Episode 37: Radio in the Broom Remake

RASIGs Collaboration for Radio Replica

Being an ex-RASIGs member for 10 years, I plan to put this project out to our Signal Corps community and see if an enthusiast can help us build a replica of the radio hidden in a broom handle. This collaboration will add a unique and authentic element to our display. We have many great historians, and we will put the brains trust together to bring this project to life.

Showcasing POW Inventions

One of the most fascinating aspects of our new display will be the inclusion of replicas of the ingenious inventions created by the POWs during their captivity. We will research and recreate items such as the radios hidden in broom handles and tables, as well as the stills used to produce alcohol. These inventions not only provided entertainment and comfort to the prisoners but also served as a testament to their resourcefulness and determination to maintain their humanity in the face of unimaginable hardship.

The Ingenious POW Radio

Resourcefulness: The POWs scavenged for the necessary components from discarded materials or items obtained through trade. Despite the harsh conditions and limited resources, their ingenuity enabled them to assemble these radios.

Concealment: The POWs hid radio components, such as transistors, wires, and batteries, inside the hollow parts of broom handles or table legs. This clever design allowed them to avoid detection by their Japanese captors.

Portability: By using the wooden handles and legs as casings, the POWs created portable and inconspicuous radios that could be easily hidden and moved around the camp.

Purpose: Once assembled, these hidden radios provided the POWs with news and music from the outside world, offering a vital connection to home and a distraction from their dire circumstances.

During World War II, POWs in Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia managed to create functional radios using everyday items. Here’s how they did it:

RASIGs Collaboration for Radio Replica

Being an ex-RASIGs member, I plan to put this project out to our Signal Corps community and see if an enthusiast can help us build a replica of the radio hidden in a broom handle. This collaboration will add a unique and authentic element to our display. Watch this space for updates on this exciting initiative!

Royal Australian Signal Corp

Watch This Space

This initiative is an exciting opportunity to honor the ingenuity and resilience of POWs. By recreating the hidden radio, we aim to provide visitors with a tangible connection to this incredible aspect of POW history. Watch this space for updates on this project, and join us in celebrating the resourcefulness and determination of those who endured the hardships of captivity.

Conclusion

The hidden radio is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the POWs. Our collaboration with the RASIGs to recreate this invention will bring a unique and authentic element to our display at the Weary Dunlop Memorial Park. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting project, and visit our website to learn more about how you can support our efforts to honor the legacy of the POWs.