• Cynic – Can only offer ordinary service. Wire what decided.
• Earwig – Following urgently wanted.
• Lough – Shunting horse ill. Send relief.
• Osage – Send men here for undermentioned engine to leave at ...
• Palm – Report fully by next train with reference to delay.
• Smoke – Owing to fog in London Division restriction train service to operate in accordance with current fog-working notice.
• Stork – We have no trace of your invoice; send copy next train.
• Zola – Can you send engine and men to undermentioned station? If so, state time leaving.