Post Office Electrical Engineers' Journal: A Legacy of British Telecommunications
For much of the 20th century, the Post Office Electrical Engineers' Journal (POEEJ) served as the primary technical record for the evolution of communication in the United Kingdom. Published by the Institution of Post Office Electrical Engineers, this quarterly publication captured the rapid technological shifts that transformed how Britain connected with itself and the rest of the world.
The History and Evolution of the POEEJ
The journal began publication in 1908 and continued for seven decades, concluding its run in 1982. Over its lifespan, the POEEJ produced a total of 74 volumes, documenting the engineering milestones of the era. The publication was essential for professionals within the Post Office, providing a forum for technical discourse and the sharing of engineering breakthroughs.
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Transition to British Telecom
The end of the journal coincided with a major structural shift in the UK's communication infrastructure. In 1981, Post Office Telecommunications transitioned into British Telecom shortly before the organization underwent privatization. Following this change, the Institution of Post Office Electrical Engineers renamed itself the Institution of British Telecommunications Engineers.
As a result of this rebranding and organizational shift, the POEEJ ceased publication and was succeeded by a new technical periodical titled British Telecommunications Engineering.
Documenting Technological Milestones
The POEEJ was more than a routine report; it acted as a historical archive for the development of Britain's telecommunications network. The journal frequently released special issues to commemorate pivotal events and technological leaps.
- World War II: Special issues marked the conclusion of the war and the subsequent recovery and expansion of networks.
- TAT-1: The journal documented the construction of TAT-1, the first transatlantic telephone cable.
- Subscriber Trunk Dialling: The introduction of Subscriber Trunk Dialling (STD)—which allowed callers to dial long-distance numbers without the assistance of an operator—was a key focus of the publication.
Readership and Reach
While primarily aimed at internal staff, the journal maintained a significant reach within the broader engineering community. By 1972, the POEEJ had an estimated 38,000 readers. Interestingly, approximately 4,500 of these readers were not employees of the Post Office, indicating the journal's value to external technical experts and historians.
Key Facts
- Publication Period: 1908 to 1982.
- Total Volume Count: 74 volumes.
- Frequency: Published quarterly.
- Publisher: Institution of Post Office Electrical Engineers (UK).
- Successor Journal: British Telecommunications Engineering.
- Peak Readership (1972): 38,000 total readers.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| ISO 4 Abbreviation | Post Off. Electr. Eng. J. |
| Total Volumes | 74 |
| Primary Focus | British telecommunications network development |
| Key Events Covered | TAT-1, Subscriber trunk dialling, Post-WWII expansion |
| Final Publisher Name | Institution of British Telecommunications Engineers |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Post Office Electrical Engineers' Journal?
It was a quarterly technical journal published between 1908 and 1982 by the Institution of Post Office Electrical Engineers in the United Kingdom, documenting the growth of the nation's telecommunications network.
Why did the POEEJ stop being published?
Publication ceased in 1982 following the transition of Post Office Telecommunications into British Telecom in 1981 and the subsequent renaming of the professional institution.
What replaced the POEEJ?
The journal was succeeded by a new publication called British Telecommunications Engineering.
Which major technical achievements were featured in the journal?
The journal highlighted key milestones such as the construction of the TAT-1 transatlantic cable and the implementation of Subscriber trunk dialling.
Who read the journal besides Post Office employees?
The journal had a broad appeal; for example, in 1972, about 4,500 of its 38,000 readers were not employed by the Post Office.