British signals intelligence in the trenches, 1915–1918: part 2, interpreter operators

Abstract

This article uses prosopographical techniques to examine around 150 First World War signals intelligence personnel. Designated as 'Interpreter Operators' by the British army, these German-speakers listened to enemy and friendly messages that had leaked from telephone lines or were deliberately transmitted through the ground. Drawn from diverse ethnographic backgrounds, these men offer up a fascinating case study of an army harnessing language skills to support their military endeavours. They also highlight a paradoxical challenge facing all intelligence organisations; that in order to understand an opponent you must often employ those with close personal or familial connections to that enemy.

Tommies, Food, and Drink: A Microhistory, 1914–18

“…This unit deployed to France in November 1915 and Vince remained with them for another seven months. At that point his German language skills prompted a transfer to intelligence work and, through to the Armistice, he was employed mostly in listening to German telephone communications and interrogating prisoners (Beach, 2015: 1-3, 9-23, 79-100;Beach & Bruce, 2020). Although this intelligence work tied him to the Arras-Amiens area, his duties allowed considerable freedom of movement within their environs.…”