Although wireless transmitters and receivers had been used in World War One, it was the Second World War that saw the technology come of age and a proliferation of radio sets were used by the British Empire throughout that conflict. Understanding all the different wireless sets is not an easy task as there were many of them, some used extensively, some for specialist roles and some that were never developed beyond a few prototypes. Louis Meulstee’s book “Wireless for the Warrior, Volume 1, Wireless Sets No1-88” helps to make sense of this plethora of equipment, with each one listed by number on sequential order to make a handy reference guide.

The level of detail for each radio varies, some have a couple of pages, others five or six. There is usually a photograph of each radio, often images of the interior and occasionally circuit diagrams of the radios themselves (which I will admit means very little to me). Accompanying the illustrations is a brief textual commentary setting out the historical development of the radio, a general description and detailed technical description together with data files on the radio with details such as size and weight, purpose, range etc. The volume draws heavily on the technical manuals printed to accompany each radio so there are details of accessories, operating procedures etc. and a list of the associated publications for each radio as well so if you want to get more detailed information you know where to look. In all a very detailed package of information is provided for each radio.

A word of caution must be found, the book does not cover the most common radios in any great detail, e.g. the No 18, 19, 38 sets etc. The reason for this is that they are covered in much greater depth in the second volume of the series which looks at the standard radio types. This is an understandable decision, but worth bearing in mind if you want a volume looking at the most easily available radios on the collector’s market as this book might not be for you.

This book is quite technical in places and is not the sort of volume you read from cover to cover, but rather a reference book you dip in and out of to find specific information. The book itself is not available on Amazon, however can be found online here and is priced at £38.95.