1944 C-15A-Wire-5 Restoration

[David Dunlop]

Once the completed WIRE-5 Wireless Truck was delivered from Wilson Truck Bodys and Chevrolet to the Canadian Army, the next step would have been installation of whatever generator combination the military had in mind for any given truck. The generator tool boxes would very likely have been stored on the top shelf of the Generator Box.

The next step would have been the installation of the 19-Set equipment. The attached photo and list of parts for this installation is from the Working Instructions for the Mk III Canadian 19-Set. It should be noted this is a comprehensive kit of accessories. Not all of the pieces are going to be used all of the time. What the pieces do is allow maximum flexibility in the operation of the Wireless Set No.19.

(1) It can be installed in the vehicle and operated 'on the fly' by simple use of the two whip aerials installed on the roof of the Wireless Box.

(2) It can be installed in the vehicle and operated at a fixed location for an extended period of time, over greater distances, by means of setting up the horizontal aerial system (and several options for doing this are possible).

(3) The Wireless Truck can transport the 19-Set System to a location where it can be dismounted from the Wireless Truck and humped in by hand by the Signals Crew to a remote location, for operation, with or without connection to the Wireless Remote Control Units system or alternate land lines.

A pretty impressive system in it's day, but clearly packing an impressive amount of excess weight by today's standards.

David