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The classic
"B2" suitcase set as used by British SOE Agents in the field
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The "B2"
station in waterproof parachute drop containers type G & H as
supplied to Resistance Groups
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"B2" British
SOE
Type 3 MKII (1942)
The Special Operations
Executive (SOE) portable transmitter receiver station Type 3 MKII was
designed for
radio communications by British Agents and Resistance Groups in German
occupied Europe over
distances of 800km or greater.
It was designed by
Major John Brown (who was also the
founder of the Duxford Radio
Society) as a
replacement for the previous model suitcase set, the Type 3 MKI
equipment.
The Type3 MKII (commonly called the Type B2)
was
one of a long line
of covert radio sets designed during World War II.
The B2 station is modular, and consists of the receiver, transmitter,
power supply unit and spares box. The miniature Morse key could
be screwed to the lid of the spares box.
The modules are all constructed of thin sheet steel and the front
panels finished in black crackle paint with brass lettering.
Technical details to follow.
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The B2 equipment
pictured above in the parachute drop cases has components dated 1943
and carries
station serial number 78127.
However the serial numbers as printed on the outsides of the equipment
are believed to have been "inflated" to make it appear that the number
of equipments (and Agents) in the field was larger than the real
situation.
Consequently, the individual serial numbers found inside the modules
(written in
pencil, along with other batch numbers, initials and inspection
stamps) shows the receiver of this station may possibly be serial
number 4607 and
the transmitter serial number 6006.
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Due to the excellent
condition of the B2 equipment shown in the waterproof drop cases,
conservation has been limited to cleaning with plain water and drying
only. The waterproof oil-seals on the lids had remained intact
(and oily) since the previous owner acquired the equipment circa
1949.
The equipment is complete with all plug-in coils, dc power lead, Morse
key, and other tools and spares.
This equipment is now in the Imperial War Museum Collection.
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B2
Parachute drop cases G & H
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B2
cases showing the serial numbers
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B2
station with covers removed
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B2
power supply module
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B2
receiver module
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B2
receiver module with covers removed
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B2
transmitter module
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TX
module with covers removed
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