[Milsurplus] Question on USMC 1942 tactical radio gear

[David Stinson]

Mike Morrow wrote:


>>I don't have anything first-source concerning the SCR-194
>>in the Pacific, though I do not doubt it. 
> 
> 
> One would think that the USMC's native TBY would actually be superior overall 
>to a Signal Corps BC-222 (SCR-194).   But at least either was totally battery-powered.  
>The SCR-194's antenna would be a bear to use while moving through the jungle.

Actually, the antenna was only supposed to be fully extended when the
set was used in a fixed location, or when stopped to get better range.
The set was designed for short-range use with the antenna collapsed
when you're on the move.  The combat photo in Italy shows this as well.

> 
> I suppose there's some possibility that a MAB/DAV-type MF/HF set may have been used.  
I didn't think about the MAB/DAV.  Good possiblity there, since
the MAB was available at that time.

> What really intriques me is the veteran's reference to "SCR" for his radio, 

The Marines have long prided themselves on taking everyone else's
leavings and making it work for them.  Could be....

> I may be wrong in assuming the set was some sort of Army Signal Corps set. 
Old memories are dusty, ghostly things- they get corroded
around the edges. Could have been some jargon he picked up later
when gassing with the guys at the VFW hall.

And that's OK; "Close" is all we're ever going to get
at this late date.
Most of history is "seen through a glass, darkly"
and belongs to the person who writes it.
Harry Truman got "corrected" one day
while relating a story about his war days.
He responded:
      "G** damn an eye-witness, anyway!
       They sure know how to ruin a good story."

73 DE Dave AB5S


73 DE Dave AB5S.