Nachrichtenleiter

The "Nachtrichtenleiter" or Signals ladder was a key tool used by the wire communications troops. It was not just used as a ladder to reach cables tied up in trees and poles but had various uses as a support or stand or even as an impromtu bridge across a ditch. It was often used as a support during the "umhaspeln" of cables, the cleaning and spooling of telephone cable after use. It could also be used as a support for telephone exchange in the field, propped up agains a tree on one side it made a handy table. It was carried on telephone vehicles and could be carried on the "Nachrichtengerätekarren".