This Day in Norwood History-January 10, 1941-Observation Post’s First Test Today

Blitzkrieg Will Start At Six January 21st

This morning at 10 o’clock the first volunteers to take up duty at the Norwood Air Defence Observation Post will go on duty Just for today they won’t have to worry about the bitter cold For today’s test of this newly organized civilian corps of air observers is, according to latest Army instructions, to be one of communications. No so-called “enemy” planes will be in the air today.

Rather in the two-hour vigil from 10 a. m to 12 noon, telephone communications between the local observation headquarters and Army headquarters will be tried out and practice given in relaying messages, Norwood using its code number, 78-Frank-48. It’s just a preliminary for the grueling four-day and night test coming, according to the latest announcement, from 6 a. m., January 21, to 6 p. m., January 24th. Then there will be plenty of planes rooming overhead, and Norwood watchers will take their positions on the town water tower, in a constant day and night vigil skyward.

Chief observer di the Norwood post will be Gordon Woodberry, commander of the Legion He has been assisted in making arrangements by the Legion National Defence Committee of Leo R. Bernier. chairman. Philip Norton. Edward Thompson, James Butler, David Maier, and Thomas E. Mac* L#od. The Norwood post has been assigned “78 Frank 48” as its code number for relaying messages.

Any ex-servicemen or citizens of Norwood who wish to volunteer their services as observers are asked to call Commander Woodberry at Norwood 0626.