Type 3 MK II

[Bruce MacMillan]

Perhaps the most recognizable "spy set" of WW2 was the Type 3 MK II, more commonly known as the B2. It was used in every theatre of war by SOE agents, SCU/SLU units and many resistance groups. It came in a variety of suitcases and parachute drop boxes. Mine is in the original suitcase and appears to be an early version based on the type of aerial matching and anode tuning knobs and the power connectors.

The spares kit contained headphones, morse key, 3 crystals,2 spare valves, screwdriver, aerial insulators, battery clamps and fuse bag.

Today, May 9th, is the 75th anniversary of the first message sent by a SOE agent from France to England. Georges Begue was the first F section SOE agent dropped into France on the night of May 5th, 1941. He was later captured but escaped and survived the war. He was also credited with inventing the "messages personnels" that the BBC transmitted nightly.

[Tim Bell]

I have one in the metal tins.

Tim

[Bruce MacMillan]

Further to the use & history of the B2.

It was used for training in Canada at STS103, the SOE training school near Whitby, Ont. Several French Canadians were trained there before dropping into occupied France.

On the west coast at Commando Bay in British Columbia members of SOE Force 136 were trained on the set. These were Chinese Canadians who were to drop behind Japanese lines and make life difficult. I had the opportunity to talk to some of them a few years back about signals. They didn't like the B2. It wasn't rugged enough and not made for the climate. I believe feedback resulted in the development of the B3.

Our friends down under made good use of the set. Australia even had it's own "Camp X".
http://www.ozatwar.com/ozatwar/camptabragalba.htm