No 18 wireless mount in Mk II Carrier

[Mike Gurr]

Hi Rick,
I have been trying to source the very same information as you for some time. There is a line drawing in 'Wireless for the Warrior' which shows the layout of the wireless set, static battery and accessories, I have attached this drawing, a photo of the static battery complete with cable and the brackets you describe in the vehicle but beyond that I have drawn a blank. I have like you tried posts here and on the wireless forum to no avail, I have also tried the Royal Signals museum and have spoken to all the wireless enthusiasts at various shows but no one seems to know anything about this fitting. From the picture it seems that the 18 set itself is held in a 'carrier No2' which looks exactly the same as the sort also used on the airborne jeeps. This part is available as a repro from 'WWII Fabrications' who are in the UK and describe it as 'Wireless set carrier (modification No7). However this carrier and the static battery are mounted on what is only described as a 'metal plate' and it is that part which eludes me! The static battery is extremely rare though I have managed to find one but still need the cable described as 'Connector 5 point No6' The spare valve case is easily found and the webbing arrangement can be made. It is my belief that the 'metal plate' to which all these parts fit has an upturned edge or a frame with two holes in it which fit onto the two pointed pegs on the brackets in the vehicle, at the other end of these fittings are two threaded holes for presumably hand removable bolts like the ones which hold the engine covers on, this would make the whole assembly easily removable for refuelling.
Some of this is an educated guess unless anyone else knows more?

[kosbie]

Thanks Mike, that is very helpful.
I had also seen the repro carrier and had thought I might have a go at making my own in due course. However still need to sort the base plate problem.
So the search for more info continues. if I get any further I will let you know
cheers
Rick

[Mike Gurr]

Rick,
I think it might be a case of making what seems to be right and fits to get the wireless in the vehicle until/if more info comes to light.
Cheers

[David Dunlop]

Hi Rick.

Have you tried emailing Louis Meulstree directly to see what documentation he has on file for the No. 18-set Installation in the Carrier? The diagrams he has published must have come from something in his files and they might contain a lot more information than he can publish.

He is very approachable so it is worth a shot.

David

[Jordan Baker]

In Nigel Watson’s Universal Carrier v2 book he has a couple of pictures of a WS18 in a Carrier. The photo credits are given for the REME Museum, UK. It might be worthwhile contacting them.

[Mike Gurr]

well spotted Jordan, despite the caption it looks as if the 18 set is just sitting in the fold down seat frame rather than in the No2 carrier. I have discussed this wireless fitting with Nigel previously but he does not have any more info than already shown on this thread. The REME museum is only an hour and a half away from me so could well be my next visit.
Cheers

[kosbie]

Thanks Jordan
Thats interesting. Its the front end of the left hand compartment rather than the rear end mounting, but this set up would still allow a 19 set in the right compartment for the carrier to be used in a infantry battalion command role.
Rick