J service, 8th army, Royal Signals.

Not really, i've managed to get hold of several books about 'J' and Phantom which have shed a bit more light on their operations. As i may have mentioned here (or on another thread) i need to research the nominal roll of the British air mission in Belgium at the outbreak of the war as i firmly believe that my relative served with them - but that's another story !

What's your interest in J service ? I may be able to do a look up for you.

Mac.

 

Thanks Charley. I find it very interesting how the Army devised an alternative system of 'command & control' to supplement the established set-up. There was obviously a need for more effective comms and i find it interesting that some realised that need before others.

Mac.

 

I have a couple books, too. They raise more questions than revelations. However, it's nice to read about both aspects of PHANTOM and the J Service, and the seminal ideas that flourished. It is striking that such comms was realized as a battlefield necessity. One endearing question is how PHANTOM got into or its purpose was expanded to acquiring intelligence beyond the the simple concept of cavalry movement to contact or maintaining the critical liaison role, & keeping higher HQ informed. You read so much that air-to-ground & visa versa was never realized certainly by the US & Canadian forces. A constant struggle. From these books & tales UK forces figured it out. Fast forward 50 years. The 82nd Airborne Division's Long Range Surveillance Det / 313th MI Battalion, performed most of XVIII Airborne Corps' tactical & strategic comms during DESERT SHIELD/STORM 1990/1991 Iraq for several reasons. Intel without communications is useless; whereas comms w/o intelligence is noise. So my interests delve into their training, equipment, battlefield formations, & missions. So many lessons learned during WW II, yet remain shrouded in secrecy or obscurity. Great lessons. I'm very keen to learn & here more from your research. --Ray

 

I have numerous sources and documents concerning J and Phantom. Always interested in discussing their role. All the best Asher Pirt asher.pirt@gmail.com

 

Thanks Asher, I have bought a couple of your excellent books which have been invaluable. However, I may take you up on your offer as I do still have a few blanks to fill in.

Mac.

 

Just to bring this thread full circle below are my Gt-Uncles service record, George V. HAYLOCK;

 

I don't think I've posted elsewhere but a few of his QSL cards that I've tracked down.

 

It's been a while, but just an observation that as early as November 1941 Phantom's role had expanded to mimic radio traffic for the purpose of operational deception in Operation CRUSADER.

All the best

Andreas

 

Currently reading Asher Pirt's ash0212 book '2 GHQ Liaison regiment, Central Mediterranean. A record of its formation and history' which although primarily about 'Phantom' contains a lot of information about 'J' service which was ultimately absorbed into Phantom in Italy.

Checked the info in there against GVH's service record and can now confidently place him at the Battle of Monte Cassino with one of the two J Squadrons. According to the book both squadrons were deployed; No. 1 Sqn with 8th army and No. 2 with New Zealand corps, 5th army.

No. 2 Sqn was withdrawn to Caserta after 15th March but still intercepted messages from No. 1 Sqn reporting on the battle on 11th May from Cassino.

Chuffed with that !

 

Another of George's QSL cards that I recently found.