I have a general idea for instance of the characteristics of the Number 18 set and the Number 19 set. Today I was reviewing a document file and came across this reference to 19/88 (?), 19/31, and 19/38 from 1950. I am a little flabbergasted. Am I right in interpreting these as sub-versions of the 19 set? Or were they different sets altogether? (Apologies to the moderators if this should be in the postwar section).
I believe they were paired radios; I'm fairly certain that there was a vehicle version of the 38 set that was used alongside the 19 set.
Yes, there was a vehicle No.38 set, and these were paired radios. The wireless sets were developed in series, as indicated in the second digit in their identification number, so all sets ending in 9 were medium range AFV sets for intra-squadron or regiment communication, those ending in 8 were infantry sets, and those ending in 1 were short range AFV sets for intra-troop communication. Thus the No.88 was the replacement for the No.38 set, and the No.31 was the replacement for the No.11 set.
It can get a bit complicated, the sets were married up to a degree, though quite how much of a degree is what you need to plough through the manuals to get an understanding of. The VMARS archive is a treasure trove for those wanting to understand 'a bit' about wireless usage in the war. VMARS Scroll down to Ref 329 for the WS38 in the AFV role. A slight correction to the above, the No.31 set was the British version of the US SCR-300, which was an FM set. My guess is the refs you've found to the 19/31 set combination are along the lines of the US installing the SCR-300 in certain tanks, as they could only 'talk' to another SCR-300, which was the set used for Company to Battalion comms in US units. The WS88 is included in the VMARs archive at Ref 3292. I have some bits and bobs somewhere on the likely adoption of the SCR-300 in place of the No.18 set by British Inf Bns going to the Far East. If no one's beat me to it I'll have a look after I've mowed the lawn... Gary
I think the SCR-300-WS 31 was installed for air-ground liaison purposes, now I come to think of it. I've got some info on this from Korea, where light aircraft were used by commanders to oversee the battle and pass direct instructions to the ground elements. The attached below from 8th Hussars, gives a flavour of how these were used, the "VS-300" being yet another term for the SCR-300.
Thank you for the link, Gary. I've just downloded the WS38 AFV manual and that does help explain what you mention The 38 set was not an entirely separate unit but "added on" to the 19 set, using some of its components and replacing control units, so that it didn't need its own battery and the operation of the two was integrated.
I don't know how I managed to upload such a low resolution image - here is the original reference at I hope more readable resolution.
Not quite on the original topic but I recalled seeing a few mentions on the use of the No.38 set in tanks. Progress Bulletin (Infantry) No.6 (Jan 1944) includes a quote from DRAC Liaison Letter No.8, which in distilled form said; "It is now policy that all Infantry Tanks should be fitted with a wireless set with which to communicate with Infantry. Until an improved set is available, W/T set No.38 is to be used in two types of installation, known as Plan "A" and Plan "B". No.38 sets Plan "A" Installations for all CHURCHILLS I to IV in service overseas have now been issued and are in transit. Issues to UK are nearly complete. ACI 1525/43 refers. Plan "B" is being developed. In this plan, the No.38 set, which is modified, is operated by the operator instead of the gunner, and has a pressel send/receive switch. The set works off the vehicle battery and has a separate amplifier. It has also been decided to fit Plan "A", and later Plan "B", to SHERMAN tanks of certain formations, whose primary role is likely to be close co-operation with Infantry. As a longer term project a new set to supersede the No.38 is under development." Then in February 1945, from PBI No.19, and originally taken from DRAC Letter No.21 15 Jan 1945; "The policy of fitting No.38 set AFV (i.e. Plan B) in tanks has been reviewed and will remained unchanged except that sets will NOT be fitted in service in tanks for 21 Army Group who do NOT require this retrospective action. 21 Army Group will, however, be allocated tanks in which the No.38 set is fitted during production. ...Priority for all action will be i). CHURCHILL ii). SHERMAN iii). COMET. Control and OP tanks are NOT affected and 38 sets will be fitted to the above types of tank where required as part of the conversion. Exceptions - 38 sets will not be fitted in Valentines, ARVs, Bridgelayers, AA Tanks, Command Tanks*, Rear Link Tanks* (*unless required by War Establishment). Future policy - As a long term project, a new infantry man-pack set is to be developed, for which tank-infantry communication is to be interchangeable with the B Set in the new Canadian No.29 Set". Gary
I had a look at the bits and pieces of info on signal equipment for Infantry Battalions in Light Divisions. I was sure I'd seen some form of comparison including the SCR-300 but, of course, I can't find anything of the like now. There is some correspondence from late 1944 on a file examining the problems of the Signal Platoon that does reference the SCR-300 as being a likely replacement for the No.18 set. However, the planned equipment for the Light Div organisation was the No.46 set in Inf Bns in place of the No.18, and the No.38 MkIII. The No.78 set was being mooted but general comments were it was not likely to be available in great numbers. Gary
There is an interesting article talking about the 31 set here - again from VMARS but from one of their newsletters rather than the document index: http://www.vmarsmanuals.co.uk/newsletter_articles/ws31.pdf
