Early 20th century; earliest use found in Ambrose Fleming (1849–1945), electrical engineer and university teacher. From radio- + telegraphist, after radio-telegraphy.
Definition of radio-telegraphist in US English:
radio-telegraphist
nounˌreɪdɪəʊtɪˈlɛɡrəfɪst
An operator of radio-telegraphic equipment.
Origin
Early 20th century; earliest use found in Ambrose Fleming (1849–1945), electrical engineer and university teacher. From radio- + telegraphist, after radio-telegraphy.