Towards the end of WWII the LSO/Paddles signals were standardized to be the same for both the RN & USN after some slight - but significant - differences were experienced when 'cross-decking'. First is an RN graphic, then I believe an USN text explanation of the following USN Paddles graphic of the LSO signals. The standard signals for
both navies have not been found so far.... These graphics are in response to the text explanation for the '
CUT' signal in Dave's article. "...the batsman would whip both paddles across his body. This signal was called 'the cut' and like all the batsman's signals was mandatory...."
Probably there is room for the different LSOs to 'dance' differently on the platform. Some had nicknames/callsigns like '
MAGIC LEGS'.
One such contemporary USN test pilot so named gave LSO lectures at a recent USN TAIL
HOOK convention.
