[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Undoubtedly the most iconic wireless set of WW2, the boxy No.18 set fought alongside Commonwealth troops in every theater beginning in 1940 and well into the post war years. It was the culmination of design work to develop a portable man pack radio beginning in 1936.

The 18 set is a short range infantry AM set designed for use between battalion H.Q. and its sub units, and for use of supporting arms co-operating with the infantry. It could be used from cover, on the march or as a mobile station working from vehicles. Operating between 6 to 9 MHz its range was between 2 and 5 miles voice and 4 to 10 miles CW with a 6’ rod aerial, however a number of different aerials including a ground wire could be used with corresponding changes to the set's range. Original Mk.I sets operated voice only however Mk.II and Mk.III sets could transmit voice and CW. 76,000 sets were built by Pye Radio with help from several subcontractors. The Australian No.108 and 208, Canadian No.58 and American No.48 were all developments of the 18 set. Beginning in 1943 a No.68 set was produced that was virtually identical to the No.18 set except for a lower frequency to enhance its range.

This set is a Mk.III version probably dating from 1942. It is housed in a pressed steel case (note the yellow gas detection paint on the upper panel recesses) 17-1/2” tall, 11” wide, 10-1/2“ deep with a web carrying harness and waist belt on the back. The receiver unit was on the top and sender unit on the bottom, both removable for service by removing knurled nuts on the rear of the set. An adjustable aerial socket was on the left side, provision to store aerial ’B’ sections on the sides and back and the set face was protected by a folding canvas cover. A dry ‘battle battery’ providing 3, 12 and 150 volts was carried in the lower section, however a static battery or crank powered ‘Supply Unit No.5’ could also be used. The mic, earphones, CW key, spare valves in a ‘Cases, 4 Valve No.3’ and spare batteries were carried in several Satchels, Signal. The complete set with accessories weighed 32 lbs.

Set controls included a locking dial to tune the receiver and similar locking dials to tune the receiver and aerial. A meter was proved to check voltages and aerial output. Also included was a low power switch for ‘listening watch’ and a netting switch to allow accurate tuning to an incoming netting call. The signaler could operate the set on the march but could not make any adjustments without removing it from his back.