Check-mate system
Encyclopedia
The check-mate system was a system of ship identification used by the Royal Navy
during World War II
. It was used by the Navy when on patrol looking for German
auxiliary cruisers and others ships that had been disguised by Axis
forces.
Under this system, a patrolling Royal Navy vessel would individually identify a suspect ship via the Admiralty
in London; this step became necessary and was introduced after October 1942 after a German-held British
ship was twice passed off by the Allies as still being British when challenged. The system became fully operational from May 1943.
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. It was used by the Navy when on patrol looking for German
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
auxiliary cruisers and others ships that had been disguised by Axis
Axis Powers
The Axis powers , also known as the Axis alliance, Axis nations, Axis countries, or just the Axis, was an alignment of great powers during the mid-20th century that fought World War II against the Allies. It began in 1936 with treaties of friendship between Germany and Italy and between Germany and...
forces.
Under this system, a patrolling Royal Navy vessel would individually identify a suspect ship via the Admiralty
Admiralty
The Admiralty was formerly the authority in the Kingdom of England, and later in the United Kingdom, responsible for the command of the Royal Navy...
in London; this step became necessary and was introduced after October 1942 after a German-held British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
ship was twice passed off by the Allies as still being British when challenged. The system became fully operational from May 1943.