As we celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, our object this month was used in World War Two. This morse code key was developed for operations by the RAF. The key mechanism is enclosed inside a Bakelite housing shaped like a bath – hence the name. The key mechanism is attached to the top of the enclosure and it operates upside down.
It was sealed to prevent any sparks from the tapping, igniting the fuel and fumes inside the RAF heavy aircraft and for that reason could be used in open cockpit aircraft like the Fairey Swordfish (the aircraft that torpedoed and disabled the Bismark). Being sealed; it was also suitable for use in the wet environment of air/sea rescues.
This object is part of our handling collection and is a popular curiosity with our younger visitors.
To view the chosen collection, please visit the first floor of Bishop’s Stortford Museum at South Mill Arts.
