Saluting the heroes

Ofcom has helped radio hams from across the globe celebrate the heroism of those who fought in the First World War.

We gave permission for Somerset amateur radio enthusiast Viv Morris to operate an amateur radio call sign in memory of those who lived and died in the 1914-1918 war.

Mr Morris was given the special event call sign of GB90WWI and was subsequently contacted by people from all over the world, ranging from the Aland Islands in the Baltic Sea to West Malaysia.

Radio hams who contacted Mr Morris were then sent a commemorative card featuring Wells resident Harry Patch.

War veteran

The 110 year old veteran is the oldest surviving soldier of trench warfare on the Western Front.

Mr Morris, who has a radio shack set up at his home in Street, Somerset told the Central Somerset Gazette:

'My great-uncle was killed during the war and it seemed a good way to pay tribute to those who fought in the war on the 90th anniversary of its end,' he said.

'I had the call sign for a month and during that time, it got a lot of attention and a lot of people got in touch.'

Call sign

Once a station is contacted, call signs are logged and a card sent to that station.

People who contacted Mr Morris were sent the commemorative card as a written confirmation of contact.

'I was out for a meal and happened to bump into Harry. I went over and introduced myself, and told him that his image had been sent all over the world because of the station and how many people had been in touch.

'It was wonderful to meet him and tell him all about the station and thank him for his support.'