Handel was the code-name for the UK's national attack warning system in the Cold War. It consisted of a small console with two microphones, lights and gauges. The reason behind this was to provide a back-up if anything failed.
If an enemy airstrike 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 and 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 system used for the speaking clock, who would in turn activate the air attack sirens using the local telephone lines. The rationale was to tackle two problems at once, 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 continually tested for readiness by sharing infrastructure with a public service. This meant a fault could be detected in time to give a warning.
| Message | How it is received | Action to be taken | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attack warning | Warbling note followed by the message: "Attack warning RED!" This would be followed by a control signal, activating the powered sirens | Sound warning by activating sirens, the attack warning will be a rising and falling note. Church bells will also be rung to give the warning in rural areas. | Attack warning will be broadcast on all television and radio stations. |
| Fallout 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 gongsorwhistles creating one long note followed by two short notes forming the morse note "D-". | Fallout warning will be broadcast on the radio. |
| Fallout expected within the hour | High-pitched pip signal followed by the spoken message. For example: "Fallout warning GREY, Canterbury!" | Sound siren producing one long note but interrupted in short succession. Can also be given by church bells or word of mouth from the police and civil defence wardens | Fell out of use by the late 1960s |
| All clear | High-pitched pip signal followed by a spoken message: "Attack message WHITE!" A steady control tone will activate the powered sirens.[clarification needed] | 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 advised listeners to stand by for a warning at any time). |
A Handel warning console can be seen at the Imperial War MuseuminLondon among their Cold War exhibits,[1] alongside the warning apparatus used by Kent Police (which was located at Maidstone police station to activate the sirens).