Telegraphists had to send, receive and decode messages during the war
The telegraph was a crucial device when it came to sending short important messages. This device remains relevant to this day in some situations, yet it reached its peak in the early 20th century. However, operating these machines was not a job for just anyone, and telegraphists were very solicited professionals.
Knowing how to operate a telegraph during wartime was an essential job. Therefore, it was pretty well paid. These people, who were mostly men, had to send their own coded messages as well as receive and decode messages from other telegraphists that could be on the other side of the world. Impressive indeed.