MLU FORUM - Wireless of the Week

The interface between wireless sets and their operators undertook a dramatic development in 1941. Prior to that, British and Commonwealth sets relied on separate microphones and earphones that plugged into the radio independently and switching between send and receive was accomplished by a large switch on the radio itself. With the development of the 19 and 22 sets this was changed to a single ’Microphone and Receiver Headgear Assembly’ that had the microphone and earphones wired into a single unit. The send/receive switch was moved to the microphone itself and the entire unit plugged into the radio or its control system with a waterproof rubber ‘snatch plug’ connector. This new configuration allowed for greater flexibility and comfort, especially in tanks, and as the war progressed the same headset assemblies were used for a large variety of wireless sets then in use.

Shown first is a ’Microphone and Receiver Headgear Assembly No.1’ using a ‘Microphone Hand No.7’. It was a multi use headset with two metal bands to keep it in place on the operator’s head. The bands made it difficult to use under a helmet so these headsets were primarily used inside armoured vehicles or radio trucks. A metal breast plate was used to hold the microphone in place for hands free use and a spring loaded knob on the plate could hold the microphone switch down allowing the operator to speak continuously while on the radio intercom system.

Next is a ’Microphone and Receiver Headgear Assembly No.2’ using a ‘Microphone Hand Power No.1A” which didn’t require amplification and was designed for used by tank drivers. The microphone itself was a re-purposed one originally used for the Wireless Set No.11.

Third is ’Microphone and Receiver Headgear Assembly No.10 (Canadian)’ and was similar to the No.1 except better suited for tank use. Its metal band to hold it on the operator’s head was on the back allowing it to be worn under a helmet. The earphones were larger to help filter out distracting noise and the microphone was made from metal alloy to better take the bumps and knocks it would be subject to inside a tank. There was also a block with a spring clamp used to clip the headset harness to the operator’s tunic to prevent it getting caught or tangled.

Fourth is a similar No.10 (Canadian) headset but modified to work with the early pattern AFV helmet. Other headsets were designed to be used inside gas mask respirators.

Last is a ’Microphone and Receiver Headgear Assembly No.10’ with a ‘Microphone Hand No.13’ which was a late war British headset with an easy to hold palm sized microphone and the ability to be worn under a helmet. It was commonly seen used with the Wireless Set No.62.