WS19 set installation in a Sherman M4A4

[maple_leaf_eh]

The old Shermans were Militia vehicles and were intended only as D&M trainers and gunnery platforms. The early 1960s were a period when National Survival training was all the rage for Reserve units. The C42s were installed in trucks and CPs as mobile supports. Even into the 1970s the units had those crap radios in big wooden chests for ground mounts.

There is likely a definitive answer, but my supposition is the No.19 sets were never replaced in the Shermans. Too many other priorities.

[Michael R.]

If 19 Sets were ever installed in post 1945 Canadian used M4A2 vehicles, they were replaced by a later series comms set.

[Jim Burrill]

Did you look in "Wireless for the Warrior'?


http://www.wftw.nl/

[maple_leaf_eh]

"The Postwar Sherman in Canadian Service" by Rod Henderson, Service Pubs doesn't offer much more information. The tanks' order and arrival is discussed, as are the choice of Shermans in Korea. The American SCR 528 radio is mentioned as part of the original equipment, but not much about whether this set remained in service throughout. The only comments about No.19 sets is with regard to swapping out familiar radios when they turned in their M10 Achilles SP AT guns for Shermans in Korea.

[Tim Bell]

I found this pic on line a while back... does it help?

Was captioned "John Bowles, 4th County of London Yeomanry, Africa, 1943"

John Bowles - 4th County of London Yeomanry - Africa - 1943.jpg

Also this one "Tommy Elkins, 4th County of London Yeomanry"

Tommy Elkins - 4th County of London Yeomanry - Africa - 1943.jpg



Tim

[Bruce MacMillan]

During the Korean War Canada, like other Commonwealth participants, continued to use wireless sets. These included the WS19, WS52, WS62 & WS88. There was some use of the US SCR300 but mostly for infantry.

From "History of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals":

"C Squadron, Lord Strathcona's Horse, had found it expedient to exchange the F.M. radio equipment in their American tanks for No. 19 sets."

I'm making the assumption that the other armoured units also used the WS19.

[Patrick Johnson]

Hi Rob,
Any dimensions of the shelf and mounting locations for the 19 set on the shelf would be really appreciated. I will try to post a photo of my current installation so that everyone gets an idea of what I'm trying to do. Short of having an actual turret I am trying to closely simulate the interior of a Sherman tank. For me it doesn't matter if it is an M4A2 or A4 as I suspect the turret installations were probably very similar. Pictures of the shelf, supports and any wiring or control boxes that are still in the turret would be much appreciated. It's a shame its so difficult to acquire pictures of the interior of a Sherman given the number of fine examples here in Canada.
Cheers, Patrick
P.S. Thanks to all that have posted so far. Since I posted my initial inquiry I have found some excellent line drawings in the wireless section of MLU which give me a very good idea of what I need to build, they just don't have the dimensions.