Edwin
Sorry I missed your second question, when I first read this thread.
Aluminum was used primarily to save weight. IIRC, the first iteration of the 15-cwt Wireless Box used steel sheeting for the exterior of the box and the weight was excessive. Although aluminum was a prime aviation material during the war, I suspect concerns over supply of this in North America at least had probably dropped off enough that the limited production run of these Wireless boxes was deemed acceptable by CD Howe's team.
David
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