How the first undersea cable brought the world faster communication and an unexpected catchphrase

In 1851, the world was on the threshold of a new era. After months of planning, research and wrangling over who would foot the bill for the first undersea telegraph cable, British and French engineers finally got down to business. Their aim was to link Britain and France under the English Channel so that messages between the two countries could be transmitted at speeds previously known only to those running from a rabid dog.

The day of the great laying

It was a momentous day. On the British side of the port of Dover, the crew on the SS Great Endeavour stood ready to lower the first section of cable into the sea. The commander of the operation, Sir Archibald McCable, wore a ceremonial uniform and loudly proclaimed:

"Today, we are laying a bridge between two superpowers! The cable that will link the nations is ready!"

On the French side, in Calais, the engineers, corkscrew in hand, watched warily as the British did most of the work, preparing to celebrate the completion of the project. Everything was going according to plan - until a problem aboard the British ship that none of the engineers expected.

The engineer and his big moment

A young engineer named Cedric Puddlebottom, who was responsible for checking the cable windings, suddenly turned pale and looked strangely nervous.

"What's the matter, Cedric?" The commander asked.

"Sir... I... I have to... to the big one!" Cedric stammered.

While the commander understood the biological needs, the job would not wait. "You've got to stick it out! The cable must be laid without interruption!" He thundered.

But Cedric knew his situation was urgent. Heedless of the commander's instructions, he ran to the stern of the ship, where he thought no one would see him. So there, over the open sea, he solved his problem - just as the team dropped the first section of cable into the water.

Chaos on the boat

Once the cable was launched, the crew began to rejoice until one of the sailors noticed something was wrong. There was "something" floating strangely on the surface behind the boat that definitely didn't belong there. A French observer on shore also noticed it and, with binoculars, exclaimed: "Regardez! Les Anglais posent un autre câble!" (Look, the English are laying another cable!)

The British engineers understood what had happened, and while they tried to keep the situation serious, the crew was already writhing with laughter. Cedric tried to disappear below decks, but his unexpected contribution to history was forever recorded.

A catchphrase that has survived the ages.

The French have not forgotten this curiosity. When the project was successfully completed, jokes began to spread in the port pubs about how the British were "laying cables" not only technologically. The phrase "going to lay cable" became a popular metaphor for visiting the toilet, which was quickly adopted by the British themselves.

Technological breakthrough with a slight shame

Despite this incident, the cable between the UK and France worked perfectly. It was the beginning of a new era of communication that brought nations together and accelerated the exchange of information. However, Cedric Puddlebottom became more of a legend than a hero - his story is still a reminder that behind every technological advance there are people, and people have their weaknesses.

Conclusion

So the next time someone jokingly says they're "going to lay a cable", remember Cedric and the first undersea telegraph cable that not only connected the world, but also produced one of the best farces in the history of engineering.