19 set vs. SCR 508 antenna mounts mystery...

[Don Dingwall]

Gentlemen:
Thank you for the quick responses.
It so happens that on the very day I get an email MLU post notifying me of your replies, I stumble across two clear wireless diagrams in the war diaries from 1953 of the Straths that confirm your information, and also confirm this set up as described in the summer of 1951. Many thanks. I always like to have more than one source.

Much appreciated.

Don

[Chris Suslowicz]

The sensible approach would be to use the existing US HF aerial bases, since I think they were four bolt fixing while the British bases were either 6-hole or a central tube mount.

The WS19 would fit in the turret bustle on the usual mounting, and the variometer would probably be fixed to the supply unit, with an insulated feeder (possibly coaxial, depending which installation kit was available or what was on hand) to the internal connection for the aerial base.

The "B" set base would have to be fitted specially, by drilling holes in the turret roof.
(Four bolts and a central hole for the coaxial feeder.)

In the photographs:

Photo 1 - the radio headset is _not_ for the WS19, it's either a WS38 Mk.III or WS31 type, and it's possible that the set is mounted on the outside of the turret (judging by the aerial and bottom right that looks like the WS31 variety and the cables going in all directions).

Photo 2 & 3 definitely show Aerial Base No.9 fitted to the turret roof - on the tall mounting (No.2) - for the WS19 'B' set, but the 'A' set aerials are the US type. The "halo" (Protector, Aerial Base No.9) is not fitted to the mounting pillar - maybe trees were not a problem?

Chris.