box, tool

Airforce Wireless Mechanic's tool box that belonged to W/O 45355 Brian Huggard who joined the RNZAF in January 1940.

"This small tool box carried basic tools (mainly Admiralty equipment) required by a wireless mechanic to carry out basic daily inspections (DI's) on ground radio sites during WW2 (1940-1945). Major work, eg repairs, periodic overhauls, etc were undertaken at base workshops or repair depots.

A typical toolbox inventory would have included:

* a range of small BA spanners (British Association standard spanners) and SAE spanners (Standard American Engineers spanners introduced at end of war when aircraft equipment was converted for ground use)

* 4 of the smaller size Alan keys

* 4 assorted screwdrivers

* 1 sidecutting pliers

* 1 long nose pliers

* a burnishing tool for contact polishing

* a piece of fine emery paper

* a roll of insulating tape

* a small knife

* an insulated alignment tool

Note: Crescent spanners were frowned upon because they could burr the corners of hexagonal nuts if not correctly adjusted.

A large proportion of ground radio equipment maintained by RNZAF wireless operators during the later war years and up to 1950 was British Admiralty design and uncomplicated by today's [2004] standards. Hence the BA tools. A little of American Aircraft equipment was later in use in some ground-radio installations hence the need for some SAE tools." [Notes from B Huggard]

Brian Huggard, 45355, RNZAF, signed up with the RNZAF in January 1945. He had previous experience and had served a radio serviceman's apprenticeship. In the RNZAF he had further training at the Wigram Electrical and Wireless School. His WW2 service was in New Zealand and post-war he remained with the RNZAF for 37 years, until his retirement. In the RNZAF he became a faults serviceman and was shuttled all over the country as well as spending four years (from late 1968) working at Australian military establishment - Australian Defence Signals Organisation.

Brian Huggard was commissioned as a Warrant Officer in 1968, and on his return from Australia to New Zealand worked on air staff and then ran the Signals Squadron at Whenuapai. He was Squadron Leader at the time of his retirement.

RNZAF Airforce Wireless Mechanic's tool box, WW2 period

material: steel and leather

form: black painted metal box with leather interior and leather strap handle at top; leather sides fold open; secured with metal hook and ring when closed

markings: painted in red and white on all sides

painted on side flap: '71085 / Huggard B.'

painted on side:'B.F. [red/white vertical stripe] / R.N.Z.A.F. / [fist with lightning bolts]'

painted number at one end: '1647'

date impressed on top/front: 1939