From David’s Desk: Issue 8

Rare Images of VU2ZP Bangalore, Mysore

One of the ‘forgotten fifty’ WWII AFRS stations in China-Burma-India was VU2ZP Bangalore, in Mysore.

We’re honoured to share several photographs of VU2ZP we recently received from Patricia Dabbs of Georgia, taken by her father, Staff-Sergeant Arthur James Tracy.

Her father worked at the radio station in 1945 and, fortunately, took a number of photos and brought back other VU2ZP memorabilia and stories which we look forward to sharing in the near future.

You’ll also enjoy an exclusive peek inside one of only two VU2ZP souvenir booklets still known to exist! It’s full of more great photos, a local program guide, personnel details and other fascinating facts about one of these unique stations which operated in the heart of British India.

Our grateful thanks to Patricia, on behalf of her late Dad, for coming forward with these items, and allowing them to be included in our collections so we can place them on permanent record and display.

Radio Kabul Returns to the Air

During November, the new 100kW shortwave transmitter of Radio Kabul begins broadcasting in time for the winter.

Afghanistan’s previous shortwave radio facilities were destroyed during Russian occupation and civil war.

You’ll find this earlier story of Radio Afghanistan in Khyber Radio Journey along with rare photos of the old broadcasting station from the 1960’s.

Thanks to Adrian Peterson, we’re also able to share two rare and valuable images from the old Radio Afghanistan from that era. One contains a drawing of the famous Buddha statues [UNESCO World Heritage Site] that were dynamited by the Taliban.

Board member Martin Hadlow was also based in Kabul immediately after the defeat of the Taliban, and helped restore broadcasting and free press to the country.

4WK Warwick

“The Voice of the Darling Downs”

The Warwick Station 4WK commenced operations in May, 1935. It transmits on a Wave Length of 341 Metres (880 K/C’s.). The Station serves the City of Warwick and the rich wheat-producing Darling Downs.

All of the best Metropolitan programmes are heard from 4WK, either on relay or disc, and the Station takes an active part in local affairs.  > read more