In researching the policy of supply and provision of wireless sets I found that the initial policy was made by beerocrats in Ottawa, mostly followed by the CAO HQ in London and modified by the field. In 1943 the policy was to equip Canadian AFVs & light recce vehicles with the Canadian WS19.
Reading an after action report from Operation Husky, the 1st Div was ordered to replace their CDN sets with British sets. It was presumed that preparations were made in such haste & secrecy that the compatibility of the two sets were not understood by those theater commanders making the decisions. Contrary to policy the "holdings on embarkation" show the CDN sets being withdrawn & replace by British units.
Documents further into 1943 & 1944 show that supply & demand and feedback from the field caused the policies to be modified. In a sense the tail wagged the dog.
I agree with Clive in that these "policies" are guidelines,subject to change,all working towards a common goal.
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20-11-09, 18:50
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