1st Independent Parachute Platoon, Pathfinders & Equipment

Discussion in 'Airborne' started by brithm, Aug 3, 2022.

  1. brithm

    brithm Senior Member

    PARACHUTE PATHFINDERS

    10th September 1944
    Lt. Powell-Davies, No. 2 Army Film and Photo Section, Army Film and Photographic Unit

    An "Eureka" set displayed, showing Eureka three-pronged aerial. The stand gives the aerial a height of 9 feet when erected.

    The set as seen shows:
    Bottom - battery Centre - power pack
    Top - transreceiver. The "Eureka " is the ground component, and the "Rebecca" the aircraft component, of a "Radar" homing device.

    The "Eureka" transmits back to the aircraft a signal originating from the "Rebeca" on the aircraft itself, enabling the pilot to arrive directly over the "Eureka" position. Range : 30 miles under good conditions. This is a British invention. The model shown is the American version, as now used by the 1st Independent Para. Platoon.
    upload_2022-8-3_17-35-26.png
    IWM NA 18600

    The "Crest Beacon", "A" type. A radio-compass beacon, not found outside 2nd Independent Parachute Brigade Group. After earlier failures, was successfully developed in present form by Capt. Davis, S/Sgt. Ramsbottom and others of 557 A.O.D. at the request of the Parachute Brigade Group.

    Shown are:
    A: Radio Transmitter
    B: Code Key
    C: Counterpoise Earth
    D: Aerial Bade
    E: Telescopic Aerial Tested range in good conditions : 50 - 60 miles Average guaranteed range : 20-30 miles
    upload_2022-8-3_16-55-19.png
    IWM NA 18601

    The "Crest Beacon" type "B". A larger and more powerful version of the Type "A". Cannot be dropped with the man, but may be brought down either by parachute container or by glider. Range NOT disclosed.

    Shown are:-
    A: Radio Transmitter
    B: The 2,000 v. ( D.C.) Transmitter Valve, lifted from the inspection cover (shown open) for display purposes. C: Power Unit
    D: Counterpoise Earth
    E: Code Key A standard in C-47 Douglas aircraft in present used by 2nd Parachute Brigade Group, is a form of radio compass needle. Pilot turns to direction of loudest note, and zeros needle on Beacon beam. As the aircraft passes over the beacon, the radio compass needle swings round from Zero to 180 degrees.
    upload_2022-8-3_16-58-34.png
    IWM NA 18602

    The equipment of a Pathfinder Platoon to guide in a Parachute Brigade by day (By night special beacon lamps are also used.
    A: "Crest" Beacon, type "B" (above and below)
    B: "Eureka" Beacon. At the top in front of the padded case, is rear view of Power Pack and Trans-receiver; the round recess is for a demolition device to forestall the capture of this secret apparatus. Below, set with battery.
    C: "Crest" Beacon - type "A"
    D: The innocent looking suitcase is padded within to hold an "S" Tellephone Receiver-Transmitter Unit, with which a two-way conversation may be carried on, from the ground with a plane too high to be seen, as readily as though by telephone. The devise is familiarly known as "Sugar Phone". On the left is a telescopic aerial, only partly extended; on the right is the "Eureka" aerial at half working height. Either the 'Crest' Beacon, type "A" or the 'Crest' Beacon, type "B" would be used - use of both together would be unlikely.
    upload_2022-8-3_17-2-37.png
    IWM NA 18603

    The "Brother" (ground) component of the "S" Tellerphone Receiver-Transmitter Unit displayed, less case:-
    1. In rear: canvas pouches (seven) on web belt; supported by normal web equipment braces. Pouches contain six small 2 v. accumulators (one shown on left - leads disconnected) and the power set (on right, below hand)
    2. Left foreground : Transmitter-Receiver (Half moon shape) and folded rod aerial
    3. Right foreground : Headphones and hand microphone. The aircraft component is known as the "Sister" The beautifully-coloured distinctive Pathfinder badge on the forearm in this picture denotes a flaming-winged torch.
    upload_2022-8-3_17-5-2.png
    IWM NA 18604

    Capt. P.G. Baker of Jersey, C.I., the O.C. 1st Independent Para. Platoon demonstrates the wearing of the "S" Tellerphone ("Sugar-Phone") operationally. The extended rod aerial is fitted to the transmitter-receiver on chest.
    upload_2022-8-3_17-15-58.png
    IWM NA 18605

    An 'agent' wears the set beneath a raincoat. Without the readily detachable aerial there is nothing to see.
    upload_2022-8-3_17-17-56.png
    IWM NA 18606

    There is nothing to distinguish the standard container from many a civilian suitcase.
    upload_2022-8-3_17-20-18.png
    IWM NA 18607

    Chest harness and load, an invention of 1st Independent Parachute Platoon. This is an alternative method of bringing down a heavy load. A quick release snap chest harness allows the load to be carried as by Pte. Bates of Doncaster on left. The catch is released in mid-air and the load lowered away to the full length of the rope, as demonstrated clearly on the right by Pte. Young of Worcester. The parachute occupies the whole of the jumper's back, and the load must be so arranged as to not impede the jump and the operation of the'chute and not to unbalance the jumper in the air or on landing.
    upload_2022-8-3_17-23-33.png
    IWM NA 18608

    A closer view of the chest harness fastening which was cleverly adapted from a C-47 Douglas aircraft safety belt, by Lieut. T.W. "Dumbo" Willans of Dolwern, North Wales of the 1st Independent Parachute Platoon. Hooking up the harness is Pte. Bates of Doncaster.
    upload_2022-8-3_17-25-54.png
    IWM NA 18609

    L/Cpl. Greenhalgh of St. Annes, Blackpool, and Pte. Freeguard of Middlesborough, practising with an "Eureka" set near a Beaufighter.
    upload_2022-8-3_17-29-8.png
    IWM NA 18610

    Pte. Dodd (left) of Seaton Sluice, Northumberland, and Pte. Hunt of Edinburgh with the powerful "Crest" Beacon, type "B".
    upload_2022-8-3_17-31-58.png
    IWM NA 18611

    The Hollophane Lamp on its tall tripod. Other lamps and folded tripods are in the foreground. The battery case may be clearly seen. Pte. Clark of London is levelling the tripod by means of a double spirit level set in its head. The Hollophane lamp emits a steady all-round red or other coloured light, visible for some miles.
    upload_2022-8-3_17-38-29.png

    IWM NA 18612
     
    L. Allen, gmyles and AB64 like this.
  2. gmyles

    gmyles Senior Member

    Hi

    According to their War Diaries, 1st Independent Parachute Platoon were at San Pancrazio, Italy on 01/10/44.

    They were forced to re-locate to Taranto the next day due to severe rain and flooding.

    If these pics were taken just 3 weeks before, it's a good chance they were taken at this airfield.

    The diaries also state they did not use any 'radio aids' during their landings in Greece in October due to not having enough time to set them up.

    Hope this helps

    Gus
     
    Last edited: Aug 6, 2022
  3. BGUNN

    BGUNN Active Member

    Hi Brithm,

    Thank you for sharing.

    Does anyone have any idea if the American PPN-1 was used on D-Day (set pictured above) or if the British Eureka sets were used?

    same question for the holophane lights?

    Thanks
    Bruce
     

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