Memories of my CW elmer, Brian (SK)

In the early days of my journey into amateur radio, I had the incredible fortune of meeting Brian, a true old-timer who became my CW Elmer (sadly I never did learn his surname...he was always just Brian to me). Brian's background as a ship's radio officer in the UK Merchant Navy meant that he had accumulated a wealth of knowledge and a passion for Morse code that was truly infectious.

© Dilshan Jayakody via Wikimedia Commons

What set Brian apart was his approach to teaching CW. Instead of relying on buzzers or commercial learning aids, he would dive into his junk box, emerging with a handful of components, and, with the skill of a master craftsman, he'd assemble simple receivers right before my eyes. These homebrew creations became our gateway to the world of over-the-air Morse. 

Listening to his hand-sent CW transmissions on these handcrafted receivers added an element of excitement and authenticity to my learning process. 

It wasn't just about memorizing dots and dashes; it was about experiencing the rhythm and flow of actual on-air communications. 

At other times, as we sat and chatted, Brian's eyes would light up as he tuned across the bands, picking out callsigns and exchanges from the ethereal symphony of beeps and whistles. I seem to recall that he always had at least one radio in his apartment tuned to some or other ship-to-shore frequency.

Brian's patience was boundless, and his enthusiasm never waned. He shared not just his knowledge of Morse code, but also tales from his days at sea, painting vivid pictures of life as a ship's radio officer. These stories brought the history and romance of radio communication to life which only served to fuel my growing passion for the hobby.

Sadly, Brian passed away not long after I obtained my license. While our time together was all too brief, the impact he had on my amateur radio journey was profound and lasting. Every time I sit down at the key, I feel a connection not just to the global community of CW operators, but to Brian and the rich tradition he represented.