The Wireless Set 38 (Airborne) was a variant of the original Wireless Set No. 38 designed specifically for use by British Airborne Forces during World War II. The set was intended to function in the relatively limited and challenging conditions of air raids, air landings and other air operations.
Key features of the Wireless Set 38 (Airborne):
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Portability: The Airborne version was specifically designed to be compact and lightweight. This was essential for paratroopers, who had limited space in their parachute packs.
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Use: Like the original version, this set was used for both sending and receiving messages. It was a crucial means of communication for airborne troops who were isolated or scattered over large areas.
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Frequency range: It used the same frequency range as the standard Wireless Set 38, which was suitable for communication over short to medium distances.
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Power: The set was also powered by batteries, which was important for the self-sufficiency of the airborne troops.
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Sturdiness: Since it was intended for the harsh conditions of an airborne operation, the design was more robust and better able to withstand the shock and vibration of a parachute jump.
Instruction card for the Wireless Set 38 (Airborne):
The instruction card for the Airborne version of the Wireless Set 38 contained much of the same basic information as the regular version, but with some additional points of interest, such as:
Set up after skydiving: The instruction card provided detailed instructions on how to properly install and set up the set after it had landed, often under adverse conditions.
Settings for use in hard-to-reach areas: Specific frequencies to be used in different operations were indicated depending on the mission and expected range.
Charging batteries: The instruction also mentioned how to optimally use and possibly replace batteries, since the time duration of batteries during field conditions was important.
Navigation and communication: Since airborne troops were often isolated after a jump, the map included instructions for effective communications and how to correctly tune the set for both local and wider communications channels.
Usability in extreme conditions: Attention was paid to maintaining the set even when it was muddy or wet, and how to protect it from inclement weather.
Like the original set, original copies of the Wireless Set 38 (Airborne) instruction cards are highly sought after by collectors of World War II military artifacts.
