Doc. 1 covers the involvement of amateur radio during World War II. Document is from John Patrick Hawker papers, Collection #C0275, Box 03, Folder 01, Page 1/2 of “The Secrets of Wartime Radio,” Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.
Amateur radio, also known as HAM radio, is a hobby that allows people to communicate non-commercially with each other by creating personal radio stations. Amateur radio began around 1890 and began picking up interest in the early 1900’s. Radio communication has been used by the government and military for intercepting communications from other countries. During and right before World War II, many men and women who held radiating licenses became involved in wartime radio (Doc. 1).
Doc. 2 is a booklet containing information and diagrams of British reception sets. Document is from John Patrick Hawker papers, Collection #C0275, Box 03, Folder 02, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.
John Patrick Hawker was born in Somerset, England in 1922 and became interested in wireless broadcasting as a kid. He got the AA license at age 14, giving him two years to learn Morse code and take the test for his full license. By October 1938, he earned his full license as G3VA. In 1940, he was asked to join the Radio Security Service as a Voluntary Interceptor and over a year later was given the opportunity to become a full-time interceptor for the new military unit (SCU3).
Doc. 4 is a diagram of an American WWII clandestine radio set. Document is from John Patrick Hawker papers, Collection #C0275, Box 03, Folder 12, Page 14/30 of a hand-made booklet by Pat Hawker. Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.
Doc. 3 discusses UK Intelligence operations, Belgian Escape Lines. Document is from John Patrick Hawker papers, Collection #C0275, Box 03, Folder 17, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.
For more information:
International Amateur Radio Union
International Amateur Radio Union (Region 2 specific)
John Patrick Hawker Papers can be found in the finding aid for Special Collections Research Center at George Mason University. You may also contact speccoll@gmu.edu to look through our collection.
