A Conversation for On This Day in History
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S O S
Marvin [patron saint of cynicism] Posted Sep 15, 2000
The SOS was in use, but it was not a universal signal. I'm sorry I did not make that distinction clear.
Why D-Day ?
Martin the paranoid android Posted Oct 13, 2000
In Normandy it is known as "Jour-J". J stands for Jour, just as D stands for Day
Why D-Day ?
Researcher 161219 Posted Dec 2, 2000
I heard it stood for 'deliverance', is that not true?
Neil
Why D-Day ?
plaguesville Posted Dec 2, 2000
Hi, Neil,
If you would care to read (or read again) posts 4, 5, 6, 8, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 22 of this thread, you will find the true meaning of D-Day and, furthermore, various erroneous explanations and theories. Please try to avoid the latter, some people (including me) tend to take it personally. 
MAYDAY
littleNero, master and collector of useless information Posted Jan 16, 2001
I think nearly every possible meaning of "D-day",
or "SOS" (... --- ...) was mentioned before...but does anyone know, what "Mayday-Mayday" could mean ???
Have true confidence in the wisdom of this discussion group!
littleNero, lost - somewhere
MAYDAY
plaguesville Posted Jan 16, 2001
Suspend your disbelief.
It is generally reckoned that Mayday is an aglicised version of "M'aidez" (M'aider) which some twit thought was French for "Help me". I have never got round to enquiring of a French person what he or she would make of it (other than those who are accustomed to radio communications who would now know its purpose).
If you should have occasion to shout "Help" in a French speaking area, I would suggest that you use "Au secours!" That way you may get a response other than "I wonder what that foreign person is trying to convey with that strange expression."
MAYDAY
littleNero, master and collector of useless information Posted Jan 17, 2001
Nice, short and evident....
Thanxs!
As the biggest export product of France is the french woman...I have learned that the whole country thinks as a woman...therefore...M´aidez instead of Au secour becomes obvious...*lol*
MAYDAY
Rocket Rod Posted Jan 17, 2001
I do believe that plaguesville is correct, according to my dictionary. In the maritime world it is the ultimate call for help, meaning "we are in extreme danger,and, or about to sink". One step down from this is the "securite" call wich is also a notice of danger to all shipping. Both are French in origin.
Rocket 
MAYDAY
littleNero, master and collector of useless information Posted Jan 17, 2001
Having learned in my sail-lessons (Europe) - years ago - there is a difference between sending "Mayday" (means life in danger, or so...) and sending "pan-pan" (means danger for ship - we´re about to sink...
Did never hear of "securite"...is it possibly a Navy signal??
Anyway...
Thaxs for replying!
LittleNero, deck-hand
Key: Complain about this post
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S O S
- 21: Marvin [patron saint of cynicism] (Sep 15, 2000)
- 22: Martin the paranoid android (Oct 13, 2000)
- 23: plaguesville (Oct 13, 2000)
- 24: Researcher 161219 (Dec 2, 2000)
- 25: plaguesville (Dec 2, 2000)
- 26: littleNero, master and collector of useless information (Jan 16, 2001)
- 27: plaguesville (Jan 16, 2001)
- 28: littleNero, master and collector of useless information (Jan 17, 2001)
- 29: Rocket Rod (Jan 17, 2001)
- 30: littleNero, master and collector of useless information (Jan 17, 2001)
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