Code: A means taken in giving signals and transmitting messages in the army and navy to see that they cannot be interpreted by an enemy. Secret code books have been known to be stolen; and it is doubtful whether any code is really secret or undecipherable. The basis of the army cypher code is an arbitrary arrangement of five letters. It is forbidden to put part of a message in code and part in plain writing lest, by falling into hostile hands, the key to the code should be revealed. [1]

References / notes

  1. Various contributors (1914). The War Book-of-Facts. 2nd Edition. A.W. Shaw Company, London p.139.

Glossary of words and phrases

The above term is listed in our glossary of words and phrases of the Armed Forces of Great Britain during the Great War. Included are trench slang, service terms, expressions in everyday use, nicknames, the titles and origins of British and Commonwealth Regiments, and warfare in general. These words and phrases are contemporary to the war, which is reflected in the language used. They have been transcribed from three primary sources (see Contents). Feel free to expand upon and improve this content.
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