On the 2nd July 2008 a representative of the Burton on Trent Amateur Radio Club visited the Poldhu Amateur Radio Club at the Marconi Centre, in Cornwall. Mike, G4HBY, as carrying a copy of a message sent from Poldhu in August 1914 just prior to the outbreak of World War one.

Pictured (right) XSR at his equipment in 1913

The message was sent by the powerful spark transmitter and was announcing the mobilisation of troops from France, Belgium and Russia, as war approached.

This message was copied in Burton on Trent by a Mr FVA Smith, call sign XSR, who was a founder member of the Burton Wireless Club. Mr Smith, XSR, had just been issued his licence in July of that year and must have realised the significance of what he was receiving, as he kept the document and stated its origin and dated it August 1914.

The Document was found a few years ago when a local historian passed away and several papers marked “Burton Wireless club” were handed to Our club secretary, who at that time was G4HBY.

After studying the document, a copy was made and framed and displayed in the Burton clubroom. It was decided at a club meeting that a copy of the message should be returned to Poldhu and as G4HBY was visiting Cornwall, what better time to deliver it.

Mike G4HBY, ( left) presents the message copied from Poldhu,
to George, G3AHX, (right) after a ninety four year delay.

Mike was met by David, G3PLE and Secretary, Keith, G0WYS and apologised for the delay in QSLing. G4HBY then presented a framed copy of the message to the Club President, George, G3AHX and it was accepted as a QSL. G0WYS then wrote out a QSL card to XSR on behalf of the Poldhu Club and presented it to G4HBY.

This was a delay of ninety four years, this must be a record wait for a QSL, so never loose hope, that card you are waiting for may just turn up one day.