Glossary of terms and abbreviations

Anti-aircraft. Also known as Ack-Ack

Ammunition

Air raid precautions

Auxiliary Territorial Service. The women's branch of the British Army during the Second World War. A number of INstation wireless operators were ATS officers and subalterns who had volunteered for this task.  

Auxiliary Units. Specially trained, highly secret units created by the government during WW2, with the aim of resisting the expected occupation of the UK by Nazi Germany. AU operational patrols were composed entirely of civilians. 

A box containing a selection of explosives and incendiaries, issued to all Auxiliary Units operational patrols. There was an improved version called Aux Units Mk2.

Consisted of small units (12 men) of regular soldiers who were tasked with assisting and training Auxiliary Units operational patrols. There were commonly two Scout Sections per County.  

Consisted of regular soldiers from the Royal Corps of Signals, setting up, operating and maintaining the secret wireless network, under the command of Major RNA Jones, Auxiliary Units Signals, GHQ Home Forces. 

Under command of Capt KM Ward designed, developed, produced, repaired and maintained wireless sets for use by Special Duties Branch. 

Member of an Auxiliary Units operational patrol