MkV Heliograph wanted

[universalgrl]

The manual you need is "Signal Training (all Arms) Pamphlet No. 2 Visual Signalling. There are 10 manuals in this set.
1. Signalling codes.
2. Visual signalling
3. Electricity and line signaling.
4. Wireless signalling
5. Signal procedure.
6. Procedure for Arty fire orders
7.Procedure for inter-service vis signalling
8. Signal office working
9. Training
10.Signal tactics

I have duplicates for 1 and 2 both dated 1942.

A full set of signalling equipment consists of the following.

1. I set of semaphore flags (easy to make).
2. 1 lamp signalling daylight short range (comes in wood or metal case) 1943
3. Heliograph 5-in MK V date unknown.
4. Tripod, fits both heliograph and daytime lamp. 1941
Those 4 items make up your sending station
5. Telescope signaling MK III or MK IV 1914
6. Tripod telescope stand 1914
These 2 item make up your receiving station.

Supposedly there was a trench variant of the telescope tripod but have never seen an example. Most spotters would have laid the telescope on the edge of the trench. My tripod will be restored to the correct height to match the other one


universalgrl

[David DeWeese]

Thanks Rob and Roberta for the replies!

Roberta, you have some very nice signalling equipment there!

Is the piece I arrowed in your photo a cap to protect the threads on the top of the tripod, or? Mine only has the chain left...

Would be very interested in your two spare manuals. Will pm.

Since the subject of trench optics has been touched on by you and Rob, does anyone know where I can get an original handle for the item in the last two photos?

Thanks again, David

[horsa]

You need a few Aldis lamps to complete the layout Roberta.

And yes David, that cap on the chain protects the threads at the end of the tripod for transit.

[universalgrl]

Dave
Here are pics of the cap and the 2 manuals.
The cap measures 19/32 high, 2 25/64 across the brim and 1 11/64 across the top of the cap.
I also have 4 R.E.L. pieces in my collection.
Binocular No. 2 CDN MK 2/5 1944
Binocular No. 5 CDN MK 2/4 1945
Trench periscope No 25 MK I 1943
Infantry range finder No. CAN-135 1942

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by horsa

You need a few Aldis lamps to complete the layout Roberta.

And some flags.

[horsa]

Shot attached has the inverse of your flag Bruce. Maybe daytime and nighttime versions?

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by horsa

Shot attached has the inverse of your flag Bruce. Maybe daytime and nighttime versions?

Light and dark backgrounds. The Sigs collar dogs (when enameled) demonstrate both.

[universalgrl]

According to the Visual Signalling Pam No. 2 Semaphore flags may be white with a blue horizontal stripe or all blue depending on the nature of the background.
Flags are 2 ft. square and the flag poles 3 ft. 6in. long.
Under average conditions in England, with the aid of a telescope, flag signals can be read at a distance of three miles
For some strange reason flag signals did not work worth a dam at night.

[Tim Bell]

Originally Posted by universalgrl

snip...

Supposedly there was a trench variant of the telescope tripod but have never seen an example. Most spotters would have laid the telescope on the edge of the trench. My tripod will be restored to the correct height to match the other one


universalgrl

I have a telescope tripod with much longer legs - I assume this is the variant you refer to. I have always assumed that all tripods were originally with the longer legs and then some cut down at a later date.

I can dig the tripod out sometime and take pics if this is any use?

Cheers

Tim