First amateur radio enthusiast to communicate with all six continents on a shortwave band, in 1935.

Nell was a passionate amateur radio enthusiast, and one of the first British women active in this field. Driven by interest in shortwave radio, she joined the Research and Experimental Section of the Radio Society of Great Britain in 1934, shortly after gaining her high-power license.

Using her home constructed set and operating from a small ‘box-room’ at her home in Walton-on-the Hill, Surrey, Nell’s research helped show how sunspots could improve the reach of the 10-metre shortwave band. In 1935 she was the second person within two weeks, and the first woman ever to reach Australia on this band width.

Breaking Records

Nell’s knowledge of solar activity made her a successful competitor, and she claimed many awards and records. She was the first person to use the 10-metre shortwave band to contact all six continents excepting Antarctica, doing so in just six hours and twenty minutes. This achievement was reported in newspaper and periodicals in countries as distant as Hungary and India. Commenting on this achievement, Nell stated modestly:

“Yes, it is rather wonderful doing this, but you can attribute it entirely to luck and favourable conditions”

War Effort

During World War II, Nell joined a secret team of voluntary interceptors, which included other amateur radio enthusiasts such as Barbara Dunn. Their knowledge of morse code, and skill in transmitting and receiving signals, were a major help to the Radio Security Service in the war effort.

Many of the QSL cards displayed in the TV and Radio Exhibition record the contacts Nell made with radio enthusiasts around the world. Look out for her unique call sign, ‘G2YL’, the ‘YL’ standing for Young Lady!

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