As some of you may know, V.M.A.R.S, Vintage and Military Amateur Radio Society are a group of like minded people who have an interest in preserving and refurbishing military and civil radios. Many of their members have fully fitted vehicles with all their radio equipment mounted within. These vehicles can often be seen at Fairs and Shows throughout the country and their owners are only too glad to answer any questions you may have about their kit.
On the 10th September they held an operating day near Gatwick Airport in the grounds of a house called Hunters Moon. The owner of which is also a member and a licensed operator. As I had the time I visited the site to see what was going on as my knowledge of Military Radios is limited. I must add that I only located the site after ringing the organiser.
I was welcomed by the site owner who explained what the attendees were doing and where to park. A few show vehicles and tea tent were located by the entrance which made the site more inviting. Further up the field was a line of wire dipole antennas and another radio equipped vehicle. At the end was a large tent for sleeping and cooking for some of the ‘crew’. To the right was a wonderful display of military radios past and present all set out on various tables and in two vehicles. Perhaps sets with names like No9, No18, Larkspur and Clansman amongst many others would have brought back memories for some of you.
A few of the display vehicles on show, all fully kitted out. Yes, even a 6 pound anti-tank gun.
The wonderful display of radios on the tables, the army tent used for sleeping in, the Landrover overloaded with radio kit and finally an Austin Champ with a full Larkspur set up. Note the Loop Antenna!
During my time there I asked many questions regarding the use of the radios and discovered that most of them will operate on the amateur bands easily. Some of the radios are not as easy to operate as ours but will perform very well. The quality of build is probably better in many respects as they have to endure harsher conditions than ours. They could be operating in the Artic or a steamy jungle and are expected to perform with the same efficiency.
A few other members arrived and started to set up their antennas and rig layouts. In the four hours I was there only one other ‘outsider’ looked in at the event, pity, because I felt that a bit more support from outsiders would help them along.
I enjoyed increasing my knowledge and made to feel very welcome by the members.
Give it a try next year.
BrianG
2E0MZB
