What is the origin of 'mayday' as a distress signal in radio communications involving shipping and aviation?

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mayday - 'distress call,' 1927, from Fr. m'aider, shortening of venez m'aider 'come help me!' www.geocities.com/etymonline/m2etym.htm 'Mayday' is the internationally recognized voice radio signal for ships and people in serious trouble at sea. Made official in 1948, it is an anglicizing of the French m'aidez, 'help me'. www.nautilus571.com/naval_terms.htm Jan 09 03, 2:53 AM

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