Handel (warning system)

Handel was the code-name for the UK's national attack warning system in the Cold War.

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.

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 air attack sirens using the local telephone lines.

The rationale was to tackle two problems at once; 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.

A Handel warning console can be seen at the Imperial War Museum in London 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).