WS 19 MkII jeep install questions

[James D Teel II]

I’ve found it. It’s a US Army J38 Morse key. The junction box mounting on the dash in the British style threw me.

[Eric B]

Hello

The wartime CDN jeeps (MB/GPW) had various modifications for the No 19 radio set radio. The only official one I have seen documented is the one posted above.

I have never seen one modified as such in any photos other than a modern one which exists in Belgium. I cannot remember if it is original or not.

From documents we did modify 5 Jeeps to 12 volts to be used as radio jeeps. These sat in storage and were later converted back to a normal jeep. A copy of document is attached.

As the Jeeps were 6 volts, the 19 sets were powered by two batteries, which were changed daily.

In period photos these have been seen mounted on either side fender or across the back seat with the batteries on the floor or on the opposite fender. This set up was also used in Korea.

The Universal carrier was the predominant carrier for the 19 set overseas in infantry units.

I can see the desire to run them off the vehicle battery for convenience. Maybe hide the wires and place two empty battery boxes to give the proper look. They make great storage as well.

The M38 and M38A1 initially ran them off batteries as well until they came up with a vehicle power option.

Thanks

Eric

[Eric B]

Hello

I have attached the battery box plans which were previously on this site. Cannot remember off the top of my head who made them... sorry. I do have it written down somewhere in my file.

I have also attached C42 radio installation instructions which show two batteries being used before the vehicle power supply was tapped into.

I have the 19 set installation in M38 and M38A1 somewhere, which are similar.

Thanks
Eric

[Joe C]

Eric, the photo of the Lt in the jeep... please be aware that the radio is a WS No. 22 and not a WS No. 19.

[Eric B]

Hello Joe

Ah yes you are correct. More for showing where they were installed. We also had the WS No. 22 set installed in the same manner as the WS No.19.

There was an official Airborne standard installation for the WS No 22.

Thanks
Eric