Wireless Set No 52 Canadian Production

[Bruce MacMillan]

The WS52 began life in 1943 as the WS9 Mk II. In January 1944 the set was renamed the WS52 to avoid confusion with the earlier #9 sets. The first shipment to the UK was 79 sets and these went to the UK War Dept. A total of 475 sets were ordered with most going to 21st Army Group. Canadian demands were made from British stores.

These were used for bgd/div level, ASSU units and in LCVs. Having a stand alone receiver gave the ability to monitor your signal when operating remotely. Also could monitor other radio nets.

Nothing definite on why plates were removed unless they were initially badged as WS9 MK II. Plates removed but not replaced.

Nice set being used into the 1950s.

[David Dunlop]

Thanks, Bruce.

Any indication if the production number you mention was 52-set identified units or included earlier production No 9 Mk II sets as well? Seems a rather small run unless they 'hid' more complete sets in the spares inventory.

Not certain how many were still active in Canada at the time, but I have a Canadian Army publication with a date of 23 April 1963 that lists two M152Cdn vehicles with the 52-Set. One pure 52-set and the second a 19/52 combo setup.

David

[Bruce MacMillan]

The 475 were part of an order for 639 sets. The initial shipment was destined for the CMHQ but diverted to UK needs. In fact the UK wanted all they could get, see photo.

Looking at serial numbers there were a lot made, into the thousands. Where they went isn't reported as my date cuts off in 1945. The Canadian Army used them in Korea and post war Germany. The installation instructions for my M152CDN was dated 1961. I couldn't find a 52 set so settled for a 19 set and two C42s in rebroadcast roll.

I wouldn't mind one but I'm getting to old to hump these around the shack!

[Jacques Fortin]

Does any of you have clues about the serial number range of those 475/639 units ??
I am just trying to know the total quantity of Canadian WS # 52 made.
Any help you can provide will be appreciated.

Jacques

[David Dunlop]

A couple of years after Jacques’ query on this thread, regarding production numbers for the 52-Set, he started a Data Base of any known surviving 52-Set equipment to see what that would tell us. He sent me some preliminary results this afternoon.

The lowest Serial Number he has found to date is 5002 and the highest is 9006. That is a total known run so far of 4,004.

The complete number of sets so far is 11, but we are not certain if all of those have original Carriers No. 4. Further details to be determined on that.

By far the commonest item is the 52-Set Remote Receiver at 19. The ZE-12 Remote Receiver Supply is the least surviving item with a known count of only 3.

If anyone has a complete 52-Set, or components thereof, with surviving Data Plates on them, and has not provided the serial numbers to Jacques, can you please do so, and indicate if your complete set has the Carriers No. 4 with it.

Jacques is looking for Serial Numbers from the following components:

Receiver:
Supply Unit: (and if it has Workshop Rebuild stickers the Shop and year rebuilt.}
Sender:
Coil, Aerial Tuning:
Remote Supply (ZE-12):

A big thanks to all who have contributed so far!

David

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

I think Jacques has mine, thus explaining the high 9006 serial.

Sender 8342
Supply Unit 8253
Receiver 5824
Coil, Aerial Tuning No.2A 9006
Has the carrier

[David Dunlop]

He does indeed, Bruce, and thanks so much for contributing to this Data Base!

David

[Tim Bell]

Originally Posted by David Dunlop

If anyone has a complete 52-Set, or components thereof, with surviving Data Plates on them, and has not provided the serial numbers to Jacques, can you please do so, and indicate if your complete set has the Carriers No. 4 with it.

I have a complete WS9 (Canadian)... are you interested in details for that?

Tim

[Jacques Fortin]

Originally Posted by Tim Bell

I have a complete WS9 (Canadian)... are you interested in details for that?

Tim

Yes, I am interested in the serial numbers of your WS #9 MkI.
They are supposed to be below 5000, because the WS #52 (#9 MkII) began at 5000...