The set was a simple 2 valve receiver of the detector L.F. type with reaction and transformer coupling. It was made originally and subsequently redesigned by Lt. T. Douglas. The components were various old pieces which had been brought up from Changi. The valves were 6 J.5. all metal 8 pin valves which were used as simple triodes. From time to time various components broke down and had to be replaced such as the transformer & resistances. For the rewinding of these parts the necessary wire were stolen from the Japanese. A new set of earphones was purchased from Bangkok through Boon Pong of Kanburi. These also, due to dampness, broke down several times and had to be repaired. For all my repair work as well as in preparing fresh banks of batteries, Sgt. Oliver J.V.E. was of great assistance. The set operation on 6v low tension and 60v. H.T. which was supplied by banks of torchlight cells of the appropriate voltage.

Dangers

In the early stage it is not certain what the consequences of being discovered with the radio set would have been but later when the Japanese retreat in the Pacific started, it is certain that the consequences would have been very serious. In fact it is believed that 3 officers lost their lives as the result of a set being discovered in Kanburi. From the Japs the danger lay in (1) searches at first very perfunctory but later more frequent and more thorough. To combat this risk adequate measures were taken to conceal the set while not in use (2) casual Jap sentries discovering the set whilst in operation. To combat this a very thorough system of guards was evolved. As far as our own people were concerned the main danger lay in careless talk being overheard by the Jap interpreters who frequently ‘snooped’ about the huts after dark. So a safeguard news was given out 24 hrs late so that there was a possibility however faint, that it could have been brought in from outside.

Officers also gave their promise not to discuss the news. Unfortunately there were a number of criminal types among the Ors as well as a number of Dutch Eurasians who, it was felt, could not be trusted and therefore wireless news as such was not passed on to other ranks . Steps were taken however, to keep the troops informed of the true position.

Object of the News Service