HANDEL

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This article is about UK's National Attack Warning System code name. For the German/British Baroque composer, see 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 IMMINENT! ATTACK IMMINENT!"

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) 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.

A Handel Warning console can be seen at The Imperial War Museum in London among their cold war exhibits, along side the warning apparatus used by Kent Police (which was located at Maidstone police station to activate the sirens.