(Louis Meulstee's web site)

Wireless for the Warrior Compendium 1 'Spark to Larkspur'

   Dutch version

The Wireless for the Warrior Compendium series is a new addition to de Wireless for the Warrior (technical history of British Army communication equipment) range of books. The new series is principally intended as practical guides and reference/recognition/identification handbooks of British Army signalling equipment. With a contents of a condensed data summary, photographs and notes about each item of equipment, its pocket size format and laminated soft cover make it convenient for carrying on visits to flea markets or radio fairs, or just browsing at leasure.
The new Compendium series is of particular value for anyone who has interest in this matter, but prefer a basic but still complete reference and recognition handbook. Compendium 1 and Compendium 2 (in course of preparation) are the first books in this series. They are produced using material from the planned Wireless for the Warrior Volumes 'World War 1-the Spark and After', 'Interwar Wireless' and 'Larkspur' which were not possible to produce.

Compendium 1 "Spark to Larkspur" (Wireless Sets 1910 - 1948) is the initial book organised into three main sections being 'World War 1', further divided into chapters covering spark sets, CW sets, receivers, amplifiers and miscellaneous. The second section, 'Interwar years' cover standard sets, experimental communication sets, experimental tank and AFV sets, early sets in the numerical series and miscellaneous items. Finally, the section 'World War 2' covers sets in the numerical series up to Wireless Set No. 88 AFV, Wavemeters, Aerial Coupling Equipment, Wireless Remote Control Units and Morse Training sets.

Compendium 2 "Spark to Larkspur" (Special Sets, Receivers & Larkspur) is in the course of preparation. The main sections in the final part of 'Spark to Larkspur' are 'Special Sets' divided into chapters Commercial, RAF and other sets adapted for Army use; Ground to Air sets; Special Sets; Miscellaneous and Local Pattern Sets. The 'Commonwealth Sets' section deals with equipment manufactured and/or used in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa. 'Receivers' are covered in a separate section comprising chapters on: Numerical series; Commercial, RAF and special receivers adopted for Army use; Direction Finding receivers and Systems; Army Broadcast and Welfare receivers. The final section covers the 'Larkspur' era of sets, including Anti Aircraft Command sets.

October 2009, Louis Meulstee PA0PCR (left), presents the first official copy of Wireless for the Warrior Compendium 1 to Mr Tim Stankus (right), Librarian of the Royal Signals Museum, Blandford Forum, Dorset, UK. Louis: '..after our move of home to Ottersum (situated between Nijmegen and Venlo) I have been very busy renovating the house during a considerable period of time. During the unpacking of inventory I came across all documents and already advanced manuscripts of the planned Wireless for the Warrior Volumes 'World War 1 -The Spark and After-', 'Interwar Wireless' and 'Larkspur'. Because publication in this form appeared not possible, it was decided to take a different approach by producing instead a pocket-sized recognition handbook, catering for both specialist and for those who requires a practical recognition guide. In order to produce a complete overview covering any set and equipment used in the 1910 to the late 1950's period, certain parts from WftW Volume 1 to 3 were added. It was, however, not until Benny Emaus, proprietor of Emaus Publishers and Printers suggested to take care of the publishing and printing of the new series that real work could be started..'

YES! The WftW Compendium 1 is just what I need: a recognition handbook in a practical format. What does it cost, how much is the cost of postage and where can I obtain my copy?

Compendium 1 cost only 23.50 Euro excluding postage if ordered directly from the publisher/printer Emaus in Groenlo, Holland. The current price including postage to an address in Holland is 27 Euro. If you reside in Holland (or any other EU country) you may order easy and fast by sending an e-mail stating the number of copies (reduced postage if more copies are ordered) and your post address to emausgrafisch@planet.nl . In a return e-mail you receive an offer including further details for payment.