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We found that a disadvantage of using an earth-return circuit was induction: the telephone lines picking up fragmentary signals of speech or morse signals from cable lines lying close to one another.
Radio Telephony The use of wireless was an important aspect of the Battalion's communications. It allowed units to keep in contact whilst on the move: when advancing to contact the enemy or during an attack or holding captured ground whilst repelling a counter-attack. Wireless enabled the Battalion Commander and the officers commanding rifle companies and support arms to be in constant touch with each other. In addition, signallers would make sure they updated their officers on the progress of the battle by keeping them informed of important and relevant messages and conversations on the net. Two signallers with WS18 were attached to each of the four Rifle Companies, Carrier Platoon, Mortar Platoon and Anti-Tank Platoon to provide them with communication to Battalion Headquarters; the Battalion Commander had a personal WS18 which went with him whenever he left Battalion HQ. The artillery battery in close support also linked in on the Battalion net and map references of targets could be passed to them when artillery fire was needed. Apart from the main Battalion wireless net, the four rifle companies and support platoons (Carriers, Mortars and Anti-Tank) had their own WS38 Nets to their sub-units. Also, there was a Brigade net operated by the Royal Signals, linking the Battalion to Brigade Headquarters, two other infantry battalions and a Field Regiment Royal Artillery. It was on this wireless net air support could be requested. The separate circuits of the WS18 transmitter and receiver required the signaller to tune them to each other in order that the radio set could transmit and receive on exactly the same frequency. First, the transmitter tuning dial had to be to set to the frequency required. The signaller would press the microphone pressel switch to transmit a 'mush' signal, adjusting the aerial tuning dial until the maximum aerial current is indicated on the test meter. When successfully done, a series of radiating kicks should register on the test meter when speaking into the microphone. To tune the receiver, the operator sets the receiver tuning to the selected frequency and adjusts to get maximum signal strength. The receiver and transmitter are now on exactly the same frequency.
From experience during battlefield conditions we found the main disadvantage of WS18 was the weight of the battery and its short life of about 8 to 12 hours continuous operation.
Netting is a the operation whereby the Battalion group of No. 18 Wireless Sets tuned in to each other to work on the same frequency. In accordance with the diagram above, it was to start at 1700 hrs when Control would transmit the tuning call Nebraska repeatedly for two or three minutes, the Control operator ending the tuning call with the signal Tuning call ends. After brief pause, a follow-up signal is sent Hear netting call, net now. The Control operator does this by pressing the pressel switch in the microphone handle for a period of two to three minutes; this sends out a continuous signal [see photo No. 3 Hand Carbon Microphone]. Whilst this signal is being transmitted the operators at outstations press a plunger on the sender panel connecting the master oscillator valve which reacts to the transmitted signal from Control. It searches until it finds the zero point in the incoming frequency - a beat note - and when it does, the frequency of the master oscillator is the same as that of the incoming signal. Outstations having found the 'zero point' are now operating on exactly the same frequency: they are 'netted' to each other and able to speak and receive each others signals. The netting procedure is brought to an end when the Control station sends the signal Netting call ends. Again a short pause before Control sends Hello all stations Love One, report my signals. All stations Love One over.
Each station when changing from receive to send do so when they press the pressel switch in the microphone handle. When the switch is pressed whatever is said will be transmitted. Procedural discipline by stations is necessary: more than one station endeavouring to transmit at the same time will cancel out each others signals. Discipline is needed to wait until a transmission ends with the signal Over (when a reply is expected) or Out (when transmission is ended). The 'golden rule': pause to make sure the airways are clear before pressing the pressel switch. An improved version of WS18 was made available in 1943. The replacement WS68 had a different frequency range: WS68P, 1.75-2.9MHz; WS68R and T, 3-5.2MHz. It also had a much improved reception range of up to 10 miles and had the facility of crystal control (pre-set frequencies).
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