How do you know this?

Question

Like in a movie or game when a guy will go like 2 contacts at 12oClock high? Or 2 planes at 6oClock? How can you tell where that is? If more details are needed please say so because I know this is confusing!

Answer 1

Just follow the hands on a clock.
12 o'clock high is noon, straight ahead of you
6 o'clock is at the bottom of the clock and behind you.
9 o'clock is to your left
3 o'clock is to your right

Any other time if between these and according to the hands on a clock. Like 1 o'clock is between noon and three or slightly to your right.
This works great for the military to tell position in planes and on the ground. You have to be able to identify locations rapidly, especially in combat. It works well.

Answer 2

Imagine yourself in the cockpit, sitting on a clock. The 12 is directly in front of you, 6 directly behind you, etc. High and low are simply references to altitude in relation to you.

So two contacts 12 o'clock high means two aircraft to your fron at a higher altitude than you. 2 planes at 6 o'clock means two aircraft directly behind you.

Clear enough?

Answer 3

Not quite sure how to answer, but I have a picture of a WWII German halftrack. The back of the MG shield has a clock chalked on it. Presumbably this gave the gunner a guide for knowing where to swing the gun.

Answer 4

12 o'clock means straight ahead. 6 o'clock means directly behind. 12 o'clock high would mean above you straight ahead. 12o'clock low would mean ahead, but below your altitude.

3 o'clock would mean direcly to the right, so on, so forth.