PRO AI4 Transcribed Radio Intercepts

[Richard T Eger]

From 12 O'clock High!:

Gordon
Running commentary of the air battle over the Reich
Sun Dec 31 19:13:44 2000


Do any recordings exist of the Reichjaegerwelle? It was a sort broadcast narrative of air action over Germany, transmitted during Allied raids to all airborne fighters to warn
of potential threats or approaching bomber formations. These broadcasts were not aimed at a particular unit -- it wasn't a variation on ground control. Instead, the concept
was to give the participating German fighter pilots curt and necessary information as the air battles developed.

Sorry, I know a lot of you already know about this stuff but I would very much like to learn more about what it was like to actually be in the air during these events. Friends
of mine that have been in air combat say that when its against a bomber stream, holy hell breaks out and the radio is a confused stream-of-consciousness showing the
entire gamut of human emotion. Victories, close calls, warnings and curses filled the airwaves once the battle was joined. I am just wondering if recordings exist of the
conversations or the Reichjaegerwelle itself. Thanks in advance.

v/r
Gordon

[Richard T Eger]

From TOCH!:

Francis Marshall
Radio Interception
Tue Jan 2 08:11:05 2001


Hallo,
I don't know if there are any recordings, this is extremely unlikely in my opinion.
However, the radio chatter over Germany was intercepted, listened to, and written out by the English AI4. You can find all their material in the Public Records Office.

But, there's always a but isn't there, there is a large amount of material to go through if you want anything specific, although I estimate the task isn't quite as horrendous as
that for the Enigma intercepts.

Note also that this was limited by what could be intercepted. ie the longer wavelengths carried well but many shorter wavelengths were not even heard.

Francis

[Richard T Eger]

From TOCH!:

Gordon
excellent info - thanks, Francis n/t
Tue Jan 2 14:25:45 2001

[Kevin D Stevens]

With regards to the Y Service intercepts from AI4 held at the PRO, does anyone know what class number they are held under?

Thanks,

Kev Stevens