QRT 500 - The Close Down of 500 kHz in the United Kingdom -

Terry George, G4AMT recorded this video to preserve history. Listen to the professional Morse operators from the entire coast of the United Kingdom sending close down messages, and being answered from the nearby stations of the English Channel, the North Sea Stations and even the distant Mediterranee Sea station. There is also a contact between Land's End Radio/GLD with VCM across the Atlantic to Canada. A TRANSCRIPT of the Morse code into English is provided (or a Morse Libretto if you wish). here: archive.org/download/qrt500/Q... and the iso file to make a DVD or save the video is here: archive.org/download/qrt500/q...
Incidentally, former military, aviation, point-to-point and land-based radio officers are invited to join [e-mail] email list by emailing AND STATING your affiliation with this profession [e-mail]. The contents of the list are public, but membership is restricted so we can accurately preserve our history,

[@fourfortyroadrunner6701]

Literally, a dying breed. As a 74 U.S. radio amateur, first licensed in 65, I have lost at least 3 guys I knew who were maritime ops. I am next, I guess.

[@gerardosullivan1642]

It was great to bring back the memories of 500Khz I was in the Irish Navy it was c.w. most of the time. The Base station was EIL. C.W. may arise from the ashes when communications start to fall apart in world to day.

[@EJRadio]

I agree, there may come a day the world might learn why its not such a great idea to combine all communication's not limited to radio, telephone, television, internet into one overly complex system. Any number of things can cut millions of people off from everything.

[@domingosarrojado503]

Excellent video. It brought tears to my eyes. Many times listen to this and other stations that equally have ceased their operations. Sad times.

[@gerardosullivan1642]

Yes very sad times a language of the ear and sound cut away. The signal always got through.

[@mikeintheuk9412]

I was proud to have been an operator at wick radio from 1978 until 1984

[@djringjr]

You might join [e-mail] or the FaceBook radio-officers group.

[@g4nsj]

Fantastic video, brings back so many memories of listening to the trawler band and 500kc/s. I often listen to the video to brush up on my CW speed. Thanks de G4NSJ.

[@gerardosullivan1642]

Yes the best of Morse on the videos keep it up.

[@JamesCampbell-df5yy]

Wonderful! thank you so much for making the film. Such a sad end of an era..

[@gerardosullivan1642]

Yes a sad ending to all the lives saved at sea.

[@w4vp9kf]

Did morse test at GLD in 1972. Thanks Dave. Congrats Terry too.

[@boyojunior]

I was Radio Cadet/2nd R/O then R/O with Houlder Brothers (UK) 1974 to 1983. Think I managed to work every one of the UK's MF stations GKR GND GCC GKZ GNF GNI GLD GIL GLV GPK Happy days!!

[@ELMSLEIGH]

R/O for Marconi 1978-82. Great to reminisce those days.....but we all knew it was coming! I loved using my iambic keyer as well the up and downer..

[@johnrees44..G4EIJ]

Just incredible…many thanks

[@RicktheRecorder]

I listened to the whole of the extensive transmissions that night. It was quite moving.

[@graygray2010]

I also was saddened by the final bcst, from GPK, not only recognizing the key but also the hand. A good friend and colleague not only while at GPK, but years later, Graham also known as GM3BES. Sadly himself QRT.

[@djringjr]

Jan, I didn't know that Graham Mercer. GM4BES has passed. Graham had a powerful signal on 160M from Portpatrick, Scotland, with a beautiful fist to go along with it. RIP dear friend, Graham, you are missed and loved by your fellow radio officers. You're welcome to join [e-mail] we have many of your friends there.

[@gerardosullivan1642]

Sorry on the loss of your friend when you hear C.W. in your head when awake or asleep it is him who passed on.

[@nicklouw8420]

Awesome History, thank you for preserving and sharing...Thank you for the contact transcript.... 73 de ZR6NIK(Amateur) South Africa.

[@tilmar120]

Excellent video.

[@ericcsuf]

Excellent film, David. Thanks for posting it. Eric KE6US

[@jerrykrautenstaben6584]

Wow, teared up listening to some of those final messages. End of an era. Thanks for posting this video. 73 de kb5zcr

[@nigeljohnson4547]

I notice a little chirp on GPK's 73 message! Thanks fer posting, 73 de ve3id

[@ik2uiz]

WOW, tanks for add. 73 de ik2uiz Pericle

[@djringjr]

In addition to the Transcript there is an iso image of the DVD I am authorized by the author of the DVD, Terry George, G4AMT to distribute it: archive.org/details/qrt500

[@davidtunnicliffe4759]

So sad. Morse was my life for so many years. Merchant Navy and UK Govt final QRC so very hard.. Silent key 73's

[@dieseldavetrains8988]

No mention of Portishead Radio (GLK/GLA) a famous British HF maritime station, maybe they didn't work on 500KHz? Great video just the same, long live the A1A emission...

[@djringjr]

Portishead/GKA was HF only, no 500 kHz and was on the air after the 500 kHz shut down.

[@dieseldavetrains8988]

@@djringjr Thank you for that.

[@pietromonteleone2092]

Triste ricordo 😩

[@arneande]

Very emotional. 73 de SM7ORH

[@uslines]

Can a DVD of this video be purchased? Any source would be appreciated.

[@djringjr]

You can make your own DVD, I am authorized by the author of the DVD, G4AMT to distribute it: archive.org/details/qrt500

[@uslines]

A damned sad day is all I can add.

[@fonito]

Very sorry !

[@MYNAMEIS-hz9ti]

TNX 73 DE M1DEN

[@MarconiDue]

73 sk ..

[@tavirasz2760]

Vy 73 de yo5pch

[@bill-2018]

I wish I had known they were doing this, I'd have listened.
G4GHB.