"Radio Operator - What is actually your name?"

 

This was my first experience as radio operator on shipboard, and unintentionally I let loose much confusion.  Today I can only smile about it.

 

It was my first ship, a small refrigerator ship, the "Marie Horn," and in Cadiz, Spain, I went on board as a newcomer. At first sight I was disappointed that the ship was so small.  It was worked as a coastal motor-ship. I went on board, and through the open door of the officers room saw the whole harbour crew sitting at the table drinking coffee. The machine-room people werer wearing coveralls, and the other louts were in normal clothing. The steward brought me a cup of coffee and saucer, and in contrast to the others, wore a white jacket. While attempting to put my coffee on the floor, and put myself in place, I said, "Good day, I am the new radio operator, and my name is Pust." The reaction was not what I had expected.  One slid onto the floor laughing, one stared in amazement, and the steward laughed so hard that he spilled his coffee. Then there was a pause. Before another word could be spoken, the captain said, "Your predecessor is waiting for you; go now, and see me later in my office."  Rude laughter followed me out the door. I quickly forgot this incident; the hand-over of the radio station followed, and the famous "Official Handbook of Hamburg-South" lies now forgotten.

 

After sailing I was badly seasick, and the steward came to my room and said, "Herr radio operator, what is actually your name?" Later in the officers room I explained that my name was actually Pust, and we both had a good laugh.

 

On English-speaking ships, the radio operator is known as "Sparks, and in German-speaking ships, he is known as, "Funkenpuster."
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(Explanation:  In vulgar German, as in the military, etc, "pust" is also "fart" in English.  Thus, the radio operator may be referred to as "Funkenpuster," or "radio-fart," in English.  Herr Pust was rudely treated.)