Television and radio in the Second World War

Long-term loan to the Science Museum Group from the State Museum of Technology and Work (Landesmuseum für Technik und Arbeit) in Mannheim, Germany

The Volksempfänger radio, pictured above, marked the end of the crystal radio era, which reigned until the 1930s, and the dawn of the valve set, which enabled greater fidelity and amplification.

The radios were produced cheaply in pre-war Germany—but not just for entertainment. These sets were created by the Nazis to ensure as many people as possible could listen to Hitler’s speeches. They were a way to recruit and radicalise the German population.

Cheap radios were also important for the war effort in Britain, although for different reasons. Thanks to records such as rationing stamps and unusual wartime recipes, many of us are aware of food shortages across the UK during the Second World War. However, the stress of war meant that supplies were short for everything—including the parts used to make radio receivers.

The ‘wartime civilian receiver’ (also known as the ‘utility set’) provided a solution to these shortages. It was made by the Joint Wartime Enterprise, a consortium of 44 electronics and radio manufacturers. While individual companies remained independent and could put their stamp on the receivers, a standard design was used, meaning spare parts could come from any manufacturer. It’s believed that over 175,000 of these sets were sold in the year the group was active (1944–45).

Of course, broadcasting technology wasn’t just about the Home Front; some kit was designed to deliver messages straight from the front lines. The ‘midget’ portable disc recorder was designed to allow one person to making recordings at the front line, enabling the BBC to let the British public know what their soldiers were up to.

Broadcast war reporters didn't exist beforehand, so a whole new profession now began to emerge. Famously, a cricket commentator, Howard Marshall, was selected for the frontline because of his existing skills: he was able to talk fast enough to keep up with the action.

The BBC Research and Development department had created the midget disc recorder as early as 1939, with two versions in operation: one made of metal, and one made of wood (to be more lightweight). A disc would be placed in the centre of the recorder; the reporter would speak into the small microphone attached. Each disc recorded under three minutes of material.

In Research and Development documentation for the recorder, the engineers acknowledged that ‘most of the War Correspondents are non-technical people, and hence the operation of the machine has to be made as simple and as foolproof as possible.’

Part of this ‘foolproofing’ included a series of warning lights. One told the commentator if they were speaking at the correct level, while another warned when the tape was running out. The recorder also featured an automatically controlled amplifier.